Vote gives more power to Welsh Assembly

Voters in Wales have given a resounding ‘Yes’ in the referendum on direct law-making powers for the National Assembly for Wales.

All 22 counties except one — Monmouthshire — backed change. There were just 320 votes more in Monmouthshire in favour of the status quo than for the greater law-making powers.

The final result saw 517,132 vote ‘Yes’ (63.5%), and 297,380 say ‘No’ (36.5%). The turnout was 35.4%.

At present, the Assembly has the powers to make laws in 20 areas, such as housing, economic development, local government and education and training, as well as the Welsh language. In each subject area, the Assembly has only been able to make laws on some matters, but not others. To make laws on any of these other matters, the Assembly had to ask the UK Parliament for its agreement. The UK Parliament then decided each time whether or not the Assembly could make these laws.

Following the ‘Yes’ vote the Assembly will now be able to make laws on all matters in the 20 subject areas it has powers for, without needing the UK Parliament’s agreement.

However, even after the vote, the Assembly cannot make laws on subject areas, such as defence, tax or welfare benefits. The UK Parliament will continue to make laws in these subject areas and others that will affect the people of Wales.

http://referendumresults.aboutmyvote.co.uk/en/default.aspx