Overview

This bill, the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, primarily focuses on clarifying the division of powers between the UK government and devolved administrations (Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) regarding product regulation and metrology. It aims to ensure that regulations made under the Act do not infringe on the devolved competencies of these administrations.

Description

The bill makes key amendments to existing legislation concerning the creation of product regulations and metrology standards. The most significant changes relate to the devolution of powers.

Devolution of Powers

The bill mandates that the UK Secretary of State must obtain the consent of the devolved administrations (Scottish Ministers, Welsh Ministers, and the relevant Northern Ireland department) before making regulations that fall within their devolved legislative competencies. Exceptions are made only if the provision is incidental or consequential to matters outside devolved competence. The bill defines what constitutes devolved competence for each administration, ensuring alignment with existing legislative frameworks.

Amendments to the Government of Wales Act 2006

The bill amends Schedule 7B of the Government of Wales Act 2006 to explicitly include the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 within the exceptions to general restrictions on Senedd Cymru's legislative competence.

Technical Amendments

Minor technical amendments are included, such as removing subsection (2) of Clause 15 and altering a clause number reference (Clause 12).

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any changes to government spending. The financial implications will likely depend on the implementation of the regulations made under the Act and any administrative costs associated with intergovernmental cooperation required to obtain consents for regulations.

Groups Affected

• UK Government: Will need to consult and gain consent from devolved administrations before creating regulations in devolved areas.
• Devolved Administrations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland): Will have increased control over product regulation and metrology within their respective jurisdictions.
• Businesses: May experience changes in product regulations depending on the specifics of regulations made under the Act.
• Consumers: May indirectly experience changes in product standards and availability depending on the regulations.

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