What is the difference between my MP and my AM? For my role as your representative, please see FAQ (What are your responsibilities as MP). As your MP, I deal with Queries that involve central government and the workings of Parliament that affect constituents of Clwyd South. After the people of Wales voted for Devolution in 1999, several areas of responsibility have been transferred to the Welsh Assembly and the Welsh Assembly Government. An MP sits in Parliament and participates in the Law Making process – scruitinsing new bills and representing the constituency who may be affected by such new laws. A new law may be debated in parliament regarding, for example, anti-terrorism initiatives. This is an area of legislation (law) that has not been devolved and I therefore have responsibility for representing Clwyd South in this area. As such, if you are concerned about this area, you should contact me with your query. An AM sits in the Welsh Assembly and performs a similar role to an MP regarding policy areas that have been devolved. Health care for example is a devolved area of policy. As such, the Welsh Assembly decides how it would like to spend its Health care budget, and has indeed decided to offer free prescriptions to those under 25 in Wales – this policy may differ from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This is a Welsh Assembly policy, not a policy that has originated in Parliament and therefore I have had no part in the decision. You should contact your AM if you have any queries regarding this area of policy. It is important to direct your enquiry to either your MP or your AM and not both, as only one will have responsibility for answering your question. For a guide to the policy areas that have been devolved to the Welsh Assembly, CLICK HERE. |