WALES’ ongoing devolution process has taken another tentative step forwards after the latest version of a UK Government bill granting more powers to the Senedd was released.

Earlier this year then-Welsh secretary Stephen Crabb announced the long-running Wales Bill would be put on hold after a number of elements proved deeply unpopular with many, with First Minister Carwyn Jones claiming it amounted to “An English veto on Welsh laws”.

The revamped bill was introduced to Parliament today.

Among changes are the complete removal of the 'necessity test', the source of the ‘English veto’ claim. In its place will be an 'impact assessment’, whereby a working group made up of representatives of the Welsh Government, the Wales Office, the cabinet office, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Ministry of Justice and the Lord Chief Justice will examine proposed laws.

A requirement for a referendum to be held if the Assembly chooses to vary income tax has also been removed and the number of powers 'reserved' by Westminster has been reduced.

Vale of Glamorgan MP Alun Cairns, who replaced Mr Crabb as Welsh secretary in March, said the revamped bill would better equip the Welsh Government to respond to the needs of people living and working in Wales.

“This is quite ground-breaking in terms of the Assembly’s permanence, the Assembly’s power, and clarity for the people of Wales,” he said.

“The Welsh government can rightly take credit for decisions which have a positive impact, but also must be held to account for those that don’t work out.”

On the proposed changes to income tax law, Mr Cairns said: “As a Conservative I would like to see Wales become a low tax area of the UK.”

He added he expected the bill would have a second reading in Parliament next week, and would be complete by May 2017.

"Wales is an outward-looking nation that is already punching above its weight on the world stage.

"With its distinct heritage and proud radical traditions, Wales is firmly on the path towards securing a strong and mature devolved parliament.

"Today's bill is the next stage on that journey."

Reacting to the announcement, Mr Jones said: “I cautiously welcome the progress that has been made towards delivering a Bill which could take Wales forwards; although there is still a considerable way to go to provide the simple, certain and long-lasting settlement Wales needs. 

“We will work constructively with the UK Government over the coming months to iron out the detail, while recognising we are unlikely to reach agreement on some important issues where we continue to hold differing views, such as the need for a distinct legal jurisdiction for Wales,” he said.

“It is important to recognise that we are not pressing for constitutional change for its own sake – we want the tools to deliver for the people of Wales, and that will always be our guiding principle.”

Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies called the introduction of the bill “a coming of age moment for Welsh politics.”

“It is a potentially landmark piece of legislation for Wales, which will serve to transform its constitutional structure, giving the Assembly and the Welsh Government increased powers, permanence and greater accountability,” he said.

To view the full bill click here.