I am pleased to inform the House that the Government’s fourth session legislative programme will contain 14 Bills. Almost every one will affect Wales in some way.

The programme builds on the pre-Budget report with a focus on helping people meet the economic challenges they are facing particularly in this current climate. The Government will take forward measures to ensure fairness in our society, with fair rules, a fair say and a fair chance for all.

There will be two Bills with framework provisions:

Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill

Marine and Coastal Access Bill

Further information on these provisions will be made available after the Bills’ introductions.

A further six Bills at least will contain specific provisions for Wales, which will generally be provisions to confer the same powers on Welsh Ministers, in devolved areas of responsibility, as are being conferred on UK Ministers in those areas in relation to England. These are:

Business Rates Supplements

Children, Skills and Learning

Coroners and Justice

Equality

Policing and Crime

Welfare Reform

Further Welsh provisions may be included as Bills continue to be developed.

The Government continue to remain committed to delivering devolution through provisions in Westminster Bills and by using the Legislative Competence Order process.