SL(6)630 – The Welsh Elections Financial Assistance Scheme (Disabled Candidates) Regulations 2025

Background and Purpose

These Regulations make provision in relation to the Welsh Ministers’ duty to provide for a scheme of financial assistance to help disabled candidates in Welsh elections overcome barriers to their participation in those elections that are connected with their disability.

The Regulations provide details about the establishment and operation of the scheme, eligibility criteria, the functions of the scheme operator, the nature of the support or adjustments that may be provided under the scheme, the application and assessment process, the circumstances where repayment of support may be recovered and record keeping and reporting requirements. They also make consequential amendments to primary and secondary legislation in order give full effect to the scheme.

Procedure

Affirmative

The Welsh Ministers have laid a draft of the Regulations before the Senedd. The Welsh Ministers cannot make the Regulations unless the Senedd approves the draft Regulations.

Technical Scrutiny

The following point is identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.2 in respect of this instrument.

1. Standing Order 21.2(v) that for any particular reason its form or meaning needs further explanation

Regulation 12 deals with the payment of financial assistance for approved support or adjustments under the financial assistance scheme. Regulation 12(4)(a) places a duty on the scheme operator to ensure that no payments are made unless it is satisfied that the person claiming has properly incurred or will properly incur the cost for the approved support. However, it does not make reference to approved adjustments which are also permitted under the financial assistance scheme. The Welsh Government is asked to explain why approved adjustments are not included in regulation 12(4)(a).

Merits Scrutiny  

No points are identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.3 in respect of this instrument.

Welsh Government response

A Welsh Government response is required.

Legal Advisers

Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee

2 July 2025