Review of the Lco Process

The Committee finds many aspects of the Legislative Competence Order (LCO) process - the mechanism for the Assembly to bring forward proposals to extend its lawmaking powers - are now working well. After more than two years in operation, the LCO process has proved to be an effective system for the transfer of powers to Wales. However, procedural problems persist, most notably the lack of transparency in the Whitehall clearance process, and the Committee says it will take a more...
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The Committee finds many aspects of the Legislative Competence Order (LCO) process - the mechanism for the Assembly to bring forward proposals to extend its lawmaking powers - are now working well. After more than two years in operation, the LCO process has proved to be an effective system for the transfer of powers to Wales. However, procedural problems persist, most notably the lack of transparency in the Whitehall clearance process, and the Committee says it will take a more proactive approach in this area to ensure a speedier resolution of issues. Key findings include: LCOs must be more user-friendly and a more straightforward approach to drafting proposed Orders and Explanatory Memoranda is required; the Wales Office should report to the Committee monthly on the progress of all LCOs within Whitehall, with relevant ministers being called before the Committee to identify outstanding issues; joint working with Assembly Committees has been highly productive, particularly informal meetings with Assembly Committee members; LCOs should be referred to the Welsh Grand Committee only when there are matters of general public concern or controversy or specific areas of concern amongst MPs.