SCECLB31-P St Brides Minor Community Council

Senedd Cymru | Welsh Parliament

Y Pwyllgor Biliau Diwygio | Reform Bill Committee

Bil Senedd Cymru (Rhestrau Ymgeiswyr Etholiadol)| Senedd Cymru (Electoral Candidate Lists) Bill

Ymateb gan Cyngor Cymuned Llansantffraid | Evidence from St Brides Minor Community Council

What are your views on the general principles of the Bill and the need for legislation to deliver the Welsh Government’s stated policy objective (to make the Senedd a more effective legislature by ensuring it is broadly representative of the gender make-up of the population)?

The council strongly objects to this Bill which is profoundly undemocratic.

It does not cover all genders and what if not enough of one gender wants to be a candidate?

What are your views on the system of enforcement and potential sanctions for non-compliance proposed in the Bill?

The council objects to the gender balance proposals.   Candidates should be elected on their own strengths not because of gener.

Are there any potential barriers to the implementation of the Bill’s provisions? If so, what are they, and are they adequately taken into account in the Bill and the accompanying Explanatory Memorandum and Regulatory Impact Assessment?

There are barriers in that the Bill breaks a link between the electorate and those that represent them.  It undermines the democratic process.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

It puts too much power in the hands of political parties which further undermines the democratic process.

What are your views on the Welsh Government’s assessment of the financial and other impacts of the Bill?

What are your views on the balance between the information contained on the face of the Bill and what is left to subordinate legislation? Are the powers for Welsh Ministers to make subordinate legislation appropriate?

Do you have any views on matters relating to the legislative competence of the Senedd including compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights?

Do you have any views on matters related to the quality of the legislation, or to the constitutional or other implications of the Bill?

Are there any other issues that you would like to raise about the Bill and the accompanying Explanatory Memorandum or any related matters?

Anything else?

Our Members were united in their objection to this Bill.   It gives an unfair advantage to the ruling party, discriminates against gender and is profoundly undemocratic.