Welsh legal landscape

Welsh government

The Welsh government is the devolved government for Wales. Led by the first minister, it works across devolved areas that include key areas of public life such as health, education and the environment.

Senedd Cymru

Senedd Cymru is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people, makes laws for Wales, and holds the Welsh government to account.

The Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA)

The WRA is the new tax authority for Wales. It collects and manages two devolved Welsh taxes on behalf of the Welsh government. This includes Land Transaction Tax and Landfill Disposals Tax.

These new taxes replaced Stamp Duty Land Tax and Landfill Tax in Wales from April 2018. The new taxes were designed and made in Wales, to meet the needs of Wales.

The Commision on Justice in Wales

The Commission on Justice in Wales was set up by the first minister to review the operation of the justice system in Wales. The Commission is looking at:

• criminal justice and policing
• civil, commercial, family and administrative justice
• access to justice
• legal education and training
• the legal professions and economy
• the legal jurisdiction

Legal Wales

The Legal Wales Foundation discusses developments which affect the law and the administration of justice in Wales, comment on such developments, supports the interests of the legal community in Wales, encourages interest in Welsh law and organises the annual Legal Wales Conference.

LawWorks Cymru

LawWorks Cymru is a new project which will enable voluntary organisations and individuals in need in Wales to benefit from free legal advice. LawWorks Cymru is based in Cardiff and will help to co-ordinate pro bono provision throughout Wales.

Reaching Justice Wales

Reaching Justice Wales aims to contribute to the availability of legal advice across Wales. The charity supports voluntary sector agencies which provide free legal advice where there is need, supplementing but not replacing legal aid.