New survey of AMs finds gap between capacity of Assembly and desire for more powers
20 Nov 2008
A new ComRes survey of Assembly Members, presented for the first time on Tuesday 18th November 2008 at an event in association with Morgan Cole, highlights the tension between AMs who want the Assembly to acquire more measure making powers ‘as soon as possible’ and the high proportion who feel that there is too much business for 60 AMs to conduct. AMs also feel that more time is needed to scrutinise and debate legislation.
Interestingly too, the National Assembly for Wales is divided over the future of devolution - despite cross-party support for a yes vote in the coming referendum. Though all parties publicly support the move to limited law-making powers under the Government of Wales Act 2006, a quarter of AMs in fact believe that the current balance of power is right.
20% of AMs believe that Wales should become independent and separate from the UK and 23% think the current situation is about right, while fewer than half favour the official party line.
Labour party Assembly Members are the most split: while 53% support greater independence, 42% are satisfied with the status quo.
This study, launched on 18th November 2008, comes in the wake of October’s National Assembly for Wales: Public Attitudes 2008 research which showed that only a minority of people in Wales favour greater independence. Assembly Members have further to go to convince the public of their view: while 73% of AMs support greater independence, only 49% of the public agree.
ComRes Chief Executive Andrew Hawkins said "Overall the study is encouraging - the endorsement for more measure making powers shows a promising confidence in what devolution has achieved. But there are clearly stresses that need to be addressed if the Assembly is to be as effective as AMs want it to be. This study also affirms the Richard Commission conclusion that Assembly membership should be increased to 80".
Notes: Study report is attached. ComRes surveyed 30 AMs by postal questionnaire between 13th June and 17th July 2008. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
