
Scrutiny and Democratic Services Directorate Cyfarwyddiaeth Gwasanaethau Democrataidd ac Archwilio R.J. Eagle Director/Cyfawyddwr		County Hall/Neuadd y Sir Llandrindod Wells Powys LD1 5LG

The Secretary
Richard Commission
Caradog House
1-6 St Andrew's Place
CARDIFF CF10 3BE

If calling please ask for/ Os yn galw gofynnwch am
                                                                   Mr R J Eagle
Tel/Ffon:             01597 - 826368
Fax/Ffacs:                 01597 - 826220
Email/Llythyru electronig: reagle@powys.gov.uk
Your ref/Eich cyf:
Our ref/Ein cyf:                    SDS/RJEjcap
Date/Dyddiad:                       12 June 2003

Dear Sir
ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WALES ISSUES AND QUESTIONS FOR CONSULTATION
The County Council has considered the Commission's consultation paper on the electoral arrangements of the National Assembly for Wales, and would wish to make the following comments.
Generally, Council considered that the review of the National Assembly's electoral arrangements was premature at this time, and that the present system should be allowed time to 'bed down' before any alterations to the number of members for the electoral system were considered.
In response to the three main questions posed in the consultation document, Council's view was as follows:-
a. The present size of the Assembly was felt to be more than adequate for the present workload;
b. The present electoral system was felt to be sufficiently representative. However concern was expressed at the lack of public interest and understanding of the Assembly, as evidenced in the turn-out at the recent elections, and therefore more work could usefully be done to convince the public of the worth of the Assembly as it presently operates. Some concern was expressed at the ability of candidates, under the existing rules, to stand for election in both the constituency and region.
c. Changes to the power of the Assembly are not supported at this time apart from clarification of the present anomalies in respect of central government legislation and National Assembly legislation which would be welcomed. The Secretary, Richard Commission.
d. Issues that arose during the Foot-and-Mouth crisis in relation to the relevant animal health regulations are a good example of the difficulties that can arise without this clarification.
Members did also comment that the representative role of Assembly members would be improved by greater consultation with other elected bodies to provide a more cohesive system of representation for local residents.
Council also noted that some individual County Councillors had submitted detailed individual comments to the Commission.
Yours faithfully

Director of Scrutiny & Democratic Services

ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WALES ISSUES AND QUESTIONS FOR CONSULTATION