Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee Draft Report

CLA(4)-18-14

CODE OF RECOMMENDED PRACTICE ON LOCAL AUTHORITY PUBLICITY IN WALES

The Code is made under powers in section 4 of the Local Government Act 1986 to publish a code on local authority publicity.  The powers were originally given to the Secretary of State, they were transferred to the National Assembly in 1999 and then to the Welsh Ministers by the Government of Wales Act 2006.

The original Code was published by the Assembly in 2001, and the Welsh Ministers intend to revise it as shown by tracking on the laid version.  In accordance with section 4(6) of the 1986 Act, those changes may not be made until 40 days have passed since the drafft was laid, and then only if the Assembly has not in the meantime voted that the changes should not be made.  It is therefore an adaptation of the negative procedure that applies to the making of amendments to the Code.

This Code applies to County and County Borough Councils, National Park Authorities, Fire and Rescue Authorities and Town and Community Councils.

Procedure:  Negative, but before the revised Code is issued

Technical Scrutiny

No technical points relating to the powers used to make the revisions to the Code are identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.7.

Legal Advisers

Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee

June 2014