The Welsh Parliament, commonly called the Senedd, is the devolved legislature for Wales. Its Welsh name, Senedd Cymru, is widely used alongside the English term. Created as an assembly for Wales in 1999, it was known as the National Assembly for Wales (or Welsh Assembly) until it was renamed the Welsh Parliament/Senedd in 2020. The body is responsible for making and scrutinising many of the policies and laws that apply within Wales while some matters remain reserved to the UK Parliament.

Composition and electoral system

The Senedd is unicameral and composed of 60 elected members. Members are chosen using a mixed electoral system combining constituency seats and regional list seats. Forty members represent constituencies elected by first‑past‑the‑post, and twenty are elected from regional lists using a form of proportional representation to balance overall party representation. Members are commonly known as Members of the Senedd (MSs).

Powers, responsibilities and procedure

The Senedd has law‑making authority in a range of devolved areas and the power to create devolved laws for Wales. Its responsibilities typically include health, education, transport, the environment, housing, agriculture and many aspects of local government. Over time its powers have enlarged through successive statutes and referendums, and it also has responsibility for certain Welsh taxes and fiscal measures.

  • Primary policy areas: health, education, transport, environment, housing.
  • Financial powers: a mix of block funding from the UK Treasury and limited devolved tax powers.
  • Accountability: the Senedd appoints the First Minister and holds the Welsh Government to account through debates and committees.

History and development

The institution began after a devolution referendum in the late 1990s and first sat in 1999. Initially it had more limited administrative and secondary legislative powers but successive changes expanded its competence. Notable stages of development include new legislative abilities that allow it to pass Acts for matters within its remit, and reforms that strengthened its scrutiny and electoral arrangements. The change of style and name to the Welsh Parliament reflected its evolving status as a law‑making legislature distinct from the previous assembly model.

Relationship with the UK Parliament and distinctive features

Although the Senedd exercises significant authority over Welsh affairs, it is a devolved institution within the United Kingdom: powers not explicitly transferred to it remain with the UK Parliament. The Senedd operates bilingually in Welsh and English and sits in a parliamentary building in Cardiff Bay where plenary sessions and committee work take place. Its committees, public engagement and legislative process are designed to reflect Welsh priorities and to hold the Welsh Government to public account.

The Senedd's role continues to evolve as debates about the scope of devolution, fiscal arrangements and the balance of powers within the UK proceed. For further official information and primary sources see pages about the institution as a parliament, its status as a devolved body, and details on how it makes devolved laws for Wales.