Background of Organisation
The Welsh Assembly was established by the Government of Wales Act in 1998. The same UK parliamentary statute provided a basis for transferring some legislative functions, powers and responsibilities from the Secretary of State Wales to the Welsh Assembly after the 1 July 1999.
This allows the Welsh government to have an independent voice and exercise its legislative function to a certain extent on on several important national issues such as fisheries, conservation and development , etc. Nonetheless, Wales remains part of the UK and the Secretary of State for Wales and MPs from Welsh constituencies continue to have seats in Westminster. Laws passed by Parliament in Westminster still apply to Wales.
Organisational Objectives
Within its powers, the Assembly develops and implements policies, which reflect the particular needs of the people of Wales. Decisions about these issues are made by politicians who are accountable, through the ballot box, to voters in Wales. It is also decides on its priorities and allocation of funds received from the Treasury.
The Assembly has considerable power to develop and implement policy within a range of areas:
• Agriculture
• Ancient monuments and historic buildings
• Culture
• Economic development
• Education and training
• The environment
• Health and health services
• Highways
• Housing
• Industry
• Local government
• Social services
• Sport and leisure
• Tourism
• Town and country planning
• Transport and roads
• The Welsh language
Relevant Policies, Projects & Activities
The decision making remit of the authority may relate to the protection, management and sustainable development of the coastal environment in many different ways.
The Assembly may make decisions on the administration of European Funds, e.g. Objective 1 and funding for Local Authorities as well as on sponsorship of bodies that protect our environment and conserve wildlife and natural habitats.It is also responsible for the development of schemes to promote the culture and heritage of Wales and establish an integrated transport scheme and the establishment and promotion of schemes for agricultural and rural development as well as sustainable development .Equality of opportunity is an underlying objective throughout all such schemes. Finally, the development of information and communication technology also falls within the ambit of its decision making functions.
Some specialist sub-committees and divisions of the Assembly which deal with specific themes relevant to the management and protection of the coastal environment include:
For more information follow link to :About the Assembly Page