The next item is item 6, the Local Elections (Miscellaneous and Consequential Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2022. I call on the Minister for local government to move the motion. Rebecca Evans.

Motion NDM7938 Lesley Griffiths

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1. Approves that the draft The Local Elections (Miscellaneous and Consequential Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2022 is made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 08 February 2022.

Motion moved.

I'm so used to wearing my mask, I forgot I was wearing it, Llywydd. [Laughter.]

I am pleased to bring the Local Elections (Miscellaneous and Consequential Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2022 before the Senedd today. As suggested by the title, the regulations principally make provisions that are consequential to the rules for the conduct of local government elections in Wales that were made here in the Senedd back in December. However, I would like to draw your attention to two important provisions that are also included.

The regulations make minor changes to the procedure that must be followed at the close of poll. These changes have been driven by discussions with local authorities about the use of electronic devices in local government elections, and provide greater flexibility for their use where determined by local returning officers. This is completely in line with the Welsh Government's policy of encouraging, supporting and enabling as many people as possible to participate in the democratic process.

Whilst we are seeing a considerable improvement in the situation with COVID-19, it hasn't gone away, and that's why we've also included a provision that will extend existing arrangements to enable voters to apply for an emergency proxy vote without medical attestation until 5 p.m. on the day of the poll on grounds related to the COVID-19 pandemic at all local government elections in Wales that will take place before 31 May 2023. Once again, it's our intention to try to ensure accessibility to the democratic process even in the face of COVID-19.

I would like to finish by thanking the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for their consideration of these regulations and for confirming they had no concerns with them. I'd also like to thank Members of the Senedd for their consideration of the regulations and now look forward to hearing their discussion.

The Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, Huw Irranca-Davies.

Diolch, Llywydd, and I'll speak very briefly today. We considered these regulations at our meeting on 28 February, and our report to the Senedd contains just one merits reporting point, which I'll speak to this afternoon.

Now, as the Minister has said, these regulations make miscellaneous and consequential amendments to various pieces of legislation that set rules for local elections. We were very pleased to note that both the explanatory note and the explanatory memorandum accompanying the regulations provide very clear summaries and clear explanations of the regulations.

Now, a response from the Government to our report was not required on this occasion, but I just wanted to speak today to place on the record that, given the detailed and the intricate nature of these regulations, we are very grateful for such helpful summaries and explanations, which have been invaluable in helping us scrutinise the regulations. Sometimes, it's important that a committee and the Senedd acknowledge and affirm really good practice, and this is a case in point. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

Does the Minister wish to reply? I have no other speakers under this item.

I'll just take the opportunity to thank, again, the Chair of the committee for its work and for his recognition of the way in which we've tried to set out information in an accessible and detailed form, and I know that will help colleagues across Government in terms of the information that we provide to committee in respect of future pieces of legislation.

The proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? No. The motion is therefore agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.