Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardDevolved Powers in Wales

The Senedd (Welsh Parliament) has the authority to make laws for Wales in specific 'devolved' areas, while other matters are 'reserved' and handled by the UK Parliament at Westminster. Which of the following policy changes would be within the legal power of the Senedd to implement?

  1. Establishing a new regulatory framework for the management and allocation of social housing in WalesAnswer
  2. B
    Creating a new legal system for the sentencing and punishment of criminal offenders in Welsh courts
  3. C
    Setting the eligibility criteria and payment amounts for Universal Credit for residents in Wales
  4. D
    Amending the requirements for obtaining a UK passport for citizens currently living in Wales

Answer

The Senedd has the legal power to implement a new regulatory framework for the management and allocation of social housing in Wales.
The correct answer is the option regarding social housing because housing is one of the key areas—alongside health, education, and the environment—where the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) has been granted the authority to pass its own laws specifically for Wales.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the policy areas provided in the options
The areas are Social Housing, Criminal Justice, Social Security (Benefits), and Immigration (Passports).
To determine which area falls under the jurisdiction of the Welsh Parliament.
2
Compare the policy areas against the list of devolved powers for Wales
Devolved powers in Wales include health, education, housing, environment, and local government. Reserved powers include defense, foreign affairs, immigration, social security, and justice.
To isolate the power that has been transferred to the Senedd.
3
Distinguish the specific status of justice and policing in Wales compared to other devolved nations
In Wales, policing and justice are NOT devolved, whereas they are in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
This is a common point of confusion and confirms that the justice-related option is incorrect for Wales.

Key Concept

The distinction between devolved powers (e.g., housing, education) and reserved powers (e.g., justice, social security) in the Welsh context.
Rate this question

Topics

Devolved Powers in Wales

More questions from this topic