Reducing the Democratic Deficit? Devolution and the Accountability of Public Organisations in Wales

Abstract

Devolution is viewed as a way to deal with the perceived ‘democratic deficit’ in Wales. It can be argued that political accountability has already been enhanced by the creation of a new directly-elected democratic institution. However, equally crucial to the success of devolution is improved organisational accountability, which is likely to be more difficult to achieve. In this paper we evaluate the effectiveness of the accountability arrangements in place before the establishment of a Welsh Assembly. We examine the role of the Welsh Office, Parliamentary Select Committees, National Audit Office and the Audit Commission. We then analyse the new accountability framework for Wales, in particular the early work of the assembly committees. The view of politicians and officials is that post-devolution scrutiny regimes are beginning to strengthen organisational accountability in Wales.