Next week the Senedd will debate the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee’s report following its latest annual scrutiny session with the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW). Here are some key pointers ahead of the debate:
- The NICW is an independent, non-statutory, advisory body to the Welsh Ministers. Its key purpose is to make recommendations to the Welsh Government on Wales’ long term infrastructure needs over a five to eighty year period.
- During its latest annual scrutiny session in January, the Committee questioned the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Commission on matters including its budget, independence and public engagement. Members also scrutinised the Commission’s work programme, particularly its work on renewable energy.
- The Commission published its first major report on Preparing Wales for a Renewable Energy 2050 in October 2023. It made a number of recommendations to the Welsh Government on issues including building regulations, permitted development rights and grid access. It also called for the devolution of Crown Estate functions in Wales and for a renewable energy bill to be brought forward in the next Senedd.
- At the time of writing, the Welsh Government’s response to the Commission has not been published, although Senedd Research understands it has been received.
- The Committee’s report – the subject of next week’s debate – makes recommendations for both the Welsh Government and the Commission. A number of recommendations for the Welsh Government focus on the review of the Commission that is due to take place this year.
- Both the Commission and the Welsh Government have responded to the report – all of the Committee’s recommendations to the Welsh Government were accepted or accepted in principle.
You can catch the debate live on Senedd TV on Wednesday 5 June.
In Brief by Francesca Howorth, Senedd Research, Welsh Parliament
