Richard Commission - written responses to the Commission

• After only one four-year cycle, it is still early days to assess the effects of Assembly powers at a local level. This authority supports the devolution of powers at a local level rather than increased centralisation through regional government.

• Yes. The current powers appear adequate for the Assembly to operate effectively and there does not appear to be any evidence to support an extension of these powers within Wales. Furthermore, any extension in powers would lead to additional costs and, therefore, this is strongly opposed.

• There has already been a large increase in the numbers of staff required to support the Assembly in comparison with the previous arrangements via the Welsh Office. The associated costs are high and represent poor value for  money. Further increases would be required to support any increase in law making powers and, therefore,
  this is not supported.

• It is our view that the Assembly has been ineffective in influencing policy making at Westminster which affects Wales and this leaves a lot ot be desired.

• The main advantage to Wales of having its own law making process is that it can develop a regional approach based on Welsh needs and priorities. The current balance between Cardiff and Westminster is considered to be appropriate.

• Many of your questions are biased towards an assumption that powers in Cardiff should be increased. This authority does not agree with that assumption and is concerned at the way some of your questions appear to be loaded in its favour.

• Welsh interests would not be significantly affected if the role of Welsh MPs was reduced as a consequence of increasing National Assembly powers, however, the future role of Welsh MPs should be questioned as they may become redundant.

• The Secretary of State's role should not be reduced and the status quo should be retained.

• The current slice of the local government "cake" should be retained for Wales. Moving to a different form of devolution in Wales should not be contemplated if costs increase as a result. Detailed evaluation would be necessary to ensure this does not happen.

• At this stage, it is difficult to quantify any benefits that would accrue and it is considered that costs have a higher value and are more important than any benefits.

• Whilst it is recognised that funding streams for some services such as housing / council tax benefit and the emergency services come from both central and regional government, there are no significant issues arising from the current arrangements.