In response to the Welsh Government statement on The Legislative Programme, the Party of Wales leader Leanne Wood said:
“I broadly welcome the statement made by the First Minister today. Health and education are two particular areas of concern when it comes to the performance of the Welsh Government. Legislation is not the only tool the Government has to tackle these areas, but I’m pleased to see that it has adopted some of Plaid Cymru’s policies in those fields.
“The Qualifications Wales Bill will introduce the independent exam regulating body that Plaid Cymru has called for, although the Labour government will need to do a lot more to convince people that it has the measures in place to drive up standards when it comes to the Welsh education system.
“The establishment of a Welsh Treasury through the Tax Collection and Management Bill is a significant move. There is great symbolism in establishing this function, which goes beyond the essential role it will have in administering the devolved taxes and borrowing powers. All self-respecting Parliaments must have the ability to vary taxes. Unlike Scotland, it has taken Wales fifteen years to establish this important symbolic function.
“Plaid Cymru very much welcomes the establishment of a Welsh Treasury. For the first time, future Welsh Governments will have acquired the extra economic levers needed for job creation, although the powers proposed in the Wales Bill are limited and will not yet lead to a government that is properly accountable to the people of Wales.”
