Assembly Member does historic double in private member ballots

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 16th Apr 2008

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, has won both of the National Assembly's Legislative Competence Order (LCO) ballot and the Private Member's Measure ballot, giving him the chance to bring two separate proposals to the Assembly.

Mr Black's Measure proposal is to give local authorities a statutory duty to provide facilities for young people in our communities. His LCO proposal is to give the National Assembly the power to change the electoral system used in local government elections.

"These ballots represent a wonderful opportunity for a back bench member to have a real say in the policy of Wales." said Mr Black. "Winning both ballots gives me even more of an opportunity! My proposals are two very different proposals, both of which will have very real effects if passed. "

"My Measure proposal is that local authorities would be obliged to meet the demand amongst young people for leisure and education-based facilities. This can get them off the streets and into constructive engagement with each other and with their communities. Too often young people are demonised, we need to encourage them to realise their potential, assist and support them in making the most of their abilities and provide the opportunities to enable them to do so. This would also help solve many of the anti-social behaviour problems we see in our communities."

"My LCO proposal would give Wales the power to decide on which electoral system is best placed to deliver local representation for voters in Wales. It does not say that this system should be one particular electoral system. But if passed it would mean that the National Assembly would have the power to debate, and to change, the system as the members see fit."

"All to often people are put off voting in local Council elections because they can not see how their vote will make any difference. Large majorities have been built up in the past for a single party, which has failed to gain a majority of the votes cast. That cannot be healthy for local democracy, We need the chance to debate and change that if necessary and that is why I am seeking to bring the necessary powers to the Assembly."