Plaid Cymru pushes for devolution of full water powers to Wales

Welsh officials have started considering the devolution full powers over water to Wales.

The move was confirmed in the Senedd last week by Pontypridd Labour member Mick Antoniw, in response to a question from Plaid Cymru member Cefin Campbell.

Campbell noted that the Senedd passed a motion in June calling on the Welsh government to request devolution of water powers as permitted under section 48(1) of the Wales Act 2017, but: “We are still waiting, even as Dŵr Cymru announces substantial price hikes.”

He asked whether there were any legal impediments to the move and when the full devolution might take place, noting "this is a contentious issue and a very emotional issue for very many people and many of the communities I represent in Mid and West Wales."

Responding, Antoniw shared that the main purpose of the powers provided for under the Wales Act “have already been delivered without the need to commence provision”. But nonetheless that following Senedd debates in June and September, “officials have started considering next steps, including scoping out the full implications on other legislation”.