Meetings

Commissioners were updated on the 2021-22 financial position.

Taking account of the underspend in relation to the ring-fenced election cost budget, and the forecast underspend in relation to the ring-fenced budget for the Independent Remuneration Board’s Determination, Commissioners approved the Explanatory Memorandum which will decrease the 2021-22 laid Budget by £1.70 million. The Explanatory Memorandum will be laid as part of the  Supplementary Budget process.

This was to be subject to outcomes of December accounts, with Commissioners to be notified of any change.

Commissioners also noted and approved the letter to the Chair of the Finance Committee.

NDM7458 Suzy Davies (South Wales West)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 20.16:

Agrees the budget of the Senedd Commission for 2021-22, as specified in Table 1 of the Senedd Commission Budget 2021-22, laid before the Senedd on 4 November 2020 and that it be incorporated in the Annual Budget Motion under Standing Order 20.26(ii).

Supporting documents

Report of the Finance Committee

Response by the Senedd Commission

The item started at 16.29

Voting on the motion under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

NDM7458 Suzy Davies (South Wales West)

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 20.16:

Agrees the budget of the Senedd Commission for 2021-22, as specified in Table 1 of the Senedd Commission Budget 2021-22, laid before the Senedd on 4 November 2020 and that it be incorporated in the Annual Budget Motion under Standing Order 20.26(ii).

The result was as follows:

The motion was agreed.

Annex 1 – Response to the Finance Committee Report on the draft budget

Annex 2 – Budget ’21-22

Commissioners considered the recommendations made by the Finance Committee in its report on the 2021-22 Senedd Commission Draft Budget, following its scrutiny. Commissioners discussed areas the Committee had been particularly interested in: Financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, including impact on the project fund; the 2019 VES and the Communications and Engagement strategy, along with archiving and business continuity resilience.

Commissioners agreed their response to the recommendations, and approved the Final Budget document for 2021-22, to be laid on 4 November 2020. They noted that the Budget Motion is planned for debate in plenary on 11 November 2020.

Commissioners considered further revisions to the draft budget, with minor changes since the 13 July Commission meeting.

They approved the 2021-22 Draft Budget, ahead of it being laid in line with the requirements of Standing Orders.

In addition Commissioners agreed the amendments to the disclosures for the new International Financial Accounting Standard 16 – Leases (IFRS 16) and amended Project Fund priorities.

The Commission also noted  the letter sent from the Finance Minister to the Chair of the Finance Committee.

Commissioners considered a paper which provided further details on the impact of following the preferred scenario of reducing the planned increase in the operational budget to 1%, agreed at the 15 June meeting.

Commissioners noted the impact on the overall budget and the project fund as a result of following its preferred strategy for 2021-22, and indicated that detailed prioritisation should be a matter for the next Senedd Commission to be able to shape. They also noted the impact of International Financial Accounting Standard (IFRS) 16 – Leases on the presentation of the 2021-22 Commission Budget, and the letter to the Finance Committee updating the Committee on the Legislation Software Project.

Commissioners held their first discussion about the 2021-22 Senedd Commission draft budget. They considered priorities and challenges likely to arise in the coming period and provided a view to inform further preparation work to be undertaken on the draft budget. They considered the relative merits and implications of different scenarios, expressed a preference to reduce the anticipated budget increase from 2.48% to 1%, to reflect the likely economic climate. They reflected that the period up to the autumn is likely to see further developments.

Commissioners agreed that a three year budget is to be included in the 2021-22 draft budget document and to move the focus away from a fixed establishment staffing cap to a longer term focus on the whole operational budget.

Commissioners also asked for further consideration of the wording in relation to updating the Commission’s Strategic Goals for the Sixth Senedd.

The draft budget will be laid by the 1 October requirement.