We provide evidence to committees and respond to consultations at the National Assembly of Wales on issues that affect people with autism and their families. We have also established a Cross-Party Autism Group.
The National Assembly for Wales has the power to make decisions on areas such as health, education and social services, among others. This means that the Assembly Government can make direct changes that will affect the lives of people in Wales and therefore provides an opportunity to ensure that local issues are responded to more effectively.
The National Assembly for Wales also has a statutory requirement, under the Government of Wales Act 1998, to support the work of the voluntary sector in Wales, as well as a duty to 'pay due regard to the promotion of equality of opportunity in its work'.
However, areas such as law and order, benefits and disability discrimination are all still decided by the UK Parliament in Westminster, London. The Welsh Assembly Government has asked for more powers. It looks likely that the new Government of Wales Bill announced in the Queen's Speech will make it easier for the Welsh Assembly Government to change legislation at Westminster through a fast track system.
In the meantime, our Policy Officer in Wales works to ensure that the issues affecting people in Wales are taken into account in our work with the UK Parliament.
You can find out more about the role and responsibilities of the National Assembly for Wales (in English and Welsh) at: www.wales.gov.uk