Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Acknowledged
Conduct Wales-specific impact assessments for all future policy decisions affecting Welsh farming
Recommendation
The UK Government needs to take specific account of the unique cultural, environmental and economic circumstances of farming in Wales when making future policy decisions which have direct implications for the agricultural sector in Wales. We recommend that any future policy decisions directly affecting the farming sector in Wales be accompanied by a Wales- specific impact assessment led by the Wales Office and undertaken in conjunction with the Government department leading the relevant policy 44 change. This would ensure that the distinct characteristics and challenges of Welsh farming, particularly in comparison to England, are properly considered and not overlooked. A failure to account for the unique role farming plays in Wales, risks undermining the viability of rural farming communities, the Welsh language, and the future of farming in Wales. (Recommendation, Paragraph 122) 45
Government Response Summary
The government states the Wales Office supports departments in designing policies that reflect Welsh needs and works with them to assess policy impact as appropriate, but does not specifically commit to Wales-specific impact assessments led by the Wales Office.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Wales Office supports UK Government departments to design policies that both reflect the particular needs of Wales and augment the devolved responsibilities of the Welsh Government in areas such as agriculture and the farming sector. This includes working with departments to assess the impact of their policies as appropriate.