Minutes - Business Committee


Meeting Venue:

Tŷ Hywel

Meeting date: 16 July 2024

Meeting time: 09.01 - 09.42


Remote / Private

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Attendance

Category

Names

Committee Members:

Elin Jones MS, Llywydd (Chair)

Heledd Fychan MS

Jane Hutt MS

Darren Millar MS

Committee Staff:

Graeme Francis (Clerk)

Yan Thomas (Deputy Clerk)

Others in attendance

Jane Dodds MS

David Rees MS, Deputy Presiding Officer

Manon Antoniazzi, Chief Executive and Clerk

Bethan Davies, Head of Chamber and Committee Service

Julian Luke, Head of Policy and Legislation Committee Service

Helen Carey, Welsh Government

 

<AI1>

1       Introductions, apologies and substitutions

The Llywydd welcomed Members to the meeting

</AI1>

<AI2>

2       Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed for publication

</AI2>

<AI3>

3       Organisation of Business

</AI3>

<AI4>

3.1   This Week's Business

Tuesday 

 

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.10pm

 

Heledd Fychan expressed disappointment that the recent updates on ‘Escalation and Intervention Arrangements’ in the NHS and a new special measures framework, including de-escalation criteria for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, have not been made as oral statements and therefore subject to scrutiny by the Senedd. The Trefnydd indicated that consideration would be given to bringing forward oral statements on these matters.

 

Wednesday

 

The Llywydd informed Business Managers of the following change:

 

·         Motion to suspend Standing Orders (5 mins)

 

·         Voting Time will take place after the short debate.  

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.45pm

</AI4>

<AI5>

3.2   Three week timetable of Government Business

The Trefnydd informed Business Managers of the following changes to the Three Week Timetable of Government Business.

 

Tuesday 17 September 2024

 

 

Tuesday 24 September 2024

 

·         Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Education: Universal free school meals in primary schools (45 mins)

 

</AI5>

<AI6>

3.3   Three week timetable of Senedd Business

The following additions were agreed to the Three Week Timetable of Senedd Business: 

 

Wednesday 2 October 2024 –

 

 

Heledd Fychan enquired whether it would be possible to reschedule Delyth Jewell’s Member Debate on women’s healthcare that had been due to take place on 19 June but was postponed at the Member’s request. Business Committee agreed that it would allow the motion to be resubmitted so that it can be reconsidered for selection at the next opportunity.

</AI6>

<AI7>

4       Welsh Government Draft Budget 2025-26

</AI7>

<AI8>

4.1   Response from the Chair of the Finance Committee regarding the Draft Budget timetable 2025-26

Business Committee considered the response from, and the issues raised by, the Finance Committee regarding the proposed timetable for consideration of the Draft Budget 2025-26. Business Committee agreed the proposed timetable, noting that it may be possible for the timetable to be adjusted once the date of the UK Government’s autumn fiscal event is known.

Business Committee also agreed to consider further the suggestions made by the Finance Committee to maximise the opportunities for the Senedd to scrutinise the budget during the autumn term.

 

 

 

</AI8>

<AI9>

4.2   Letter from the Chair of the Finance Committee to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Cabinet Office regarding the Draft Budget timetable 2025-26

Business Committee considered the response from, and the issues raised by, the Finance Committee regarding the proposed timetable for consideration of the Draft Budget 2025-26. Business Committee agreed the proposed timetable, noting that it may be possible for the timetable to be adjusted once the date of the UK Government’s autumn fiscal event is known.

Business Committee also agreed to consider further the suggestions made by the Finance Committee to maximise the opportunities for the Senedd to scrutinise the budget prior to the introduction of the Budget.

</AI9>

<AI10>

5       Committees

</AI10>

<AI11>

5.1   Letter from the Chair of the Standards of Conduct Committee regarding its inquiry into individual member accountability

Business Committee noted the letter.

</AI11>

<AI12>

5.2   Joint Committee letter regarding a visit to Ireland

Business Committee considered the request and agreed in principle for members of the three committees to leave Plenary early on Wednesday 18 September 2024.

Business Committee requested that options for the Members involved to travel at a time that limits the impact on Plenary to be explored further.

</AI12>

<AI13>

6       Procedural Work

</AI13>

<AI14>

6.1   Proposed revision of Standing Order 29.1

Business Committee agreed to produce a report recommending that the Senedd agrees to amend Standing Order 29.1 (consent in relation to UK Parliament Bills).

</AI14>

<AI15>

6.2   Proposal from Members for a longer-form debate

Business Committee discussed further the merits of introducing a new format for occasional extended debates to be held on Wednesday afternoons on a trial basis, following its previous consideration of correspondence from several Members.

Business Managers agreed to discuss the proposal and options presented with party groups and to return to consider a detailed proposal at a meeting early in the autumn term.

</AI15>

<AI16>

6.3   Review of guidance on virtual and hybrid proceedings

Business Committee agreed to return to further discussion of the current guidance on virtual and hybrid proceedings at the beginning of the autumn term.

</AI16>

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