Wales

Following a referendum in 1997, which showed there was wide support in Wales for a devolved government, the National Assembly for Wales was established in 1999.

The National Assembly's First Minister and Cabinet make up the Welsh Assembly Government and are accountable to the rest of the Assembly.

The Assembly's 60 elected members can make decisions on secondary legislation in some areas, including agriculture, education, housing and transport. They are also responsible for most public spending.

However the Assembly cannot raise taxes and areas such as welfare, pensions and defence remain the full responsibility of the UK Parliament. Laws passed in Westminster also apply to Wales.

For statistics on government performance in Wales, on a range of themes, see the following websites:

• Welsh Assembly Government: Statistics for Wales (opens in new window)
• National Statistics (opens in new window)
• Public service performance information for Wales (opens in new window)