WRITTEN RESPONSES TO RICHARD COMMISSION CONSULTATION
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Letter received from Tirion Hope-Brown
dated 25 July 2003
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| During the last six
months, the Richard Commission has travelled Wales canvassing
the opinion of members of the public. Like so many of
my compatriots I was unable to attend any of the public
meetings. Therefore, I give my recommendation in this
email. |
| Since its inception in
1999, the National Assembly has failed to capture the
public imagination. This apathy for politics can be partially
blamed on the long overdue domination of Welsh affairs
by the Welsh Office. But, since the Government of Wales
Act;, the overwhelming responsibility now lies with the
Assembly and its relationship with Whitehall and in the
vague way in which it delivers democracy to the people
of Wales. |
| New Labour promised a
new government with new politics and an inclusive way
of delivering results. To a certain extent some of those
promises have been met and already Wales has benefited
from the democratisation of the old Welsh Office. But
if you ask the average resident in Wales to name any legislation
passed by the National Assembly, they'd be pushed to name
but one; Free Bus Passes for senior citizens. The public's
perception is moulded by what it sees and hears about
the National Assembly. What the public sees is an elected
body struggling to deliver secondary legislative policies.
And what the public hears is even less, other than the
occasional row over seating arrangements. But what it
would rather see is a government directly accountable
to Wales. A government, that understands the unique needs
of all her people, and not afraid to implement policies
that will protect and improve our quality of life. If
The National Assembly is to deliver a meaningful and productive
government it needs the tools to do the job. |
| My recommendations are
this: |
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The full provision
of primary legislative powers. This will enable the government
of Wales to implement autonomous policies. |
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The establishment
of a Welsh Civil Service - to provide the government of
Wales with Welsh policies for Welsh problems. |
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Full Tax raising powers.
Imperative to raise revenue through taxation to fund National
and Public services. |
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Only a legislative
assembly, along the lines of the Scottish Parliament can
deliver a full and practical government for Wales. And
this is no less than the people of Wales deserves |
| Thank you
for the opportunity to express my opinion. |
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| Mr T H
Brown |
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