Wales Act 2017
At a glance
Enforced by
What's here
3 compliance obligations, 1 practical guide
Who this Act binds
Plus 3 non-business duties on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.
Relevant guidance
Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.
Mentioned in related content
1 guidesWhat 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 — Constitutional arrangements
Browse 22 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Convention about Parliament legislating on devolved matters
Legislative competence
Devolved Welsh authorities
Power to make provision about elections
Timing of elections
Electoral registration: the digital service
Elections of police and crime commissioners
Super-majority requirement for certain legislation
Super-majority requirement: amendments relating to procedure etc
Introduction of Bills: justice impact assessment
Submission of Bills for Royal Assent: role of Presiding Officer
Financial control, accounts and audit
Composition of Assembly committees
Assembly proceedings: participation by UK Ministers etc
Change of name of the Assembly etc: translation of references
Welsh rates of income tax: removal of referendum requirement
Lending for capital expenditure
Functions of Welsh Ministers
Implementation of EU law
Transfer of Ministerial functions
Consultation about cross-border bodies
Part 2 — Legislative and executive competence: further provision
Exercise of functions in relation to cross-border harbours
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- UK Ministers must consult Welsh Ministers regarding cross-border harbours Crown / Minister / Government department
Cross-border exercise of pilotage functions
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Government must consult or obtain consent for cross-border pilotage decisions Crown / Minister / Government department
Reciprocal cross-border duties in relation to water
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ministers must consider cross-border consumer interests regarding water Crown / Minister / Government department
Browse 33 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Onshore petroleum licensing
Onshore petroleum: existing licences
Onshore petroleum: right to use deep-level land in Wales
Roads: speed limits, pedestrian crossings and traffic signs
Bus service registration and traffic commissioners
Taxis: transfer of functions to Welsh Ministers
Welsh harbours
Amendments of Harbours Act 1964
Application of general provisions to transfer of functions in sections 29 and 30
Reserved trust ports
Development consent
Exercise of functions in relation to two or more harbours
Consequential amendments to consent requirements in Harbours Act 1964
Sections 34 to 37: supplementary
Development consent for generating stations with 350MW capacity or less
Generating stations and public rights of navigation
Safety zones around renewable energy installations
Overhead lines associated with devolved Welsh generating stations
Alignment of associated development consent
Equal opportunities: public sector equality duty
Public sector duty regarding socio-economic inequalities
Marine licensing in the Welsh offshore region
Marine conservation zones
Water and sewerage
Modification of water-related functions
Water protocol
Repeal of intervention powers relating to water
Transfer of functions in relation to fishing vessels
Transfer of functions in relation to excepted energy buildings
Renewable energy incentive schemes
Financial assistance for inland waterway and sea freight
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Gaming machines on licensed betting premises
Part 3 — Welsh tribunals
Browse 6 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Part 4 — Miscellaneous
Browse 4 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Part 5 — General
Browse 4 other sections in this Part — procedural / definitional / commencement
Consequential provision
Transitional provision and savings
Commencement
Short title
Schedules
Browse 7 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
New Schedule 9A to the Government of Wales Act 2006
President of Welsh Tribunals
New Schedule 7A to the Government of Wales Act 2006
New Schedule 7B to the Government of Wales Act 2006
New Schedule 3A to the Government of Wales Act 2006
Minor and consequential amendments
Transitional provisions
Enforcement and responsible bodies
The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.
Welsh Revenue Authority
Collects and manages devolved taxes in Wales: Land Transaction Tax (replacing Stamp Duty Land Tax) and Landfill Disposals Tax. Provides guidance and …
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Browse legislation
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Regulators
Learn more about the bodies that enforce this legislation.