What does the Senedd do?

The Senedd (Welsh Parliament) is the place where important decisions about life in Wales are debated and decided. To understand the Senedd, it's helpful to know the difference between the Senedd and Welsh Government, what powers the Senedd has, and how it fits into the wider UK system.

Senedd vs Welsh Government

These are often mixed up, but they are not the same thing.

The Senedd is the parliament. It debates and votes on laws, checks and challenges what the government is doing, and votes on the budget (how Wales spends its money)

The Senedd is made up of Members of the Senedd (MSs) who represent the people in their constituency (voting area).

The Welsh Government is the team of ministers who run public services and propose laws. They're in charge of health, education, transport, and much more.

The Reserved Powers Model

Wales uses a system called the Reserved Powers Model. This means that the Senedd can make laws on any subject unless the UK Parliament has specifically said it is 'reserved' for the UK parliament (Westminster) to control.

This gives Wales freedom to shape its own policies, but also limits what the Senedd can do.

Here are some examples of reserved powers (things the Senedd can't make laws or policies about):

• Foreign affairs

• Defence

• Immigration

• Employment law

Devolved Powers

The things the Senedd can make laws and policies about are called devolved powers.

These include:

• Health services (NHS Wales)

• Social services and care

• Schools, colleges and the Welsh curriculum

• Public transport within Wales

• Roads and speed limits

• Housing

• Agriculture (farming and food standards)

• Environment and climate

• The Welsh language

• Sport and culture

Money, Taxes and the Welsh Budget

The Senedd votes on the Welsh Government's spending plans every year.

Most of the taxes we pay in Wales goes to the UK government. Most of the money the Welsh Government spends comes from the UK government. This is often called the block grant.

The UK government uses a formula, called the Barnett Formula to decide how much money the Welsh Government gets.

The Welsh Government also raises money itself through taxes like Land Transaction Tax (which used to be called stamp duty), the Visitor Levy (tourist tax) and some Income Tax. The Welsh Government proposes which taxes we should have and what the rates should be. The Senedd then debates them and votes whether to agree them or not.

Examples of Senedd laws and policies

You can find a list of laws passed by the Senedd on the Senedd website.

Representing the people of Wales

Members of the Senedd (also called MSs) represent the public and are the link between the people and the Welsh Government.

They talk about the issues people are facing, debate policies, and make sure communities have a voice in decisions that affect them.

Scrutinising the Welsh Government

The Senedd holds the Welsh Government to account.

Members of the Senedd challenge the Welsh Government:

• To make sure decisions are made openly and honestly

• To improve policies and laws

• To make sure public money is spent well

This is called scrutiny.

Scrutiny happens through:

• Debates - Members of the Senedd debate Welsh Government policies and laws, and can propose their own. Members of the Senedd usually vote after debates.

• Questions - Members of the Senedd ask the First Minister and other government ministers questions. Members of the Senedd use these questions to challenge policy decisions and raise issues from their constituents (the people they represent). Members of the Senedd can also ask written questions to ministers.

• Committees - This is where Members of the Senedd look at the government's work in most detail. Committees are made up of Members of the Senedd from different political parties (including the party or parties in government, but not ministers). They look at specific issues, collect evidence, question ministers and experts, and write reports with recommendations.

• Petitions - People can also try to change government policies or laws by writing and signing petitions. Anyone who lives in Wales can write a petition asking the Senedd to act on an issue. If a petition has enough supporters, the Senedd will debate the issue.