Policing powers 'should be devolved,' Silk report to say

Video caption, The UK government is known to have its doubts about handing over policing powers
  • Author, Nick Servini
  • Role, Political editor, Wales

The Welsh government should have powers over policing, an influential report into the future of devolution is expected to say on Monday.

The Silk Commission is also expected to call for an increase to the current 60 assembly members in Cardiff Bay.

This will be the second report by the commission set up by the UK government.

The first report, into financial powers, said a referendum should be held on giving the Welsh government powers over income tax rates.

In November, Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed the UK government was willing to hand over some tax and borrowing powers to Cardiff Bay.

Justice question

The second part of the Silk Commission is on the scope of the Welsh assembly's powers.

In its submission, the Welsh government called for a range of powers to be devolved including responsibility for policing, youth justice and consent over large energy projects.

But the UK government has already said there is not a case for radical changes to devolution.

The Ministry of Justice said in its evidence to the commission that it would be unusual for policing to be devolved separately to the rest of the criminal justice system.