National Assembly for Wales

Making laws for Wales

The National Assembly for Wales is a law-making body, and is able to make laws for Wales in certain policy areas.

These laws are known as Measures. A Measure is similar to an Act of the UK Parliament, but it applies only in Wales. This allows the Assembly, in particular policy areas, to have laws that differ from other parts of the UK.

The Assembly currently has the power to create Measures governing areas such as agriculture, education, the environment, health, transport, housing, local government, sport and the Welsh language. You can find out more from the sections below.

Guide to the Legislative Process

This section explains how the legislative process in the Assembly works, including information on Legislative Competence Orders, Assembly Measures, and guidance documents such as Schedule 5.
Guide to the Legislative Process >>

Legislative Competence Orders (LCO)

Details of all LCOs laid before the Assembly can be found here. LCOs >>

Measures

Details of all proposed Measures introduced into the Assembly can be found here. Measures >>

Subordinate Legislation

Subordinate legislation is that made by Ministers under powers delegated by an Act of Parliament, or, in due course, by an Assembly Measure. They include orders, regulations, rules, schemes, and can include statutory guidance and local orders. Subordinate Legislation >>