Starting a business in Wales
- 1 step
UK Act of Parliament
2006
United Kingdom
Government of Wales Act 2006
At a glance
What's here
41 compliance obligations, 2 practical guides across 2 topics · 2 journeys
Penalty landscape
1 of 41 obligations carry imprisonment (51 weeks). 40 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.
Who this Act binds
Business-side actors with duties under this Act, ranked by how often they appear.
- Any Person 1
Plus 40 non-business duties on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.
Step-by-step journeys using this legislation
Walkthroughs that take you from a real business situation to compliance.
Start a food business in Wales
- 1 step
Relevant guidance
Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.
Supporting — topic alignment
2 guidesOther Acts binding the same actors
For each actor bound by this Act, the other UK Acts that bind them most often. Useful for understanding the full compliance landscape facing each role.
Any Person also bound by 2338 other Acts (top 5 shown)
- Human Medicines Regulations 2012 2012 169 duties
- Merchant Shipping Act 1995 1995 144 duties
- Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 2016 101 duties
- Road Traffic Act 1988 1988 95 duties
- Air Navigation Order 2016 2016 95 duties
What this Act requires
Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.
Part 1 — Senedd Cymru
Extraordinary general elections
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Presiding Officer must propose a date for an extraordinary Senedd election Crown / Minister / Government department
Effect of disqualification
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Senedd must vacate seats and restrict participation of disqualified members Statutory regulator
Remuneration of Members of the Senedd
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Independent Remuneration Board must determine Senedd member pay Statutory regulator
Limit on salaries of Members of the Senedd
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- The Senedd must reduce salaries for Members with multiple mandates Crown / Minister / Government department
Remuneration: supplementary
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Senedd Commission must publish Member pay and lay determinations Crown / Minister / Government department
Oath or affirmation of allegiance
- Members of the Senedd must take an oath or affirmation of allegiance Any Person
Assistance to groups of Members of the Senedd
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Senedd Commission must fund and publish payments for political groups Statutory regulator
Audit Committee
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- The Senedd must establish and maintain an Audit Committee Crown / Minister / Government department
Equality of treatment
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- The Senedd must treat English and Welsh languages equally Crown / Minister / Government department
Notice
51 weeks imprisonmentOther duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Clerk of the Senedd must provide formal written notice of witness requirements Statutory regulator
Proceedings by or against Senedd etc.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Courts are restricted in the types of orders they can grant against the Senedd Tribunal / Court
Browse 43 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
The Senedd
Senedd constituencies
Ordinary general elections
Power to vary date of ordinary general election
Voting at general elections
Candidates at general elections
Calculation of seat allocation figures
Allocation of seats
Constituency vacancies
Vacant seats
Entitlement to vote
Power of the Welsh Ministers to make provision about elections etc
Power of the Secretary of State to make provision about the combination of polls
Power to make provision about the use of the UK digital service for absent voting applications
Term of office of Members of the Senedd
Resignation of members
Disqualification from being Member of the Senedd
Relief from disqualification
Exception from disqualification by virtue of being an MP: recently elected members
Exception from disqualification by virtue of being an MP: general election of Members of the Senedd within 372 days
Exception from disqualification by virtue of being a member of the House of Lords
Exception from disqualification by virtue of being a councillor: recently elected members
Exception from disqualification by virtue of being a councillor: ordinary election of councillors within 372 days
Exception from disqualification by virtue of being a councillor: general election of Members of the Senedd within 372 days
Judicial proceedings as to disqualification
Presiding Officer etc.
Clerk of Senedd
A Senedd Commission
Committees and sub-committees
Composition of committees
Standards of Conduct Committee
Lay members of the Standards of Conduct Committee etc.
Standing orders
Participation by UK Ministers etc.
Consultation about UK Government's legislative programme
Participation by Counsel General
Integrity
Power to call
Offences
General
Defamation
Contempt of court
Corrupt practices
Part 2 — Welsh ... Government
Choice of First Minister
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Senedd must nominate a First Minister within 28 days Crown / Minister / Government department
Remuneration
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Senedd Commission must pay salaries and pensions to Welsh Ministers Crown / Minister / Government department
Remuneration: supplementary
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Senedd Commission must publish annual remuneration data and determinations Statutory regulator
Oath or affirmation
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Welsh Ministers and First Minister must take Oaths of Office Crown / Minister / Government department
Provision of information to Treasury
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Welsh Ministers must provide information to the Treasury on request Crown / Minister / Government department
Local government scheme
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Welsh Ministers must maintain and report on a local government scheme Crown / Minister / Government department
Voluntary sector scheme
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Welsh Ministers must create and publish a voluntary sector scheme Crown / Minister / Government department
Business scheme
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Welsh Ministers must create and publish a business engagement scheme Crown / Minister / Government department
Equality of opportunity
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Welsh Ministers must promote and report on equality of opportunity Crown / Minister / Government department
Sustainable development
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Welsh Ministers must promote and report on sustainable development Crown / Minister / Government department
Browse 42 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Welsh ... Government
The First Minister
Welsh Ministers
Counsel General
Deputy Welsh Ministers
Limit on number of Ministers
Staff
Introduction
Exercise of functions
Transfer of Ministerial functions
Executive ministerial functions
Implementation of EU law: general
Fees and charges in relation to international law
Shared powers
Promotion etc. of well-being
Support of culture etc.
Representations about matters affecting Wales
Consultation about cross-border bodies
Polls for ascertaining views of the public
Private bills
Provision of information to the Office for Budget Responsibility
Legal proceedings
Contracts
Charges for documents
Financial assistance
Supplementary
Partnership Council
Regulatory impact assessments
The Welsh language
Assimilated obligations
Human rights
International obligations etc.
Agency arrangements and provision of services
Different exercise of functions by Welsh Ministers etc.
Construction of references to Ministers and departments
Laying of reports and statements
Property, rights and liabilities of Welsh Ministers etc.
Transfer of Ministerial property, rights and liabilities
Rights and liabilities of the Crown in different capacities
Documents
Validity of acts
Official secrets
Part 3 — Assembly Measures
Legislative competence: supplementary
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must process Senedd legislative requests within 60 days Crown / Minister / Government department
Introduction of proposed Assembly Measures
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Welsh Ministers and MSs must confirm legislative competence for new Measures Crown / Minister / Government department
Proceedings on proposed Assembly Measures
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Senedd must follow specific procedures when passing Assembly Measures Crown / Minister / Government department
ECJ references
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Clerk and Petitioner must withdraw legal references if Senedd reconsiders Crown / Minister / Government department
Browse 6 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Part 4 — Acts of the Senedd
Introduction of Bills
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Government officials must certify Senedd Bills are within legal competence Crown / Minister / Government department
Introduction of Bills: justice impact assessment
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Person in charge of a Bill must make and publish a justice impact assessment Crown / Minister / Government department
Proceedings on Bills
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Senedd must follow specific procedures and language requirements for Bills Crown / Minister / Government department
Royal Assent
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Presiding Officer must submit Bills for Royal Assent and observe restrictions Crown / Minister / Government department
Browse 16 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Referendum about commencement of Assembly Act provisions
Proposal for referendum by Assembly
Commencement of Assembly Act provisions
Effect on Measures of commencement of Assembly Act provisions
Enactment of proposed Assembly Measures
Acts of the Senedd
Legislative competence
Legislative competence
Legislative competence: supplementary
Legislative competence: restriction relating to retained EU law
Bills with protected subject-matter: super-majority requirement
Scrutiny of Bills by the Supreme Court (protected subject-matter)
Scrutiny of Bills by Supreme Court (legislative competence)
ECJ references
Power to intervene in certain cases
Welsh Seal : Letters Patent and proclamations
Part 4A — Taxation
Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Comptroller and Auditor General must report on Welsh income tax collection Statutory regulator
Duty to disclose information on Welsh land transactions to HMRC
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Welsh Revenue Authority must share land transaction data with HMRC Statutory regulator
Browse 12 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Overview of Part 4A
Status of officials of body that collects and manages devolved taxes
Power to add new devolved taxes
Power to set Welsh rates for Welsh taxpayers
Welsh taxpayers
Welsh taxpayers: Scottish parliamentarians
Close connection with Wales or another part of the UK
Days spent in Wales or another part of the UK
Supplemental powers to modify enactments
Reimbursement of expenses
Tax on transactions involving interests in land
Tax on disposals to landfill
Part 5 — Finance
Accounts relating to loans
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Secretary of State must prepare and publish accounts for Welsh loans Crown / Minister / Government department
Contingencies
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Welsh Ministers must report to the Senedd on emergency spending Crown / Minister / Government department
Welsh Ministers' accounts
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Welsh Ministers must prepare and submit annual financial accounts Crown / Minister / Government department
Account relating to Welsh Consolidated Fund
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Welsh Ministers must prepare and audit Welsh Consolidated Fund accounts Crown / Minister / Government department
Examinations into Welsh Ministers' use of resources
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Auditor General may examine how Welsh Ministers use their resources Statutory regulator
Senedd Commission's accounts
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Senedd Commission must prepare and submit annual accounts Crown / Minister / Government department
Examinations into Senedd Commission's use of resources
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Auditor General may examine the Senedd Commission's use of resources Statutory regulator
Publication of accounts and audit reports etc.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- The Senedd must publish Welsh audit and account reports Crown / Minister / Government department
Browse 24 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Welsh Consolidated Fund
Grants
Statement of estimated payments
Destination of receipts
Borrowing by Welsh Ministers
Lending by Secretary of State
Lending for capital expenditure
Payments out of Welsh Consolidated Fund
Annual Budget motions
Supplementary Budget motions
Inclusion in Budget motions of resources used by designated bodies
Appropriation without Budget resolution
Approvals to draw
Payments in by mistake
Financial control, accounts and audit
Accounting officers for Welsh Ministers
Accounts of subsidiaries of Welsh Ministers
Examinations by Comptroller and Auditor General
Accounting officers for Senedd Commission
Accounts of subsidiaries of Senedd Commission
Whole of government accounts: Welsh Ministers
Functions of Auditor General
Audit Committee reports
Auditor General
Part 6 — Miscellaneous and supplementary
Browse 25 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Status of Welsh public records
Transfer of responsibility
Meaning of “ Welsh public records ”
Renewable energy incentive schemes
Resolution of devolution issues
Power to make consequential provision
Translation of references to Senedd Cymru etc.
Power to remedy ultra vires acts
Intervention in case of functions relating to water etc.
Power to vary retrospective decisions
Interpretation of legislation
Functions exercisable in relation to Wales
English and Welsh texts of legislation
Orders , regulations and directions
“Devolved Welsh authority”
Explanatory statements in relation to certain regulations
Interpretation
Index of defined expressions
Minor and consequential amendments
Commencement
Transitional etc. provision
Repeals and revocations
Financial provision
Extent
Short title
Schedules
(1) The Senedd Commission may appoint staff.
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Senedd Commission must match recruitment and employment terms with Welsh Government Crown / Minister / Government department
(1) The Attorney General or the Counsel General may refer...
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Welsh Ministers must not exercise a function once referred to the Supreme Court Crown / Minister / Government department
Browse 553 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
Senedd Commission
Acts of the Senedd
Alteration of Senedd electoral regions
(1) This Schedule makes provision for alterations—
(1) An Order in Council under the 1986 Act for...
(1) For the purposes of any report of the Commission,...
In this Schedule— “the 1986 Act” has the meaning given...
(1) This paragraph applies if the Committee provisionally determine proposed...
(1) If, having considered the Assembly electoral region issue, the...
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule the Committee may,...
(1) The Committee's report under section 3A(2) of the 1986...
(1) Section 3A(3) of the 1986 Act (powers of the...
In section 3A(4) of the 1986 Act (directions by the...
(1) This paragraph applies if the Commission submit to the...
(1) The rules are— (1) Each Assembly constituency must be...
DISQUALIFICATION FROM BEING A MEMBER OF THE SENEDD OR A CANDIDATE IN AN ELECTION TO BE A MEMBER OF THE SENEDD
Persons under 18 years of age
Citizenship
Bankruptcy
A person who is disqualified from being a member of...
Persons guilty of corrupt or illegal practices at elections
A person who is incapable of being elected to or...
Persons imprisoned or detained following conviction etc.
Persons subject to a disqualification order
Sex offenders
Persons not registered in electoral register at an address in Wales
(1) The Presiding Officer holds office as a member of...
The validity of any act of the Senedd Commission is...
(1) The Senedd Commission may determine its own procedure.
(1) Her Majesty may by Order in Council provide for...
The Senedd Commission may acquire, hold and dispose of property....
(1) The Senedd Commission may do anything which appears to...
(1) The Senedd Commission may promote public awareness of—
The Senedd Commission may provide financial assistance to the Electoral...
The Senedd Commission may delegate any of its functions to—...
(1) The Senedd Commission must make appropriate arrangements with a...
After each financial year the Senedd Commission must—
Transfer etc. of functions: further provisions
(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), an Order in Council under...
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a function to make...
(1) This paragraph applies where a power to lend money...
References in section 58 and this Schedule to a Minister...
An Order in Council under section 58 which includes provision—...
If and to the extent that any function is exercisable...
(1) The power conferred by section 58 to make an...
(1) The power conferred by section 58(1)(c) includes power to...
Any power of a Minister of the Crown to make...
An Order in Council under section 58 which includes provision—...
(1) This paragraph applies where a function is exercisable by...
(1) An Order in Council under section 58 may make...
(1) This paragraph applies where a function to make subordinate...
Functions of Ministers of Crown etc exercisable concurrently or jointly with Welsh Ministers
(1) Functions specified in the table below, so far as...
(1) The functions listed in sub-paragraph (2), so far as...
(1) The powers to make regulations under sections 10ZC, 10ZD...
Functions specified in the table below are exercisable jointly with...
Functions of the Secretary of State under section 272 of...
For the purposes of the entry relating to the Inheritance...
Transfers of ministerial property, rights and liabilities
(1) The property, rights and liabilities to which, at the...
(1) An Order in Council under section 58 may provide...
(1) The Secretary of State may by order provide for...
(1) A certificate issued by the Secretary of State that...
Assembly Measures
(1) A provision of an Assembly Measure cannot remove or...
The general restrictions in Part 2 do not prevent an...
Part 2 does not prevent an Assembly Measure making modifications...
(1) A provision of an Assembly Measure cannot create, or...
A provision of an Assembly Measure cannot make any alteration...
(1) A provision of an Assembly Measure cannot make modifications...
A provision of an Assembly Measure cannot make modifications of,...
A provision of an Assembly Measure cannot make modifications of,...
(1) A provision of an Assembly Measure cannot make modifications...
(1) The general restrictions in Part 2 do not prevent...
Part 2 does not prevent a provision of an Assembly...
The general restrictions in Part 2 do not prevent a...
Part 2 does not prevent a provision of an Assembly...
These are the exceptions mentioned in section 94(4)(a) and (7)—...
Referendums on commencement of Senedd Act provisions
(1) The persons entitled to vote in a referendum held...
An Order in Council under section 103(1) must include provision...
An Order in Council under section 103(1) must include provision...
(1) No court may entertain any proceedings for questioning the...
An Order in Council under section 103(1) may include provision...
Expressions used in this Schedule and in Part 7 of...
(1) An Order in Council under section 103(1) may make...
(1) An Order in Council under section 103(1)—
(1) An Order in Council under section 103(1) must specify...
An Order in Council under section 103(1) must determine the...
An Order in Council under section 103(1) may make provision...
An Order in Council under section 103(1) may authorise or...
(1) This paragraph applies in relation to a referendum held...
Section 126 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act...
Highways, including bridges and tunnels. Streetworks. Traffic management and regulation....
Housing. Housing finance except schemes supported from central or local...
Constitution, structure and areas of local authorities. Electoral arrangements for...
Complaints about Assembly members (including provision for and about an...
Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. Auditor General for Wales.. Audit,...
Social welfare including social services. Protection and well-being of children...
Sport and recreational activities. Exception— Betting, gaming and lotteries.
Devolved taxes (as defined in section 116A(4)).
Tourism.
Town and country planning, including listed buildings and conservation areas....
Water supply, water resources management (including reservoirs), water quality and...
Welsh language Exception— Use of the Welsh language in courts....
A provision of an Act of the Assembly cannot—
(1) Part 2 does not prevent a provision of an...
Reserved matters
The following aspects of the constitution are reserved matters—
(1) International relations, regulation of international trade, and international development...
The Office for Nuclear Regulation.
Production, distribution and supply of heat and cooling.
Energy conservation.
Road freight transport services in the United Kingdom (including goods...
Regulation of the construction and equipment of motor vehicles and...
Road traffic offences.
Driver licensing (including training, testing and certification).
Driving instruction.
Drivers' hours.
Traffic regulation on special roads, other than regulation relating to...
The following are reserved matters— (a) the defence of the...
Exemptions from speed limits.
The application of traffic signs or pedestrian crossings to vehicles...
International road transport services for passengers or goods.
Public service vehicle operator licensing.
Documents relating to vehicles and drivers for the purposes of...
Vehicle insurance and vehicle registration.
The subject-matter of Parts 2 and 3 of the Severn...
Railway services.
The subject-matter of the Channel Tunnel Act 1987.
Navigational rights and freedoms.
Preliminary
Shipping and technical and safety standards of vessels that are...
Reserved trust ports and harbours not wholly in Wales.
Pilotage other than devolved pilotage.
Coastguard services and maritime search and rescue.
Hovercraft.
Aviation, air transport, airports and aerodromes.
Transport security.
Technical specifications for public passenger transport for disabled persons, including...
Technical specifications for fuel or other energy sources or processes...
Carriage of dangerous goods (including transport of radioactive material).
A Section applies to any matter described or referred to...
Social security schemes supported from public funds.
Requiring persons— (a) to establish and administer, or make payments...
Child support maintenance.
Collection and enforcement of— (a) periodical payments, other than child...
Occupational and personal pensions.
Compensation for or in respect of public sector workers in...
Regulation of amounts payable, or paid, to or in respect...
Compensation for or in respect of members of the naval,...
Regulation of amounts payable, or paid, to or in respect...
The subject-matter of any scheme under the Personal Injuries (Emergency...
Any exceptions or interpretation provisions in a Section relate only...
Regulation of— (a) the profession of architect,
Employment rights and duties and industrial relations, including the subject-matter...
The following boards— (a) the Construction Industry Training Board;
Arrangements for assisting persons to select, train for, obtain and...
Abortion.
Xenotransplantation.
Human genetics, human fertilisation, human embryology and surrogacy arrangements.
Medicinal products, including manufacture, authorisations for use and regulation of...
Regulation of prices of other medical supplies.
Standards for, and testing of, biological substances (that is, substances...
Fiscal, economic and monetary policy, including the issue and circulation...
Veterinary medicinal products, including manufacture, authorisations for use and regulation...
Specified feed additives.
Animal feeding stuffs, in relation to— (a) the incorporation in...
Vaccine damage payments.
Schemes established by regulations under section 13 of the Social...
The subject-matter of Part 1 of the Health and Safety...
The Health and Safety Executive and the Employment Medical Advisory...
Protection of the public from radiation.
Broadcasting and other media.
The British Broadcasting Corporation.
Coinage, legal tender and bank notes.
Public lending right.
Government indemnities for objects on loan.
Payments to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs in respect of...
Safety of sports grounds.
The legal profession and legal services.
Claims management services.
Legal aid.
The subject-matter of Part 1 of the Coroners and Justice...
Arbitration.
The subject-matter of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Financial services, including investment business, banking and deposit-taking, collective investment...
Protection of personal data.
Public access to information held by a public authority.
The subject-matter of— (a) the INSPIRE Regulations 2009 ( S.I....
The subject-matter of the Public Records Act 1958.
Compensation for— (a) persons affected by crime;
(1) Prisons and other institutions for the detention of persons...
Marriage, civil partnership and cohabitation.
Parenthood, parental responsibility, child arrangements and adoption.
Proceedings and orders under Part 4 or 5 of the...
Civil remedies in respect of domestic violence, domestic abuse and...
Financial markets, including listing and public offers of securities and...
Gender recognition.
Registration of births and deaths and of places of worship....
Registration of— (a) estates, interests and charges in or over...
The subject-matter of sections 9 and 14 of, and the...
Planning (including the subject-matter of Parts 2 to 8 of...
Compensation in respect of— (a) the interference with rights in...
The regulation of— (a) the design and construction of buildings,...
Equal opportunities.
Control of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and other weapons...
Ordnance Survey.
Distribution of money from dormant bank and building society accounts....
Timescales, time zones, the subject-matter of the Summer Time Act...
Activities connected with outer space.
Activities connected with Antarctica.
Activities for the purposes of deep sea bed mining operations....
(1) This Schedule does not reserve— (a) the constitution of...
(1) Paragraph 1 of this Schedule does not reserve an...
Paragraph 194 applies in relation to a devolved tribunal (within...
(1) The reservation of an authority to which this paragraph...
(1) This Schedule does not reserve— (a) conferring or imposing...
This Schedule does not reserve council tax precepts.
(1) Paragraph 1 does not reserve— (a) Her Majesty's executive...
(A) Elections for membership of the House of Commons ...
(1) References in this Schedule to the subject-matter of any...
(B) Elections for membership of the Senedd and local government elections in Wales
The subject-matter of section 37ZA(2) of the Representation of the...
The combination of— (a) polls at elections or referendums that...
Any digital service provided by a Minister of the Crown...
The subject-matter of the following provisions of the Political Parties,...
The subject-matter of Parts 5 and 6 of the Political...
The subject-matter of sections 145 to 148 and 150 to...
Nationality.
Immigration, including asylum and the status and capacity of persons...
(1) Paragraph 1 does not reserve property belonging—
Free movement of persons within the European Economic Area.
Travel documents.
National security.
Special powers, and other special provisions, for dealing with terrorism....
The subject-matter of the Official Secrets Acts 1911 to 1989....
Interception of communications.
Communications data.
Covert surveillance by persons exercising public functions.
Use of surveillance systems.
The prevention, detection and investigation of crime.
(1) Paragraph 1 does not reserve property held by Her...
The maintenance of public order.
Policing.
Police and crime commissioners.
The subject-matter of Parts 1 to 4 and 6 of...
Dangerous dogs and dogs dangerously out of control.
The subject-matter of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Prostitution.
Emergency powers.
Extradition.
The subject-matter of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The Civil Service of the State is a reserved matter....
Criminal records, including disclosure and barring.
The subject-matter of the Firearms Acts 1968 to 1997.
The subject-matter of the Poisons Act 1972.
Knives.
Misuse of and dealing in drugs or psychoactive substances.
Private security.
Classification of films and video recordings (including video games).
Licensing of— (a) the provision of entertainment, and
The sale and supply of alcohol.
Betting, gaming and lotteries.
The following are reserved matters— (a) the registration of political...
Hunting with dogs.
Procedures on live animals for scientific or educational purposes.
Lieutenancies.
Charities.
Raising funds for charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes.
The creation, operation, regulation and dissolution of types of business...
The regulation of the name under which an individual or...
Insolvency.
Winding up solvent business associations.
Regulation of anti-competitive practices and agreements; abuse of dominant position;...
Paragraph 6 does not reserve making payments to any political...
Intellectual property.
Prohibition and regulation of imports and exports
Regulation of— (a) the sale and supply of goods and...
Safety of, and liability for, services supplied to consumers.
The regulation of— (a) estate agents, (b) timeshares, and
The regulation of— (a) unsolicited goods and services, and
The subject-matter of Part 8 of the Enterprise Act 2002...
The subject matter of all technical standards and requirements in...
The national accreditation body and the accreditation of bodies that...
Product safety and liability.
(1) The following are reserved matters— (a) courts (including, in...
Product labelling.
Units and standards of weight and measurement.
Regulation of trade so far as involving weighing, measuring and...
Telecommunications and wireless telegraphy (including electromagnetic disturbance).
Internet services.
Electronic encryption.
Postal services, post offices, the original holding company and any...
United Kingdom Research and Innovation (“UKRI”), and Research Councils within...
The ... subject-matter of section 10 of the Higher Education...
The subject-matter of— (a) section 1 of the Industrial Development...
(1) Tribunals, including— (a) their membership, (b) the appointment and...
The subject-matter of— (a) Part 2 of the Industry Act...
The Export Credits Guarantee Department.
Appointment and regulation of a water or sewerage undertaker whose...
Licensing and regulation of a water supply or sewerage licensee....
The subject-matter of Part 4 of the Small Business, Enterprise...
Sunday trading.
Generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity.
Oil and gas, including— (a) the ownership of, exploration for...
Coal, including— (a) the ownership and exploitation of coal,
Nuclear energy and nuclear installations, including— (a) nuclear safety, security...
General restrictions
(1) A provision of an Act of the Senedd cannot...
(1) A provision of an Act of the Senedd cannot...
(1) A provision of an Act of the Senedd cannot...
(1) In any enactment (whenever passed or made) not contained...
(1) Part 1 does not prevent an Act of the...
Part 1 does not prevent an Act of the Senedd...
(1) Paragraph 1 does not apply to a modification that—...
(1) A provision of an Act of the Senedd cannot...
(1) A provision of an Act of the Senedd cannot—...
(1) A provision of an Act of the Senedd cannot...
A provision of an Act of the Senedd cannot make...
(1) A provision of an Act of the Senedd cannot...
(1) A provision of an Act of the Senedd cannot—...
(1) This paragraph contains exceptions to paragraph 8.
Auditor General for Wales
(1) The Auditor General is to be appointed by Her...
The Auditor General may borrow sums in sterling (by way...
(1) The Auditor General may charge a fee for auditing...
(1) For each financial year the Auditor General must—
(1) The Auditor General must, for each financial year, prepare...
(1) The Senedd must appoint an auditor of the accounts...
(1) The accounts which the Auditor General is required to...
(1) The accounting officer for the Wales Audit Office is...
(1) The Auditor General has a right of access at...
(1) Where— (a) the Welsh Ministers are entitled to appoint...
(1) If the Auditor General thinks that it would be...
(1) Subject as follows, a person appointed as Auditor General...
(1) The Auditor General must, if so required by a...
(1) Arrangements may be made between the Auditor General and...
(1) The Auditor General is not, in the exercise of...
The person for the time being holding the office of...
(1) The application of the seal of the Auditor General...
(1) The Senedd must— (a) pay the Auditor General such...
(1) The Auditor General may appoint such staff or secure...
(1) Any function of the Auditor General may be exercised...
(1) Any sums payable by the Auditor General in consequence...
Devolution issues
(1) In this Schedule “devolution issue” means—
The Court of Appeal may refer any devolution issue which...
An appeal against a determination of a devolution issue by...
This Part applies in relation to devolution issues in proceedings...
(1) Proceedings for the determination of a devolution issue may...
(1) A court or tribunal must order intimation of any...
A court, other than any court consisting of three or...
A tribunal from which there is no appeal must refer...
A court, other than any court consisting of two or...
Any court consisting of three or more judges of the...
Any court consisting of two or more judges of the...
A devolution issue is not to be taken to arise...
An appeal against a determination of a devolution issue by...
An appeal against a determination of a devolution issue by—...
This Part applies in relation to devolution issues in proceedings...
(1) Proceedings for the determination of a devolution issue may...
(1) A court or tribunal must order notice of any...
A court, other than the Court of Appeal in Northern...
A tribunal from which there is no appeal must refer...
The Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland may refer any...
An appeal against a determination of a devolution issue by...
(1) The relevant officer may require any court or tribunal...
This Part applies in relation to devolution issues in proceedings...
(1) A court or tribunal before which any proceedings take...
Any power to make provision for regulating the procedure before...
Any function conferred by this Schedule to refer a devolution...
(1) Proceedings for the determination of a devolution issue may...
(1) A court or tribunal must order notice of any...
A magistrates' court may refer any devolution issue which arises...
(1) A court may refer any devolution issue which arises...
A tribunal from which there is no appeal must refer...
A court, other than the Court of Appeal or the...
Devolved Welsh authorities
Minor and consequential amendments
The Statutory Instruments Act 1946 is amended as follows.
In section 27(1) of the Local Government Act 1974 (provisions...
In paragraph 5 of Schedule 31 to the Local Government,...
In section 26(1) of the Public Order Act 1986 (saving...
In section 1 (definition of “statutory instrument”), for subsection (1A)...
In section 55(1)(c) of the Finance Act 1987 (exemption from...
In Schedule 8 to the Local Government Finance Act 1988...
The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 is amended as...
In section 12(9) (duration of copyright in literary, dramatic, musical...
In section 49 (public records), for “the Government of Wales...
In section 153(2) (qualification for copyright protection), for “166B” substitute...
(1) Section 163 (Crown copyright) is amended as follows.
(1) Section 164 (copyright in Acts and Measures) is amended...
After section 166B insert— Copyright in proposed Measures of the...
(1) Section 178 (minor definitions) is amended as follows.
After section 11 insert— Application in relation to Wales (1) References in this Act to any Act include references...
In section 179 (index of defined expressions), in column 2...
(1) Section 263(1) (Part 3: minor definitions) is amended as...
In paragraph 10(1) of Schedule 2 (public records), for “the...
In paragraph 5 of Schedule 8 to the Housing Act...
In section 12 of the Official Secrets Act 1989 (meaning...
In section 321B of the Town and Country Planning Act...
In paragraph 8 of Schedule 3 to the Planning (Listed...
In paragraph 8 of the Schedule to the Planning (Hazardous...
In section 16(1) of the Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992...
In section 41(6) of the Value Added Tax Act 1994...
In section 1 of the Laying of Documents before Parliament...
In paragraph 11(1)(c) of Schedule 1 to the Defamation Act...
The Government of Wales Act 1998 is amended as follows....
(1) Section 28 (reform of other Welsh public bodies) is...
(1) Section 104 (Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education and...
(1) Section 105 (Forestry Commissioners) is amended as follows.
(1) Section 144 (power of Secretary of State by order...
(1) Section 145 (examinations by Auditor General into discharge of...
In section 145A(5) (studies by Auditor General into discharge of...
(1) Section 145C (studies by Auditor General into discharge of...
In section 146(4) (power of Secretary of State by order...
In section 10 of the Defamation Act 1952 (limitation on...
(1) Section 146A (transfer etc. of supervisory functions from the...
(1) Section 147 (power of Secretary of State by order...
In section 151(2) (power to make consequential amendments), for “22”...
(1) Section 154 (orders and directions) is amended as follows....
(1) Section 155 (interpretation) is amended as follows.
(1) Schedule 7 (Forestry Commissioners) is amended as follows.
(1) Section 21(1) of the Human Rights Act 1998 (interpretation)...
In section 10 of the Government Resources and Accounts Act...
The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 is amended...
In section 8(3)(b) (functions exercisable only on recommendation of Electoral...
In section 10(1) of the Defamation Act (Northern Ireland) 1955...
In section 10(6) (bodies to which Electoral Commission may give...
In section 13 (power of Electoral Commission to promote public...
The Finance Act 2003 is amended as follows.
In section 61(3) (stamp duty land tax: compliance with planning...
In section 66(4) (stamp duty land tax: transfers involving public...
In section 107(2) (stamp duty land tax: Crown application)—
(1) Section 60 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act...
The Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) Act 2005 is amended as...
In section 7(3)(b) (relevant action: Welsh health service bodies), for...
In section 8(2) (exclusion from investigation for matters not relating...
In the First Schedule to the Public Records Act 1958...
In section 9(1)(b) (exclusion from investigation of matters: right of...
(1) Section 10 (other excluded matters) is amended as follows....
In section 12 (decisions not to investigate etc.), omit subsection...
(1) Section 16 (reports of investigations) is amended as follows....
In section 21 (reports: alternative procedure), omit subsection (11).
In section 23 (special reports: supplementary), omit subsection (6).
(1) Section 24 (special reports relating to the Assembly )...
(1) Section 25 (consultation and co-operation with other ombudsmen) is...
(1) Section 28 (listed authorities) is amended as follows.
(1) Section 29 (restrictions on power to amend Schedule 3)...
In Schedule 2 to the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 (departments...
(1) Section 30 (provisions in orders adding persons to Schedule...
In section 40 (commencement), for “ Assembly ” substitute “...
(1) Section 41 (interpretation) is amended as follows.
(1) Section 42 (former health care providers and social landlords)...
(1) Section 43 (consequential and transitional provision) is amended as...
(1) Section 44 (orders, regulations and directions) is amended as...
(1) Schedule 1 (Public Service Ombudsman for Wales: appointment etc.)...
In paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 (excluded matters), for “...
In Schedule 3 (listed authorities), under the heading “Government of...
The Inquiries Act 2005 is amended as follows.
In Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the Pensions (Increase)...
In section 1(2) (“Ministers” who may cause inquiries to be...
(1) Section 27 (United Kingdom inquiries) is amended as follows....
In section 28(4) (Scottish inquiries), for “National Assembly for Wales”...
(1) Section 29 (Welsh inquiries) is amended as follows.
In section 30(5) (Northern Ireland inquiries), for “National Assembly for...
(1) Section 41 (rules) is amended as follows.
In section 43(1) (interpretation), in the definition of “the relevant...
In section 51(2) (commencement), for “National Assembly for Wales” substitute...
Transitional provisions
An Order in Council under section 12(1)(b) of the Government...
A Lord of Appeal in Ordinary is disqualified from being...
(1) This paragraph has effect in relation to a determination...
An order under section 17 of the Government of Wales...
(1) Section 22(2) does not apply in relation to the...
(1) A determination under section 34A of the Government of...
The reference in subsection (1) of section 25 to the...
The member of the staff of the Assembly constituted by...
Paragraphs 5 and 6 of Schedule 2 have effect until...
Sub-paragraph (4) of paragraph 12 of Schedule 2 has effect...
The 2007 election is an election to the Assembly constituted...
(1) The Secretary of State must, no later than 31st...
In relation to an offence committed before the coming into...
(1) Nothing in this Act (including in particular the repeal...
(1) This paragraph and paragraph 24 have effect during the...
(1) This paragraph applies to functions of the Assembly constituted...
(1) Where a function of making, confirming or approving subordinate...
(1) Any provision of an Order in Council under section...
Orders under section 27 of the Government of Wales Act...
(1) Designations made under section 2(2) of the European Communities...
The reference in section 47(2)(a) to the holding of a...
The first meeting of the Assembly constituted by this Act...
(1) Subject to paragraph 31, the relevant Assembly functions are...
(1) Her Majesty may by Order in Council provide for—...
(1) This paragraph applies so far as may be necessary...
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a function to make...
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a function to make...
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a function to make...
(1) —(1) Paragraph 2A of Schedule 2 to the ECA 1972...
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a function to make...
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a function to make...
(1) In paragraphs 39 and 40 “transferred function” means a...
(1) The property, rights and liabilities to which the Assembly...
Until the first ordinary general election (or any extraordinary general...
(1) Her Majesty may by Order in Council provide that...
(1) The Secretary of State may by order provide for...
(1) A certificate issued by the Secretary of State that...
(1) —(1) In this paragraph, “ criminal liability of the Assembly...
(1) Subject as follows, at the end of the initial...
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a power to lend...
(1) Any scheme under section 113(1) of the Government of...
(1) Any scheme under section 114(1) of the Government of...
(1) Any arrangements under section 120(1) of the Government of...
(1) The National Action Plan for a Bilingual Wales (or...
(1) Any scheme under section 121(1) of the Government of...
(1) Section 5 of the Government of Wales Act 1998...
(1) Section 95 has effect until the end of the...
Section 96 has effect until the end of the initial...
(1) No term of imprisonment of more than six months...
No later than four weeks after a certified copy of...
No later than four weeks after a certified copy of...
(1) No later than four weeks after a certified copy...
Until the end of the initial period section 118(2) has...
In its application for the financial year beginning on 1st...
Until the end of the initial period section 120 has...
(1) Until the end of the initial period section 121(1)...
Until the end of the initial period section 124(3) has...
Until the end of the initial period—
(1) Section 7 of that Act (return of electoral region...
(1) In its application for the financial year beginning on...
(1) In its application for the financial year beginning on...
(1) Until the end of the initial period, section 128...
(1) This paragraph applies until the end of the initial...
The function of the Assembly constituted by the Government of...
The function of the Assembly constituted by the Government of...
The person who, immediately before the commencement of the repeal...
The members of staff employed by the Auditor General immediately...
The person appointed as the auditor of the accounts for...
Paragraph 15 of Schedule 8 (audit of accounts) applies to...
The reference in section 143(1) (Audit Committee reports) to any...
(1) Notwithstanding the repeal of section 100 of the Government...
Any sums required by the Assembly constituted by the Government...
Any sums required by the Assembly constituted by the Government...
(1) Until the coming into force of section 27(1) of...
(1) Until the coming into force of section 23(1) of...
(1) This paragraph has effect until the coming into force...
Section 11 has effect until the first general election as...
An order under section 11 of the Government of Wales...
Section 14 has effect until the first general election as...
Repeals and revocations
Field 1: agriculture, fisheries, forestry and rural development Matter...
6Z In this Part “ general restrictions in Part 2 ”...
Other sections — not classified into a Part
These sections sit outside the numbered Parts — usually provisions added or moved by later amendments.
Browse 67 other sections
Exceptions Devolved taxes, including their collection and management. Local taxes...
Interpretation “ "Existing elections Acts” ” means— the Representation of...
Interpretation “ "Covert surveillance” ” includes the use of covert...
Exception Powers of entry, search and seizure relating to the...
Interpretation “ "Knives” ” includes— knife blades and razor blades;...
Interpretation “ "Psychoactive substances” ” has the meaning given in...
Exception In the case of a betting premises licence under...
Interpretation “ "Funds” ” includes property other than money.
Exception The creation, operation, regulation and dissolution of particular public...
Interpretation “ "Business association” ” means any entity, whether or...
Interpretation “ "Business association” ” has the same meaning as...
Exception Plant varieties and seeds.
Exceptions Prohibition and regulation of movement into and out of...
Interpretation “ "Food” ” has the same meaning as it...
Exceptions Food, food products and food contact materials. Agricultural and...
Interpretation “ "Food” ” has the same meaning as in...
Exceptions Food, food products and food contact materials. Agricultural and...
Interpretation “ "Food” ” has the same meaning as in...
Exception Financial assistance for the provision of services (other than...
Interpretation “ "The original holding company” ” and “ "Post...
Exceptions Regulation of a water supply licensee in relation to...
Interpretation “ "Sewerage licensee” ” and “ "water supply licensee”...
Exceptions The granting and regulation of licences to search and...
Interpretation “ "Petroleum” ” means petroleum within the meaning given...
Exception Land restoration.
Exceptions Heat and cooling networks, but not the regulation of...
Interpretation “ "Heat and cooling network” ” means a system...
Exception The encouragement of energy efficiency otherwise than by prohibition...
Exceptions The subject-matter of Part 6 of the Traffic Management...
Interpretation “ "Second Severn crossing” ” means the bridge referred...
Exception Financial assistance so far as relating to railway services;...
Interpretation “ "Railway services” ” has the meaning given by...
Exceptions The reference to navigational rights and freedoms does not...
Interpretation “ "Devolved pilotage” ” means pilotage that — relates...
Exceptions Financial assistance to providers or proposed providers of air...
Exception Regulation of transport security relating to the carriage of...
Interpretation “ "Radioactive material” ” means any material having a...
Exceptions The provision by a local authority of financial assistance...
Interpretation “ "Social security schemes” ” means schemes providing financial...
Exception Occupational and personal pension schemes for or in respect...
Interpretation “ "Local authority” ” includes a fire and rescue...
Exception Schemes for the payment of compensation, and regulation of...
Interpretation “ "Compensation” ” includes pensions, grants, allowances, supplements and...
Interpretation “ "Compensation” ” includes pensions, grants, allowances, supplements and...
Exceptions Regulation of the social care profession. Regulation of the...
Interpretation “ "Health professions” ” means— the professions regulated by...
Exception The subject-matter of the Agricultural Sector (Wales) Act 2014....
Exceptions Education. Vocational, social and physical training. Careers services.
Interpretation “ "Employment” ” includes— work on a person's own...
Interpretation “ "Medical supplies” ” has the same meaning as...
Interpretation For the purposes of the reservation of the subject-matter...
Exception Public access to information held by— the Senedd ,...
Interpretation ““Public authority”” and ““held by a public authority””— in...
Exceptions Accommodation provided by or on behalf of a local...
Interpretation The reference to conviction in sub-paragraph (2) includes a...
Exceptions Services and facilities relating to adoption, adoption agencies and...
Interpretation “ "Child arrangements” ” includes the subject-matter of Part...
Exception Fees for the registration of local land charges.
Interpretation “ "Devolved associated line” ” means an overhead line...
Exceptions The encouragement (other than by prohibition or regulation) of...
Interpretation “ "Board” ” includes any other equivalent management body....
Exception The computation of periods of time.
Interpretation “ "Antarctica” ” has the meaning given in section...
Interpretation “ "Deep sea bed mining operations” ” has the...
The Adjudication Panel for Wales or Panel Dyfarnu Cymru. An...
Permanence of the Senedd and Welsh Government
Recognition of Welsh law
Official guidance
Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.
- UK protected food names (opens in a new tab) from DEFRA Detailed Guidance
- Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales) (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Farming Connect (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Development Bank of Wales (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Cywain programme (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Food Innovation Wales (FIW) (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Foodanddrink (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- LTT rates and bands - GOV.WALES (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Workplace recycling guidance - GOV.WALES (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- Visitor accommodation registration - GOV.WALES (opens in a new tab) Detailed Guidance
- ... and 4 more
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