Government to agree “expanded and clearly defined role” for Welsh Government as part of wider youth justice system reform

In its youth justice system reform and delivery plan, published this month, the Ministry of Justice said: “Since the current arrangements for youth justice services were established in 1998, the context in which services operate in Wales has changed considerably and we are committed to updating the arrangements to reflect these developments.”

The government revealed it will start this process by devolving funding to reduce the use of remand for children in Wales, as well as for youth justice early intervention and prevention, from April 2027.

It said: “This will offer the Welsh government the flexibility to reduce bureaucracy in current funding arrangements and support more streamlined delivery, as well as to better target funding and tailor interventions in a way that reflects the context in Wales.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice announced plans to explore a “clearer and strengthened role” for the Welsh Government that “goes beyond the devolution of funding”.

It said: “As part of our work to review and reform the oversight of and strategy for youth justice services, we will continue to work closely with the Welsh Government to reflect the role of Welsh democratic institutions in providing strengthened democratic accountability for devolved services in Wales, with a view to an expanded and clearly defined role for the Welsh Government.”

According to the BBC, the Welsh government said it will be pressing the UK government "to go further".

Despite this, Claire Hughes, UK government Wales office minister, told BBC Radio Wales it was an "important first step" in the devolution of criminal justice.

The announcement from the Ministry of Justice followed negotiations with the former Labour Welsh government, culminating in an agreement announced in March.

The Welsh Government has been approached for comment.

Lottie Winson