In Wales, different decisions are made by different people. Some of our laws are made by the United Kingdom Parliament and some are made by the Welsh Parliament, which is also known as the Senedd. Local councils also make decisions about local issues.
Watch: Who makes decisions for Wales?
Efa, Lina and Rhys want to close their street for a few hours so that children can play there. They need to find out whether to ask the UK government, the Welsh government or the local council for permission.
RHYS: Ready? Try and catch the ball this time, Lina.
LINA: Oh no! Not again!
EFA: That’s the hundredth time! It’s ok, it’s not your fault the garden’s too small. We could go and play in the street!
RHYS: There’s too much traffic.
EFA: Yeah. Suppose so.
LINA: They closed my friend’s street for a few hours last month so kids could go and play there.
EFA: That’s what we need to do! Come on, let’s find some bollards from somewhere to block the street!
RHYS: I don’t think you can do that.
LINA: I’m sure they had to have permission.
EFA: So who do we ask? The prime minister of the United Kingdom?
RHYS: Don’t think they deal with local matters like that!
LINA: I went on a visit to the Houses of Parliament, they decide on matters affecting the whole of the United Kingdom there.
RHYS: Yeah, like the police and the army and things.
EFA: What about the Senedd then?
LINA: They take decisions about certain things concerning Wales, don’t they?
RHYS: Yes, like schools and hospitals.
LINA: I remember when trees were planted in our street. It was the local council that took care of it.
EFA: Come on, let’s go check it out! It says here you need a Temporary Street Play Order.
RHYS: So how do we get one?
LINA: I think the people living in the street have to agree to do it.
EFA: We can just tell them that it’s going to happen!
RHYS: I’m not so sure that would work.
LINA: Let’s write a letter explaining everything and take it round all the neighbours to get their opinion.
EFA: He said he doesn’t want the road to be closed.
RHYS: Oh well, everyone has the right to their opinion.
LINA: Don’t worry. As long as most people agree I think that the council will be happy to do it.
EFA: Crossing everything!
RHYS: We did it!
LINA: The council closed the street!
EFA: Phew! That was a close one!
Rules
We often have to follow rules. They tell us what we are allowed to do and what we are not allowed to do. They keep us safe and make sure that everyone is treated equally and fairly.
Schools have rules about uniform, and about being fair and respecting other people. The Headteacher and school governors probably made most of these rules.
School rules help make sure that:
- everyone feels safe
- school is a place where people are calm and able to learn
Who makes laws?
It isn’t just school that has rules. Wales has a lot of rules that are called lawA rule that affects the whole country and everyone should follow. You can be punished for breaking a law. . Laws are rules that everyone has to follow. But who gets to decide on what the laws are?
Many laws are made in the United Kingdom ParliamentThe group of people who work on behalf of citizens to make sure that the government are running the country properly. in London. These are laws for all of Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Some laws for Wales are made in the Welsh Parliament, also known as the Senedd. These laws are only for Wales.
The local councilThe body that is responsible for looking after towns and other smaller areas. This is sometimes described as local government. also makes decisions. They don’t make laws, but they do get to decide on lots of local issues. Members of the council have been chosen in local elections.
Layers of government
Devolution
Devolution means moving power away from the centre. In Wales this means moving some power from the United Kingdom Parliament in London to the Welsh Parliament in Cardiff.
Before 1999, all laws were made in the UK Parliament. Wales did not have the Senedd.
In 1997 there was a special vote, called a referendumWhen a question is decided by putting it to a public vote.. The people in Wales were asked if they wanted to have more power to decide on laws for Wales. The vote was very close, but the ‘yes’ side won. Power to make laws on some things was moved from the UK Parliament to Wales.
How can we influence decisions?
More on Our rights
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