Revisited Wales Autism Wales Bill Set To Go Before AM’s

The Autism (Wales) Bill will go before Assembly Members tomorrow after being selected in a recent Members’ Bill ballot earlier this year.

Update Wednesday: Ahead of this afternoons debate the comments below by Lesley Griffiths AM stating she will abstain as per apparent convention have been challenged with Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru’s North Wales AM getting in touch to say, “Labour should not hide behind procedure on this important matter. They failed to support an Autism Act last year and seem reluctant to do so once again. Given that Wales led the way back in 2008 in championing this cause, under the One Wales Government that included Plaid Cymru, it’s a matter of huge regret that the Labour government is failing Wales on this matter.”

We have been pointed to this voting summary document with it noted that on a similar style Members’ Bill in March this year Ken Skates voted against, as did Mark Drakeford, Carl Sargeant, Rebecca Evans and Vaughan Gething.

Orignal information from yesterday…
If successful the proposal, which is being led by Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Paul Davies, aims to ensure that local authorities and health boards publish information on the services they provide for people with autism in their areas and ensure a clear and consistent pathway to diagnosis of autism in local area.

This is the second time the Autism Bill will be debated by AMs, having previously been voted against by Labour and the sole Liberal Democrat Assembly Member in October 2016.

However there is fresh hope from campaigners that a vote in favour of the Bill could open the door for specific autism legislation to be introduced in Wales.

Gresford Councillor Andrew Atkinson, who has campaigned previously in support of the Wrexham Branch of the National Autistic Society Cymru, is calling on local people with autistic family members and friends to contact their local Assembly Members if they want an Autism Act for Wales.

He said: “Welsh Conservatives have long campaigned for an Autism Act for Wales, it’s something I’ve campaigned for along with the local branch of the National Autistic Society Cymru. It’s so important for families across Wales that need the help that an Autism Act would bring that Assembly Members of all parties support the bill on Wednesday.

“Sadly Welsh Labour blocked the bill last time with their AM’s voting against it. They’ve done well in this area previously and now they have a second chance to vote for what some families across Wales are crying out for. If this matters to you please contact your local Labour Assembly member and ask them not to vote against it again but to support it this time along with all other parties.”

Kerry Roberts from the Wrexham branch of the NAS said: “We campaigned hard for this in the assembly elections but Labour decided they were happy with their strategy, hopefully they will listen to what people living with Autism need and back the Act this time.”

Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru’s North Wales AM, has spoken out previously following last year’s vote by the Welsh Labour and Welsh Liberal Democrats.

Mr Gruffydd said: “I will be supporting the proposed Autism Act as it comes before the Assembly for an initial consideration this week. Plaid Cymru supports the National Autistic Society’s view on strengthening services in this field.”

Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths faced criticism last year after she and 26 other Assembly Members voted against a similar Bill. Wrexham.com asked Ms Griffiths to comment on Labour’s position on the new process and if she could offer some context on the vote last year.

She confirmed to us that she will be abstaining from tomorrow’s vote, due to Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers being unable to cast a vote in Proposed Members’ Bills.

Ms Griffiths said: “Several constituents have contacted me and I do recognise the strength of feeling regarding this issue.

“The development of an Autism Bill has been brought forward by an individual Assembly Member in the form of a Proposed Members’ Bill. As is always the case with Proposed Members’ Bills, Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers of the Welsh Government are unable to cast a vote and, therefore, I will be abstaining.

“With the Bill likely to progress to the next stage, it will become subject to the same scrutiny process as other Welsh Bills.”

She added: “It is important to recognise existing policies and legislative measures supporting people with autism are already in place in Wales. Wales was the first country to develop an Autism Strategy in 2008 and introduced a refreshed Action Plan in November last year.

“At the end of March, a further £7m was outlined for the National Integrated Autism Services, bringing the total amount of funding allocated to £13m.

“Action is already underway with the Welsh Government introducing comprehensive measures to deliver support for people with autism. However, the policies and procedures are continually monitored.

“If gaps in services and support appear that can be addressed and improved by an Autism Bill, then the Welsh Government will introduce appropriate legislation.”

Those interested can watch the webcast – detail and timings are here.