The Welsh Affairs Committee is responsible for scrutinising the expenditure, administration and policies of the Wales Office and the policies of the UK Government as a whole that have an impact in Wales.
It is chaired by Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP, and made up of 11 members from a mix of parties including Simon Baynes MP, Virginia Crosbie MP and Robin Millar MP.
At present, there are five current inquires –
- The economic and cultural impacts of trade and environmental policy on family farms (opened 21 July 2021)
The Committee is conducting a short inquiry to explore the impact of major policy changes, particularly international trade and climate change, on family farms in Wales.
The inquiry is currently accepting evidence, and wants to hear the views from anyone with answers to the questions in the Call for Evidence.
The Call for Evidence is open until Friday 24th September. To share your response, click here.
- The Benefits System in Wales (opened 11 June 2021)
The Welsh Affairs Select Committee has launched an inquiry examining the benefits system in Wales. The new inquiry comes following a period of unprecedented challenge for the benefits system as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As part of this inquiry, the Committee has launched a survey to hear a range of views about the benefits system in Wales. The survey is open to all claimants in Wales, as well as those who have considered claiming.
The survey is available in both English and Welsh and is open until Wednesday 22nd September. To share your views, click here.
- Railway Infrastructure in Wales (opened 4 December 2020)
The Committee will look at where responsibility lies for the management of rail infrastructure in Wales, how funding is allocated to rail infrastructure projects across the UK and the share of investment Wales has received since 1994. The inquiry will also look at the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the rail network in Wales, and the potential opportunities of the Union Connectivity Review.
To read the first report from this inquiry, click here.
- Renewable energy in Wales opened (opened 23 November 2020)
The Committee will look at how the UK Government, in cooperation with Welsh Ministers, can best support the development of renewable energy in Wales. This will include the potential significance of COP26 for Wales.
- Responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Wales (opened 28 April 2020)
The Welsh Affairs Committee holds a regular series of evidence sessions, during the year, with the Secretary of State for Wales about his responsibilities and the work of the UK Government in Wales.
Previous inquiries and reports include - The Armed Forces & Defence Industry in Wales; City Deals & Growth Deals in Wales; The Welsh Economy & Covid-19; Freeports & Wales; Wales and the Shared Prosperity Fund and Brexit & Trade: implications for Wales.
If you are interested in watching the Committee sessions, you can watch them live via Parliamentlive.TV or follow along on their Twitter.
Read the latest news from the Welsh Affairs Select Committee here.
Last updated - 23/07/21