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Organisation explained

Related Links

Schedule 7 to the Government of Wales Act 2006

Schedule 7 lists the subjects in the 20 devolved areas which the National Assembly for Wales can pass Assembly Bills on.

First Minister of Wales

First Minister of Wales
Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones AM is the First Minister of the Welsh Government.

Cabinet and Ministers

Welsh Government logo
On this page you will find information on the Welsh Government including information on Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers and the Counsel General.
People in reception
Wales has its own government making policies and laws for our country. Headed by the First Minister of Wales, the Welsh Government is responsible for areas such as health, education, language and culture and public services.

The Welsh Government is separate from the British Government, which retains responsibility for UK-wide areas such as tax, defence, foreign policy and benefits.

What we do

The Welsh Government is elected by the people of Wales to carry out a programme of government. This involves making decisions and ensuring delivery on areas devolved to us on matters that affect people's daily lives (for details of the 20 devolved areas and their exceptions, see the Schedule 7 Related Link).

We do this by:

  • developing and implementing policies
  • setting up and directing delivery and governance in these key areas, such as local government and the NHS in Wales
  • making subordinate legislation (e.g. regulations and statutory guidance), and
  • proposing Welsh laws (Assembly Bills).

Who we are

The First Minister of Wales heads the Welsh Government. Together with Welsh Ministers and the Counsel General they form the Cabinet. Civil servants based in offices throughout Wales support them in developing and delivering their work.

The Government of Wales Act 2006 allows for the appointment of up to 12 Welsh Ministers and Deputy Ministers. This means that the maximum size of the Welsh Government is 14, including the First Minister and Counsel General.

How we differ

The Welsh Government and the UK Government both look after different interests in Wales. We are responsible for most of the day-to-day issues, for example health, education, agriculture and local government. The UK Government looks after other areas such as defence, taxation, pensions and benefits.

Wales’ voice in the UK Government is represented by the Secretary of State for Wales and supporting staff in the Wales Office.