Meetings

The Business Committee agreed to refer the Bill to the Children, Young People and Education Committee for consideration of the general principles and deferred a decision on the timetable for the Bill in order to consult that Committee, and to return to the matter at a future meeting.

The Business Committee agreed to refer the Bill to the Reform Bill Committee for consideration of the general principles and deferred a decision on the timetable for the Bill in order to consult that Committee, and to return to the matter at a future meeting.

Business Committee considered the response from the Local Government and Housing Committee and agreed the proposed timetable for the Local Government Finance (Wales) Bill.

Business Committee agreed to refer the Bill to the Local Government and Housing Committee for consideration of the general principles. Business Committee also agreed to defer a decision on the timetable for the Bill, in order to consult the Local Government and Housing Committee and to return to the matter at a future meeting.   

Business Committee noted that the Local Government and Housing Committee does not intend to report on the Supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandum (No. 4) for the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill as the amendments covered by that Memorandum fall outside the LGH Committee’s remit.  For the same reason, Business Committee agreed not to refer the SLCM (No.5) to the LGH Committee.

Business Committee agreed to refer Supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandum (Memorandum No. 5) on the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill to the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 16 October.

Business Committee noted the responses from the Reform Bill Committee and the Local Government and Housing Committee regarding arrangements for scrutiny of the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Bill.

Business Committee agreed that the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Bill be referred to the Local Government and Housing Committee for consideration of the general principles. The Committee also agreed the proposed timetable for scrutiny of the Bill.

Timetable for the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Bill

Business Committee agreed to write to the Local Government and Housing Committee to explain that it was minded to refer the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Bill to the Committee for scrutiny of general principles, and to seek the views of the Local Government and Housing Committee on both that point and on the proposed timetable. Business Committee also agreed to copy the letter to the Reform Bill Committee to provide it with an opportunity to make any representations that it wishes to in relation to responsibility for scrutiny of the Bill.

Business Committee noted the letter.

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

Wednesday 4 October 2023 – 

• Debate on the Local Government and Housing Committee report – The right to adequate housing (60 mins) 
• Debate on the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee report - Annual Report on Natural Resources Wales - 2022-23 (60 mins) 
• Time allocated to Plaid Cymru (60 mins) 
• Short Debate: Mark Isherwood (North Wales) (30 mins)

Business Committee received an update on current LCMs and agreed to:

• note the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No. 2) on the Non-Domestic Ratings Bill, and agreed not to refer them to committees in light of the legislative consent debate being held today.
• note supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 2), supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 3) and supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 4) on the Energy Bill, and agreed not to refer them to committees in light of the legislative consent debate being held today.
• refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No. 4) on the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill to the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, the Local Government and Housing Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 13 October 2023;
• refer the LCM on the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill to the Public Accounts and Public administration Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 24 November 2023.

Business Committee noted an update from the Trefnydd on the UK Government bills requiring, or likely to require, the legislative consent of the Senedd following the summer recess.

Business Committee considered a proposed timetable from the Welsh Government for the consideration of the Senedd Reform Bill and agreed to defer a decision on this matter until it has fully considered the arrangements for scrutiny of Bills relating to Senedd Reform, and had consulted with the chosen Committee on the proposed timetable for the Bill.

Business Committee considered options for the general approach to the scrutiny of Bills relating to Senedd Reform and agreed to establish a standalone Bill committee and to refer the two Senedd Reform Bills to that Committee for Stage 1 scrutiny. Business Committee agreed that it would consider proposing to the Senedd that Stage 2 proceedings should be conducted by a Committee of the Whole Senedd.

Business Committee agreed to return to consider what the implications might be of the same Committee being asked to be responsible for scrutiny also of an anticipated Bill on electoral administration and reform Bill during the same period.

A majority of Business Committee agreed that the Labour group should be invited to nominate a Chair for the Committee.  It was also agreed that the Committee should comprise four members (two Labour, one each from the Conservative and Plaid Cymru groups) and that further consideration would be given to options for including Jane Dodds. Business Committee agreed that that the Committee’s membership would be gender balanced.

The Secretariat will also share analysis of the current balance of committee chairs and members with Business Managers outside of the meeting.

Business Committee agreed to refer the LCM on the Energy Bill to the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 15 September.

The Committee noted a letter from the Temporary Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee to the Minister for Climate Change expressing the Committee’s serious concern about the delay in the Welsh Government laying the LCM.

Business Committee considered an update on LCMs and agreed to pre-emptively refer the supplementary LCM on the Procurement Bill (Memorandum No. 6) to the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 3 July.

The Trefnydd updated Business Committee on the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which the Welsh Government no longer anticipates will move to Royal Assent prior to summer recess. Amendments expected to be tabled prior to Parliament’s recess will likely lead to a further SLCM And, consequently, a further consent motion debate is likely to take place in September. The Trefnydd will provide a further update ahead of recess should the situation change.

Business Committee noted the letter, which would be attached to the plenary agenda to help inform the debate on the SLCM that afternoon.

Business Committee considered an update on current LCMs and agreed to:

• note the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No. 5) on the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill laid on 26 May, and agree to not refer for reporting in light of the fact that a second legislative consent debate will be held today;
• refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No. 5) on the Online Safety Bill laid on 1 June to the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 26 June;
• refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No. 2) on the Data Protection and Digital Information (No.2) Bill laid on 25 May to the Culture, Communication, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 15 September for this and all other LCMs on this Bill.

Business Committee agreed the proposed timetable for scrutiny of the Infrastructure (Wales) Bill timetable.

The Committee noted the Committee’s request that the Government takes into account the Committee’s existing legislative scrutiny commitments when proposing a timetable for a Bill on Disused Spoil Tip Safety, if one is introduced during the third year of the legislative programme

Business Committee noted the letter.

Business Committee noted the letter and that the Committee does not intend to report on the LCM.

Business Committee noted the recommendation and agreed to respond to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee indicating that it intends to consider options for a potential review of the Member Bill process during the summer term, and will take the Committee’s recommendation into account.

Business Committee considered an update from the Trefnydd and agreed to:

• refer the LCM on the Victim and Prisoners Bill laid on 19 May to the Equality and Social Justice Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 14 July.
• pre-emptively refer the SLCM (Memorandum No 2) on the Illegal Migration Bill to the Children, Young People and Education Committee, the Equality and Social Justice Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 19 June.
• extend the reporting deadline for the anticipated SLCM (Memorandum No 3) and all other LCMs on the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill to 12 June.

The Trefnydd also provided a verbal update on the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, on which significant amendments are currently being made at Westminster, and confirmed that an SLCM will be laid as soon as possible. The Trefnydd indicated a possibility that the legislative consent debate may need to be held in Plenary as early as 6 June.

Business Committee noted the letter and that the Committee does not intend to report on the SLCM.

Business Committee agreed that the Bill be referred to the Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee for consideration of the general principles. The Committee also agreed to defer a decision on the timetable for the Bill in order to consult the CCEI Committee, and return to the matter at a future meeting.

Business Committee received an update on current LCMs and agreed to:

• extend the reporting deadline for supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 3) on the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill to 5 June;
• extend the reporting deadline for the LCM on the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Bill to 8 June;
• refer the Illegal Immigration Bill LCM to the Children, Young People and Education Committee for scrutiny with a reporting deadline of 15 June.

Business Committee considered an update from the Trefnydd and agreed to:

• extend the reporting deadline for the LCM on the Data Protection and Digital Information (No 2) Bill to 6 July 2023;
• refer the LCM on the Illegal Migration Bill laid on 31 March to the Equality and Social Justice Committee, the Local Government and Housing Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny with a reporting deadline of 15 June 2023;
• refer the LCM on the Non-Domestic Rating Bill laid on 11 April, to the Local Government and Housing Committee, the Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee, the Finance Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 22 June 2023;
• refer the LCM on the Protection from Sex-based Harassment Bill laid on 17 April to the Equality and Social Justice Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 18 May; and
• to pre-emptively refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 3) on the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill to the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, the Local Government and Housing Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 22 May.

Business Committee noted the letter

Any other businessBusiness Committee noted the letter and the Committee’s position that it is unable to report on the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No. 4) on the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill. 

Business Committee noted the letter and the Welsh Government’s intention to lay a Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Bill outside of the usual timescales.

Business Committee noted the letter and agreed to revise the reporting deadline for supplementary LCM (Memorandum No. 4) on the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill to 27 March 2023, in light of the debate being moved to 28 March.

Business Committee noted the letter. 

Business Committee noted the letter. 

The Business Committee agreed the proposed timetable for scrutiny of the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Bill. In doing so, Business Committee noted the points raised in the letter around the potential for other Bills to be introduced in areas within the CCEI Committee’s remit during the same timeframe.

The Trefnydd acknowledged the need to provide clarity on these matters and informed Business Managers that the Government intends to introduce an Infrastructure Consenting Bill before the end of the Summer Term, and that the Minister for Climate Change will provide an update on Coal Tip Safety in the form of a Written Statement later this week.

Business Committee received an update on current LCMs and agreed to:

• refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No. 3) on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill laid on 9 March for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 4 May 2023;
• refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No. 6) on the Social Housing Bill laid on 9 March for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 27 March 2023;
• refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No. 4) on the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 20 March 2023;and
• note the position on the Procurement Bill.

Business Committee noted correspondence from the Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, which had been received and circulated following their meeting held on Monday 13 March. Business Committee noted that Committee’s position that they would be unable to report on the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No. 4) on the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill due to the very limited time available for this.

Business Committee noted the letter. 

Business Committee considered a letter regarding the likely late laying of a further supplementary Legislative Consent Memoranda on the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill and the lack of scrutiny time that this will afford to Senedd committees. Concerns were raised over the approach taken by the Government in this case to delay laying an SLCM on a number of amendments made at Westminster several weeks previously.

The Trefnydd indicated that consideration would be given to whether it would be possible to move the debate on this LCM from 14 March to a later date in order to allow for additional time for scrutiny, or to extend the timing for the debate to 45 minutes if this is not possible.

Business Committee noted the response received from the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd to its letter regarding the late laying of the LCM and the resulting impact upon the time available for scrutiny.

Business Committee noted the latest correspondence between the Welsh Government and the Finance Committee on this matter.

Business Committee noted that the Llywydd intended to write to the First Minister regarding her expectations on the matter of Senedd consent in relation to statutory instruments made by UK Ministers.  It was recognised also that options for reviewing Standing Order 30A (alongside related Standing Orders) would be brought to the Business Committee in due course as part of its broader programme for procedural review.

Business Committee noted the letter and the Committee’s concerns about the implications of late amendments by the UK Government on the ability of committees to scrutinise Supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandums.

Business Committee noted the recommendations 5 and 14 made by the Legislation Justice and Constitution Committee in its report on the Legislative Consent Memorandum. Business Committee agreed to return to both of the matters raised at the relevant time.  It was noted in particular that the requirements of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill (in terms of committee and Plenary sitting time) would need to be considered when confirming dates for the autumn term and Christmas recess. 

Business Committee agreed that the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Bill be referred to the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee for consideration of the general principles, and to defer a decision on the timetable for the Bill in order to consult the Committee before returning to the matter at a future meeting.  

Business Committee noted the letter and agreed to consider an update on its procedural work programme in the coming weeks, following the conclusion of the current work on proxy voting, in order to give further consideration to the prioritisation of other work relating to the review of a range of procedural matters.

Business Committee received an update on current LCMs and:

• agreed to refer the LCM on the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill laid on 9 February to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, noting that the Bill may also be of interest to a number of other committees, with a reporting deadline of 30 March 2023; and
• noted the positions on LCMs considered by Business Committee on 7 February 2023.

Business Committee agreed the requested extension to the timetable for Stage 1 scrutiny of the Food (Wales) Bill from 28 April to 12 May and that, subject to the general principles of the Bill being agreed by the Senedd, Stage 2 proceedings should be completed by 14 July 2023.

Business Committee noted the relevant recommendation made by the LJC Committee as part of its report on the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill LCM, which proposes a review of the Senedd’s Standing Orders in relation to the practical effect of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020. Business Committee agreed to consider the recommendation further as part of planned work on Post-Brexit procedural reforms.

Business Committee agreed the proposed timetable for scrutiny of the Health Service Procurement (Wales) Bill. In doing so, the Committee noted the Health and Social Care Committee’s concerns regarding the shortened period for Stage 1 scrutiny and the fact that the Stage 2 tabling deadline will fall during a half term recess. Business Committee noted that this would necessitate an earlier tabling deadline for amendments at Stage 2.

Business Committee noted the correspondence and annex containing an update on the Welsh Government’s approach to the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill and its intention that the Senedd should have the opportunity to scrutinise subordinate legislation which arises as a result of the Bill. The Committee also noted the Government’s intention to contact it once it has sufficient information about the potential implications for the Senedd timetable.

The Business Committee agreed to refer the Regulations to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the Finance Committee and requested that the committees should report by Monday 27 February 2023.  

Business Committee agreed to refer the Bill to the Health and Social Care Committee for consideration of the general principles. Business Committee agreed to defer a decision on the timetable for the Bill, including the Government’s request for a shortened period for Stage 1 scrutiny, in order to consult the Health and Social Care Committee and to return to the matter at a future meeting.  

Business Committee noted the letter regarding the current status of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill and the Government’s intention to bring forward a further Supplementary LCM containing all relevant amendments tabled for Report Stage in the House of Commons.

Business Committee noted the Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee's concerns regarding the timescales for scrutiny of the Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill, as a result of the late laying of the LCM.

The Trefnydd confirmed that she would be responding to the Business Committee’s letter on this point, and would copy that response to committees.

Business Committee noted the letter and the concerns raised by the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee regarding the potential implications for that Committee,  and the business of the Senedd, which may arise as a result of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill introduced in the UK Parliament.

Darren Millar suggested that Business Committee may wish to consider establishing an additional committee in order to respond to concerns about scrutiny capacity. Business Committee agreed to monitor developments and to maintain a dialogue with the Welsh Government, whilst keeping all options open.

Business Committee considered the recommendations made by the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee in its report on the Bill and agreed to respond to accept both recommendations addressed to the Business Committee.

The Business Committee agreed to refer the Regulations to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the Finance Committee for scrutiny, and requested that the committees report by Monday 23 January 2023 to enable the regulations to be considered by the Senedd on Tuesday 24 January 2023. 

Business Committee considered an update from the Trefnydd and agreed to:

• refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 4) on the Online Safety Bill laid on 21 December to the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline, for this and previous LCMs on this Bill, of 2 March 2023;  
• refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 2) on the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill laid on 21 December to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline, for this and previous LCMs on this Bill, of 2 March 2023;
• refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 2) on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill laid on 4 January to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline, for this and previous LCMs on this Bill, of 9 March 2023;
• refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 4) on the Procurement Bill laid on 19 December to the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline, for this and previous LCMs on this Bill, of 2 March 2023.

Business Committee noted the letter and the concerns expressed in relation to the expedited timetable of the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Bill. The Llywydd indicated that she had met with the Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee in December and agreed that officials will draft a report for Business Committee detailing the lessons learnt from the scrutiny process on this Bill, which can be referenced in the event of any future request for an expedited timetable for scrutiny of a Bill.

Business Committee noted the letters and agreed to await a further response from the First Minister to the Finance Committee before giving any further consideration to the practice of voting on the Financial Resolution motion for Bills on the same day as the Stage 1 debate.

Business Committee considered the letter and agreed to respond to the Chair of the Local Government and Housing Committee, noting the concerns raised about the volume of Legislative Consent Memoranda and the impact upon the work of committees.

Business considered an update from the Trefnydd and agreed to:

• refer the supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandum (Memorandum No 3) on the Procurement Bill, laid on 6 December, to the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 16 February 2023, and noted that a further SLCM is expected to be laid prior to Christmas;
• refer the supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandum (Memorandum No 4) on the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill, laid on 6 December, to the Local Government and Housing Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 13 January 2023; and
• refer the Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill, laid on the 8 December, to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 16 January 2023. The Committee also agreed to write to the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd to express concern over the late laying of the LCM on this Bill, which has resulted in an extremely limited period of time being available to committees for scrutiny of the relevant provisions in the Bill.

Business Committee agreed the proposed timetable for scrutiny of the Food (Wales) Bill. 

Further to the indication given in the previous meeting, Business Committee noted the letter and the intention to hold the Stage 4 debate on the Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Bill immediately after today’s Stage 3 proceedings.

Business Committee agreed to: 

• refer the LCM on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill laid on 29 November to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny with a reporting deadline of 2 March 2023;
• refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 2) on the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill laid on 30 November to the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, the Local Government and Housing Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 16 February 2023; and
• refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 3) on the UK Infrastructure Bank Bill laid on 30 November to the Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee, the Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee, the Finance Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 16 January 2023.

Business Committee noted the letter. The Llywydd stated her intention to meet with the Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee to discuss the matter and will provide an update to Business Committee following that meeting.

Business Committee noted the letter and thanked the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for raising this matter and agreed that it will take the points raised into account if and when it is required to consider any such request in future.

Business Committee considered an update from the Trefnydd and agreed to refer the Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Shark Fins Bill to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 16 January 2023. 

Business Committee agreed that the Bill should be referred to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee for consideration of the general principles.

Business Committee agreed to defer a decision on the timetable for the Bill in order to consult that Committee, and to return to the matter at a future meeting. 

Business Committee noted the letter.

Business Committee considered an update from the Trefnydd and agreed to:

• refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 3) on the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill laid on 17 November to the Local Government and Housing Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 13 January 2023; and
• extend the reporting deadline for the LCM on the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill to 16 February 2023, in anticipation of a revised LCM being laid.

Business Committee agreed to refer the supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Online Safety Bill to the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, with a reporting deadline of 16 February 2023.

Business Committee considered correspondence sent by the Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee to the Minister for Climate Change, which proposes that the Welsh Government should lay a revised Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill as a result of what the Committee considers to be deficiencies in the current Memorandum.

The Trefnydd confirmed that the Minister for Climate Change is currently considering the correspondence and will respond to the Committee shortly. The Trefnydd will update Business Committee as soon as further information is available, including as to whether the current reporting deadline for committees can be revised.

Business Committee considered an update on current LCMs and agreed:

• to refer the LCM on the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 9 February 2023; and
• to further extend the reporting deadline on the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill LCM to 21 November 2022.

The Business Committee considered the letter and agreed to respond to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee to concur that assessments of the time available for the Senedd to consider legislation are a matter for Business Committee, and to copy that response to the Counsel General and Minister for the Constitution and the Trefnydd.

Business Committee noted the updated timetable reflecting changes to deadlines previously agreed by the Committee.

Business Committee considered the request for an extension to the reporting deadline for the LCM on the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill. On the basis that a debate on the LCM has been scheduled for 8 November as a result of the timetable for the Bill at Westminster, Business Committee concluded that it is currently not possible for the reporting deadline to be extended. The Trefyndd indicated that, should the parliamentary timetable change, the Government would be willing to revisit the timetable for scrutiny of the LCM.

Business Committee agreed to refer the Regulations to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting  Monday 7 November 2022, in order to enable these regulations to be considered by the Senedd on Tuesday 8 November.  

Business Committee agreed in principle that the Bill be referred to the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee for Stage 2 proceedings, should the general principles be agreed by the Senedd.

Business Committee considered an update from the Welsh Government and agreed to refer the Supplementary LCM on the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill to the Local Government and Housing Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 1 December.

Business Committee noted the response received from the Committee and agreed that no adjustment would be required to the existing timetable for scrutiny of the Bill.

Business Committee considered correspondence from the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and agreed short extensions to the reporting deadlines for the Initial Consideration stage on the Bill to 23 December 2022, and for the Detailed Committee Consideration stage to 10 March 2023.

Business Committee noted the correspondence received from the Chair of the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee and agreed to respond to the letter. Business Committee agreed not to refer the Bill to a responsible Committee for consideration of the general principles in light of the work that the Committee has been able to carry out in recent weeks, and to agree the proposed timetable for consideration of the Bill.

Business Committee agreed to refer the Bill to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, and to defer a decision on the timetable for the Bill in order to consult the Committee and return to the matter at a future meeting.  

The Trefnydd provided an update on UK Government bills and LCMs. The Business Committee agreed to:

• refer the LCM on the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill for scrutiny to the Local Government and Housing Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, with a reporting deadline of 1 December;
• extend the reporting deadline for the LCM and the Supplementary LCM on the Procurement Bill to 24 November;
• extend the reporting deadline for the LCM on the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill to 1 December;
• extend the reporting deadline for the LCM on the Schools Bill to 1 December;
• maintain the current reporting deadline of 17 November for the LCM and the Supplementary LCM on the UK Infrastructure Bank Bill; and
• note the update provided by the Government on other UK Bills and LCMs.

The Trefnydd presented a revised timetable for scrutiny of the Bill, due to its introduction having been delayed until after to the period of National Mourning. The Business Committee agreed to consult the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee on the proposed revised timetable, and to return to the matter at the next meeting.   

The Committee noted the letter in its consideration of the timetable for the  Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) (Bill).

Business Committee noted the proposed timetable from the Trefnydd and the correspondence received from the Chair of the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, and agreed that a decision over whether the Bill should be referred to a responsible committee for consideration of its general principles should be taken once it has been introduced. Therefore, Business Committee agreed that it would return to further consideration of the Bill timetable at the beginning of the autumn term, taking into consideration whether any public consultation activity has been able to take place over the summer. 

Business Committee received an update on current LCMs and agreed to:       

• refer the LCM on the Schools Bill to the Children, Young People and Education Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 17 November.
• refer the SLCM on the UK Infrastructure Bank Bill to the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, the Finance Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 17 November.
• refer the SLCM on the Procurement Bill to the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 10 November.

The Trefnydd also provided an oral update on the wider LCM programme.

Business Committee considered the request from the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for changes to be made to the proposed timetable for scrutiny of The Historic Environment (Wales) Bill and agreed to extend the reporting deadlines for Initial Consideration to 16 December 2022 and for Detailed Committee Consideration to 3 March 2023.

Business Committee considered the request from the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee for an extension to the reporting deadline on the LCM on the Procurement Bill and agreed to extend the reporting deadline to 10 November 2022.

Business Committee agreed to refer the LCM on the Procurement Bill to the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of 6 October 2022.

Business Committee agreed the proposed timetable for scrutiny of The Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill.

Business Committee received a briefing on the process for scrutinising a consolidation bill and referred the Historic Environment (Wales) Bill to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny. Business Committee agreed to defer a decision on the timetable for the Bill in order to consult the Committee and return to the matter at a future meeting.  

Business Committee received an update on current LCMs and agreed to:

• refer the LCM on the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of 29 September 2022.  The ETRA and PAPA Committees would be encouraged to discuss between them which Committee would take the lead on this scrutiny from a policy perspective;
• refer the LCM on the UK Infrastructure Bank Bill to the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, the Finance Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of 29 September 2022. The CCEI, ETRA and Finance Committees would be encouraged to discuss between them which Committee would take the lead on this scrutiny from a policy perspective;
• note the position and letters received in relation to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill and the Procurement Bill, and to await a further update at a future meeting.

The Committee noted the letter.

The Committee noted the letter.

Business Committee considered the letter from the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the points raised about the opportunities for Member Bills in the Committee’s recent report on the Welsh Government’s Legislative Consent Memorandum on the British Sign Language Bill. Business Committee agreed to consider a paper regarding the potential for reviewing the Member Bill selection process.

The Business Committee agreed that the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee should report on The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 10) Regulations 2022 by the morning of Tuesday 17 May 2022.

The Business Committee noted the letter and that the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee has reported on the regulations ahead of the debate in Plenary on Tuesday 26 April

Business Committee noted the letter and the recommendation of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee in relation to amending Standing Orders. Business Committee agreed to return to consider the recommendation further if and when the Bill is enacted.

Business Committee noted the letter and that the concerns raised will be addressed as part of ongoing discussions about the LCM process between Senedd Commission officials and Welsh Government counterparts

Business Committee received an oral update on current LCMs and agreed:

• to refer the LCM on the Online Safety Bill to the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of 21 July 2022.
• to note that as no amendments were tabled for consideration in the House of Lords to the British Sign Language Bill, it will now move to Lords Third Reading on 27 April.
• to note that the SLCM on the Health and Care Bill was laid on 5 April and that a reporting deadline of this morning (26 April) had been set at the previous meeting.
• to note that consideration of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill at Westminster stalled following Commons Committee stage in November. Consequently, the Bill was made subject to a carry-over motion on 25 April and will therefore return in the next Parliamentary session.

Update on LCMS

Business Committee received an update on current LCMs and agreed:

• to note that the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee will report on the latest SLCM (No. 5) on the Building Safety Bill this morning ahead of the proposed debate this afternoon;
• to refer the SLCM (No. 4) on the Health and Care Bill to the Health and Social Care Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of the morning of 26 April;
• to await a further update on the timetable in respect of the Online Safety Bill.

Business Committee received an update on current LCMs and agreed:

• to refer the LCM on the British Sign Language Bill to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the Equality and Social Justice Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 26 May.
• not to refer the SLCM (No.3) on the Professional Qualifications Bill for scrutiny by a committee in light of the tabling of late amendments and the timetable for the remaining stages of the Bill at Westminster.

Business Committee received an update on current LCMs and agreed:

• not to refer the Supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 2) on the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill to a committee for scrutiny in light of the debate being held today.
• to note that the Supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 2) on the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill has been withdrawn and replaced; and agreed to keep the existing reporting deadline of 31 March, until further information regarding the timetable for the passage of the Bill at Westminster is known.

Business Committee received an update on current LCMs and agreed:

• To refer Supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 4) on the Building Safety Bill to the Local Government and Housing Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of the morning of 22 March.
• not to refer the Supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 5) on the Policing, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill to a committee for scrutiny in light of the Plenary debate proposed for this afternoon.
• extend the reporting deadline for the Supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 2) on the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill to 31 March 2022.
• not to refer the Supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 2) on the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill, which is due to be laid this week, to a committee for scrutiny in light of the Plenary debate due to be held on 8 March 2022.

Business Committee noted that the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee will report on these regulations ahead of today’s debate in Plenary.

Business Committee noted the letter.

Business Committee agreed to refer the Supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 3) on the Health and Care Bill to the Health and Social Care Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of the morning of 15 February 2022.

Business Committee agreed to:

• refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 3) on the Building Safety Bill to the Local Government and Housing Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of 17 March 2022;
• revise the reporting deadline for the Supplementary LCM on the Health and Care Bill to the morning of 15 February 2022;
• revise the reporting deadline for the LCM on the Nationality and Borders Bill to the morning of 15 February 2022; and
• note that the Welsh Government intends to consider the position in relation to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill further once there is greater clarity over the content of the Bill at Westminster.

Business Committee agreed to:

• refer the Supplementary LCM (No 2) on the Health and Care Bill to the Health and Social Care Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of 17 February 2022;
• refer the Supplementary LCM (No 3) and Supplementary LCM (Memorandum No 4) on the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of no later than the morning of 18 January 2022;
• refer the Supplementary LCM (No 2) on the Subsidy Control Bill to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of 3 March 2022; and
• refer the Revised Supplementary LCM (No 2) on the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill to the  Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of 3 March 2022.

Business Committee agreed to:

·         refer the LCM on the Cultural Objects (Protection from Seizure) Bill to the Culture, Communication, Welsh Language, Sport and International Relations Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, with a reporting deadline of 10 March 2022;

·         refer the SLCM (No 2) on the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, with a reporting deadline of 17 February 2022; and

·         refer the SLCM (No 3) on the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, the Children Young People and Education Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, with a reporting deadline of the morning of 11 January 2022.

In addition, it was agreed that the LCM for the Nationality and Borders Bill, which had been considered at the previous meeting, could also be referred to the Children, Young People and Education Committee.

Business Committee agreed that the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee should report on the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 21) Regulations 2021 by Monday 10 January 2022. 

Business Committee agreed to:

·         refer the LCM on the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee with a reporting deadline of 10 February 2022;

·         refer the SLCM (No. 3) on the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill for scrutiny to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the Local Government and Housing Committee with a revised reporting deadline of the morning of 14 December 2021;

·         refer the SLCM (No.2) on the Professional Qualifications Bill to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee with a reporting deadline of 10 February 2022;

·         refer the LCM on the Nationality and Borders Bill to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the Health and Social Care Committee with a reporting deadline of 10 February 2022;

·         note the latest position on LCMs.

Business Committee noted the wider issues raised in relation to Legislative Consent Memoranda and to consider these further following the conclusion of discussions taking place between Senedd and government officials.

Business Committee also agreed in principle that the reporting deadlines for the following LCMs be extended pending further advice from Senedd and Welsh Government officials:

• Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill;
• Subsidy Control Bill;
• Building Safety Bill;
• Health and Care Bill;
• Elections Bill.

New reporting deadlines for each LCM will be proposed for agreement outside of committee, following discussion with the Welsh Government.

Business Committee noted the Welsh Government’s letter and intention for the Senedd to debate these regulations on Tuesday 5 October and that, under the draft affirmative procedure, this would mean that the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee would need to report to an earlier deadline as a result.  

Business Committee agreed that Senedd and government officials should discuss issues around Legislative Consent Memorandum deadlines and look in more detail at which committees are facing challenges in reporting to current deadlines as well as how deadlines are proposed more generally.  Further consideration would also be given to the potential for providing further additional meeting slots this term for committees engaged in the scrutiny of LCMs.

Business Committee also agreed to:

·         refer the LCM on the Rating (Coronavirus) and Directors Disqualifications (Dissolved Companies) Bill to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, with a provisional reporting deadline of 18 November 2021;

·         refer the SLCM (No. 2) on the Building Safety Bill to the Local Government and Housing Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, with a provisional reporting deadline of 18 November 2021;

·         revise the reporting deadline on the LCM on the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Bill to 18 November 2021 initially; and

·         note the latest position on LCMs.

Business Committee agreed to refer the letter and paper to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee to review and report on.

Business Committee agreed to:

·         refer the LCM on the Subsidy Control Bill to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, with a reporting deadline of 4 November 2021;

·         refer the LCM on the Building Safety Bill to the Local Government and Housing Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, with a reporting deadline of 4 November 2021;

·         refer the LCM on the Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Bill to the Equality and Social Justice Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, with a reporting deadline of 4 November 2021;

·         refer the LCM on the Health and Care Bill to the Health and Social Care Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, with a reporting deadline of 4 November 2021;

·         refer the supplementary LCM (No.2) on the Environment Bill to the to the Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of 23 September 2021;

·         refer the LCM on the Elections Bill to the Local Government and Housing Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, with a reporting deadline of 4 November 2021; and

·         note the latest position on LCMs.

Business Committee noted the latest position on LCMs, and agreed to refer the Supplementary LCM on the Armed Forces Bill to the Equality and Social Justice Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of 21 October 2021.

Business Committee noted the latest position on LCMs, and agreed to:

·         refer the LCM on Leasehold Reform (Ground Rents) Bill to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the Local Government and Housing Committee with a reporting deadline of 14 October 2021;

·         refer the LCM on the Armed Forces Bill to the  Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the Equality and Social Justice Committee with a reporting deadline of 14 October 2021;

·         refer the LCM on the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee with a reporting deadline of 14 October 2021;

·         refer the LCM on the Environment Bill to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee with a reporting deadline of 13 September 2021 and to note the proposed legislative consent motion debate date of 14 September;

·         refer the LCM on the Professional Qualifications Bill to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee with a reporting deadline of 30 September 2021; and

·         refer the LCM on Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee with a reporting deadline of 14 October 2021.

Business Committee agreed that the Environment Bill and the Professional Qualifications Bill will be referred to committees once they are established.  The Trefnydd agreed to confirm the timings for the Environment Bill.

Business Committee agreed that committees could be invited to report on the LCMs for the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rents) Bill, the Armed Forces Bill and the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill following the summer recess, and that they would take a formal decision on referral and reporting deadlines once committees had been established.