Message from Chair
Last week saw the launch of the Commission on Devolution in Wales. It was a great privilege to have been asked to head up this Commission and I was honoured to accept.
The Commission has a challenging and complex remit. We cannot underestimate the task ahead. The hard work starts now. I am joined by a team of six other Commissioners with such a wide range of expertise and talent. I am confident that our knowledge, as a team, will be invaluable as we begin the task in hand. I look forward to working closely and getting to know them as we embark on this exciting work.
Our work has been divided into two very important parts, spanning two years. Part 1 will look at financial accountability and aim to report by the autumn of 2012. Part 2, will focus on reviewing the powers of the National Assembly for Wales and will look to report by the end of 2013.
Over the years, devolution has been described as a process not an event. I couldn’t agree more. It is therefore only right that following the referendum in March, we look at these two important areas.
It will now be up to us as a Commission to come together, gather evidence, speak to as wide range of people as possible and come up with a package of recommendations with a wide range of support. No mean feat but one which I am determined we can achieve. I am sure that we will encounter difficulties from time to time, but my aim is to ensure that all political parties and the two Governments in London and Cardiff retain confidence in our work.
The Commission will meet for the first time in the next few weeks. I want this Commission to be as open, accountable and transparent as possible. After all, it is only by listening to the views of anyone interested in Welsh Devolution, that we can achieve wide ranging support and take people with us. I will always personally try to meet any representative group anywhere in Wales to discuss our work.
I have been quite clear since my appointment that we have not ruled anything in or out. I want to listen and engage with people across Wales to hear their views on these topics.
I look forward to what will undoubtedly be a very interesting two years.
Paul Silk, Chair