13 October 2015

Dear Jane

Draft Wales Bill

I am writing with regards to the draft Wales Bill, which I understand is expected to be published next week.   The Finance Committee will be considering the draft Bill following October recess.

In anticipation of the draft Bills publication and the Committees consideration it would be helpful to have your view on whether the draft Bill will enable financial framework legislation to be brought forward covering finance accountability and audit arrangements (as currently contained in the Government of Wales Act 2006), and as recommended by the Committees Part 2 report into Best Practice Budget Procedures. 

In addition it would also be helpful if you could provide information as to whether, in your view, the draft Bill will result in:

· any additional costs associated with the new powers in the Bill and how any additional costs will be funded;

· any further impact on the Welsh Government’s budget or audit arrangements.

As you will be aware the Assembly’s opportunity for scrutiny of the draft Bill is limited, therefore I would be grateful if you could issue a response to this letter by Friday 30 October.

I am copying this letter to the First Minister, as the overarching lead responsible for the draft Wales Bill within the Welsh Government.

Yours sincerely,

Jocelyn Davies AM

Chair