Government Response: The Welsh Elections Information Platform (Amendments) Regulations 2026

Technical Scrutiny point 1: The Welsh Government note the point raised.  Whilst section 26(4)(c) is a power that requires the approval procedure, when considering the meaning of the Regulations from reading the operative provisions, it is clear that power is not relied upon.  Supporting this, the Government has cited section 26(8) which serves to clarify that the annulment procedure is the appropriate procedure.

The effect and purpose of the Regulations are not outside the scope of the enabling powers, and the correct procedure has been followed.

Technical Scrutiny point 2:                                 The Welsh Government is grateful to the Committee for raising this point and is investigating with the SI Registrar whether a correction slip can be utilised to correct this cross-referencing. 

Technical Scrutiny point 3:                                 The Welsh Government notes the point raised by the Committee but does not consider these definitions are required.  The terms are only used in the one definition referred to and are terms that will be recognised and understood by the readers of these Regulations and the electoral community without further definition.  The guidance provided by the platform operator, as part of the Regulations, will also provide further clarity on the terms in any event.

Technical Scrutiny point 4:                                 The Welsh Government is grateful to the Committee for raising this point and is investigating with the SI Registrar whether a correction slip can be utilised to correct this cross-referencing.  It is noted that the references are accompanied by a narrative which describes the type of notices to be published on the platform.