More from the Western Mail on how unworkable the Legislative Competence Order process is. Will the new Secretary of State step in to sort it out or even perhaps give us the long-promised referendum to abolish the system altogether and allow untramelled access to the full powers given to the Assembly by the Government of Wales Act 2006?
The paper tells us that the Environmental Protection and Waste Management Legislative Competence Order, which will give the Assembly powers to tax plastic bags amongst many others to tackle climate change, and which was announced by Rhodri Morgan on 6th June 2007 is still bogged down.
Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Kirsty Williams makes the point: “The process for devolving powers has been proven to be unfit for purpose and our aspirations for Welsh control over the Welsh environment are in danger of death by committee. You have to wonder how much time and money has been devoted to this process, how many pounds paid to lawyers, how many days of civil servants’ time and how many opportunities to get on with delivering on existing powers missed.”
Even Plaid Cymru get in on the act with their sustainability spokesperson, Leanne Wood saying: “The extensive delay with the Environment LCO is yet another example of why this system is unsustainable.” Environment Minister, Jane Davidson is said to be extremely frustrated by the delays.
Peter Hain designed this system. His first job as Secretary of State must be to sort it out.
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