News feature

'Justice in Wales for the people of Wales'

An ambitious plan for the future of the justice system in Wales was unveiled, in October, by the Commission on Justice in Wales.

Following a thorough-going review, the Commission on Justice in Wales has produced a set of measured recommendations for the devolution of justice and the changes necessary to meet the needs of the people of Wales.

The Chair of the Commission, the former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd presented its report to the First Minister at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay in October.

Lord Thomas said: 'Justice should be determined and delivered in Wales so that it aligns with distinct and developing social policy and a growing body of Welsh law.'The way that responsibilities are split between Westminster and Cardiff has created pointless complexity, confusion and incoherence in justice and policing in Wales'.

'Expenditure by the London government on the justice system in Wales has fallen by a third since 2009–10. Although funding by the Welsh Government and local authorities make up some 38% of total justice expenditure in Wales, the Welsh Government only has a very limited role in formulating policy.'

78 recommendations made by the Commission

This overarching recommendation was one of 78 recommendations made by the Commission in its report which considers the whole of the legal system in Wales.

Some of the recommendations can be implemented now: 'The legislative process to devolve justice will take a little time. In compiling our report we have found many problems which need to be fixed now - and this can be done with the powers the Welsh Government already has and through action by the Westminster Government.'

The launch of the report comes at the end of nearly two years' work in reviewing the Welsh justice system. The Commission has taken oral evidence from 150 people; received more than 200 pieces of written evidence and held over 80 engagement events and meetings across Wales and the UK as well as considering best practice overseas. •

‘Justice in Wales for the people of Wales’, available at: https://gov.wales/commission-justice-wales-report