REPORT OF THE WELSH POLICY FORUM Policy Process 2017-2021 Promoted and printed by Dave Hagendyk for Welsh Labour both at 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff.
1. INTRODUCTION. 1.1 Welsh Labour Conference 2016 agreed (Appendix 1) that the WEC consult CLPs and affiliates on the policy review process. This follows the established practice of taking stock and then setting out a timeline for the policy work programme leading to the Assembly elections of 2021. 1.2 It is an opportunity to deliver a health check on the robustness of our policy making process in Wales and to adapt our work programme to changing circumstances and expectations. The intention is to also provide the space in the Spring and Summer of 2017 for Party members in Wales to contribute to the UK manifesto process and the discussions being undertaken in the National Policy Forum (NPF). 1.3 This report on the Policy Process in Wales for 2017-2021 and was approved by the WEC in February 2017. It presents the way forward and a timeline for the work programme of the Welsh Policy Forum. 2. 2011-2016 REVIEW 2.1 The Assembly elections of May 2016 marked the completion of a successful cycle of policy making in Wales. We are especially grateful to the Chair of the Policy Forum Mike Payne for overseeing the process, and to Ken Skates AM who put considerable time and energy in to the final twelve months of policy debate before the publication of our 2016 manifesto. This involved over 150 meetings, including regional policy debates with our members, and a significant number of meetings with external stakeholders to gather opinions and evidence. 2.2 Our 2016 manifesto offer was the first to be largely digital in nature. The print manifesto was kept relatively short but accompanied by four detailed PDFs and an online manifesto. The manifesto offer was shaped around four broad themes: - Prosperous and Secure Wales, - Healthy and Active Wales, - Ambitious and Learning Wales, - United and Connected Wales. 2.3 The themes were accompanied by a small number of key pledges that underpinned the journey the people of Wales would take with a Welsh Labour Government. Following the success of the 2016 election, with the return of 29 Welsh Labour AMs, the manifesto now forms the core of the Programme for Government that our Welsh Labour-led Government is delivering for Wales. 2.4 The WEC places on record their thanks to all members, CLPs, affiliates and stakeholders who contributed to the 2016 Assembly manifesto.
3. THE PROPSOSALS (2017-2021) 3.1 The proposals that are set out below follow the pattern of previous policy cycles by providing for two stages of policy debate with the final stage of consultation focussed on the year before the Assembly elections in May 2021 (and after the fixed-term General Election in May 2020). 3.2 In line with existing Welsh Labour rules the proposals retain the Welsh Policy Forum as the focus for the policy debates. The Forum is the opportunity to scrutinise policy delivery and to ensure Welsh Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers are in discussion and debate with members of the Policy Forum. The process can of course be reviewed should Welsh Labour rules be changed at any point in this cycle. The Forum structure allows for deliberation and detailed discussion of policy by party units and affiliates. 3.3 The process allows for Commissions and Working Parties to be established by our Conference, WEC or Welsh Policy Forum as necessary. Any such initiatives would initially be agreed after conference in March and at the meeting of the Policy Forum in November 2017. 4. TAKING STOCK - QUESTIONS 4.1 The WEC invited CLPs and Affiliates to help take stock of the whole process and to ensure it remains fit for purpose and meets the needs of members, affiliates and Welsh Labour in the next cycle. 4.2 A number of questions were asked of CLPs and affiliates including: a) Structure - Is the Welsh Policy Forum still the best structure for policy debate and development? If not, what alternative would you suggest would be more effective? b) Scrutiny -Do you have any suggestions on how members and party units can better scrutinise the record of our Welsh Labour Government? c) Knowledge and experience -How is the knowledge and experience of members, affiliates and affiliated supporters best drawn in to the policy making process in Wales? d) Responsibilities - What responsibility should be placed on those members appointed as delegates to the Welsh Policy Forum to ensure debate within their respective CLPs / regions? How can their role as local champions of policy debates be supported? What role do we expect of Ministers and other elected representatives in the process?
e) Outward looking How can we make the policy process outward looking and an opportunity for strengthening links between CLPs and local community groups while debating policy? f) Evidence base What sources of evidence would you recommend for our policy review? g) Digital -How can digital technology be used to enhance our policy consultation work? Can digital technology be used as a better alternative to meetings or are meetings and debate essential to policy development? h) Other changes - What other changes would you recommend to improve our preparations for Welsh Labour s manifesto to the 2021 Assembly elections? CONSIDERING RESPONSES 4.3 Points raised in response to the consultation are considered below: a) Structure 4.4. In broad terms the current structure of policy making via the WPF is supported. It is noted that Aberconwy CLP suggested abolishing the structure and that policy motions should go direct from CLPs to conference. 4.5 As regards membership the WPF should now formally recognise the role of Welsh Labour Police and Crime Commissioners as it provides an additional line of reporting and accountability for their work. The Wales Co-op Party suggest that at least one of the two Young Labour reps be a woman and this is consistent with other sections and the change is in the rules review paper. The role of women can also be strengthened to reflect the work of the Gender Equality Working Party. 4.6 The Co-op Party suggest increasing the number of AMs to four (subject to gender balance) to reflect the increasing powers of the Assembly. That change is not proposed at this point but should be further considered as part of the phasing of the rules review, alongside points raised by Ian Lucas MP about the relationship with the Welsh PLP. 4.7 The Co-op Party also suggest the use of more task and finish groups during the next cycle of policy making and that can be referred directly to the WPF for discussion in November, and after Welsh Labour Conference makes decisions on Motions and Issues. 4.8 Bridgend Labour Party suggest a clear calendar of WPF activities that allows time for engagement with members. This can be considered at the WPF meeting in November. The final year of our Welsh policy making will regularly face the
challenge of completing the process in the circa nine months that follow a General Election, but in time to publish the Assembly manifesto. We must remember the 2016 process did manage over 150 engagement events in a circa 6 month period. 4.9 A member from the Vale of Clwyd suggested more information on the WPF process be made available to members. This can be taken forward as part of the improved digital support to the process. RECOMMENDATION ONE THE CURRENT STRUCTURE OF THE WELSH POLICY FORUM IS RETAINED WITH THE MEMBERSHIP AS IDENTIFIED ALONG WITH THE MINOR RULE CHANGES FOR WELSH LABOUR CONFERENCE 2017 (SEE WEC RULES PAPER) - b) Scrutiny 4.10 The WLGA Labour Group identify the reporting arrangements for AMs, Regional List AMS and AM Committee Chairs as deserving attention. However each of those has a reporting line with a purpose separate to the specific work of the Welsh Policy Forum. AMs report to their CLP and AM Chairs to the Assembly/Group as required.. 4.11 The Co-op Party identified the availability of AMs to Regional Consultative Committees to assist discussion and scrutiny, especially to those CLPs not having AMs or MPs. This does not require any rule change but follow up action. 4.12 Bridgend CLP were unclear how scrutiny worked. Again the WPF can consider this in the light of (d) below. 4.13 Comments from the Vale of Clwyd highlight the difficulty of attending a WPF in South Wales starting at 10.30am. This is where the Regional Policy debates, and responsibilities of WPF members are very important. The WEC will be asked to consider cost issues for WPF delegates and to issue guidance for the next cycle. The line of accountability, and scrutiny work, of the WPF needs to primarily focus on the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretaries in delivering the Programme for Government and on our policy development. c) Knowledge and Experience 4.14. Bridgend CLP, the Wales Co-op Party and the WLGA Labour Group suggest audits etc. of members skills and knowledge to assist policy debate. This a valuable point but is best taken forward by those who are members of the WPF to help build up the range of people who can assist and participate in local policy debates. Identifying such people, and creating opportunities for supporting local policy debates could be a part of a new WPF role holders description for those who are members of the WPF (see responsibilities below).
d) Responsibilities 4.15 the advice which accompanies any request for nominations to the next round of the WPF should include a note on the expectations of those who become members of the WPF. This can include reporting back to CLPs and Affiliates, co-operating in holding reginal policy debates, identifying local knowledge and expertise along with co-ordinating submissions to the WPF. 4.16 Abercowny CLP believes that by abolishing the WPF then branches and CLPs will take on more responsibility to devise policies and campaign for them. RECOMMENDATION TWO - THAT IN SEEKING NOMINATIONS TO THE NEXT WELSH POLICY FORUM A STATEMENT ON THE EXPECTATION OF WPF ROLE HOLDERS IS INCLUDED COVERING THE POINTS ABOVE. 4.17 The Wales Co-op Party also suggest that a core report is produced by the WPF Officers to help WPF members in their reporting back to party units. This can be added to the work programme. It would be a consistent source of advice while allowing WPF members to add their own opinions as part of the debate. e) Outward looking 4.18 the WLGA suggest that councillors can have a key role in this outreach work. This is a good point and should be discussed with the WLGA Labour Group after the council elections. 4.19 The Wales Co-op Party welcome initiatives like Carwyn Connects and feel we should consider how the Party connects with this process. Again this can be considered by the WPF when it meets. 4.20 Bridgend CLP support more community involvement, including the role of councillors, and this should be considered by the WPF as part of the expectation of WPF members (d. above). RECOMMENDATION THREE - A MEETING IS HELD WITH THE WLGA LABOUR GROUP TO DISCUSS THE ROLE OF COUNCILLORS IN WPF POLICY MAKING AFTER THE COUNCIL ELECTIONS. RECOMMENDATION FOUR - FOLLOWING THE REVIEW OF LCFs IN AUTUMN 2017 A DECISION IS MADE ON WHETHER FURTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATION IS REQUIRED ON THE WPF AS A RULE CHANGE TO WELSH LABOUR CONFERENCE 2018.
f) Evidence Base 4.21. These can be considered on a rolling basis going forwards. The WLGA Labour Group identify the key task of assessing progress in implementing the 2016 manifesto. That is the core work of the Forum. The Wales Co-op Party highlight the availability of professional and recognised bodies, knowledge within CLPs and affiliates to assist debate. g) Digital 4.22 There is general agreement that all methods including Facebook and Twitter can play a role in helping members take part in policy debates. The Wales Co-op Party rightly suggest it is a way for easier, less costly participation subject to proper planning. Bridgend CLP and comments from the Vale of Clwyd support greater use of social media in the policy process. 4.23 Abercowny CLP highlights the continuing importance of face-to-face debate but supports an online portal to help debates. A member in Pembrokeshire passionately urges use of social media to conduct business. RECOMMENDATION FIVE - TO ENSURE THAT MEMBERS OF WELSH LABOUR CAN TAKE PART IN POLICY DISCUSSIONS THROUGH FURTHER DEVELOPING THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA TO SUPPLEMENT THE FORMAL FACE-TO-FACE DISCUSSIONS IN THE POLICY FORUM. h) Other Changes 4.24. An important point is raised by Ian Lucas MP regarding the role of Welsh MPs in the development of the work of the Welsh Policy Forum. This highlights the need to continue working on the integration of the different structures so that accountability is clear and relevant. This also applies to the accountability of MPs on non-devolved issues. The picture will change again in the light of the Wales Bill and further responsibilities transferring to Wales. 4.25 A parallel discussion probably exists in relation to the work of the UK National Policy Forum and the accountability of structures. 4.26 The Welsh PLP of course have their representatives on the Welsh Policy Forum, and many other MPs frequently attend the Forum. This is not a new issue and quite often depends on securing effective communication in parallel to the work of the Forum. RECOMMENDATION SIX - THE WELSH PLP AND NALP BE INVITED, VIA THEIR FOUR WEC REPRESENTATIVES, TO MEET, AND JOINTLY CONSIDER THE ISSUES RAISED BY IAN LUCAS MP. THEY SHOULD REPORT BACK TO THE WEC BY SEPTEMBER 2017 WITH ANY RECOMMENDATIONS ON ACTIONS THAT ARE
REQUIRED TO IMPROVE THEIR ENGAGEMENT WITH THE WORK OF THE WPF AS FROM THE NOVEMBER 2017. 4.27. The Wales Co-op Party question why WPF members only serve for two years? This reflects the period of office that WEC members serve, but the period of office differs. In reality the WPF membership has been refreshed regularly to allow CLPs and affiliates to reflect changes in membership. This issue can be covered in guidance issued for the WPF. 4.28 In the cycle leading to 2021 manifesto Aberconwy CLP believe that we should make the final decision on policy that of conference. This reflects the same point they make at section (a). Again as the only CLP making this submission we do not believe it is sufficient to change the more deliberative role of the Welsh Policy Forum and the responsibility of the Welsh Joint Policy Committee as regards agreement on a final manifesto. 5. TIMELINE FOR THE 2021 MANIFESTO Nov 2016 start consulting CLPs and affiliates on proposals with responses and a revised paper to the pre-conference WEC in February 2017. March 2017 - Report to Welsh Labour Conference 2017 with agreement to forward work programme and the structure of the process. Throughout 2017 - Agree focus should be on NPF discussions and responses and work for UK election manifesto. November 2017 WPF meets to elect WPF officers and to receive reports on progress of the Programme for Government and the implementation of our 2016 manifesto. The WPF can then also identify any issues requiring additional work during 2018 as part of stage one consultation papers. Spring 2018 WPF report to Welsh Labour Conference and we release stage one consultation papers at conference. This will formally mark the start of policy preparations for the next Assembly elections. November 2018 WPF meets to consider responses to stage one reports and help to prepare advice for the stage two consultation documents. Spring 2019 WPF report to Welsh Labour conference and the release of stage two consultation papers. Autumn 2019 WPF meeting on the Programme for Government. Identify any working groups or commissions required to inform Welsh Labour manifesto. Consider feedback on stage two consultation papers. However recognise that focus is likely to be UK General Election.
Spring 2020 General Election year, if fixed Term Parliament. Short WPF report to Welsh Labour Conference but focus policy work on period June- September 2020. September 2020 WPF to meet and consider line by line amendments to the stage two consultation reports. November 2020 Special Policy Conference if required to resolve outstanding issues. Early 2021 WPF/Special Policy Conference reports to Welsh Labour conference. Spring 2021 Completion of policy cycle and publish manifesto. The timeline and activities can be reviewed in light of the consultation responses. 6. CONCLUSION RECOMMENDATION SEVEN (I) (II) (III) THAT THE WELSH LABOUR CONFERENCE 2017 BE INVITED TO APPROVE THIS REPORT AS PROVIDING THE FRAMEWORK FOR THE WORK OF THE WELSH POLICY FORUM 2017 2021. THE WEC CONSIDER ANY JOINT FEEDBACK FROM THE WELSH PLP AND NALP AT THEIR MEETING IN SEPTEMBER 2017. THAT ARRANGEMENTS BE MADE FOR THE NEXT MEETING OF THE WELSH POLICY FORUM IN NOVEMBER 2017 WHILE STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF CLPs AND AFFILIATES CONTRIBUTING TO THE WORK OF THE NATIONAL POLICY FORUM (UK) THIS YEAR.
Appendix 1 Welsh Labour Conference 2016 agreed as follows: Policy Review Conference also notes that the Welsh Labour Conference 2016 concludes the current cycle of policy making in Wales. Conference agrees that the WEC consult with CLPs and affiliates about the policy process required for the next Assembly term and brings forward proposals for the future to Welsh Labour Conference 2017.