Meetings

6.1 The Committee considered the evidence received from the Minister for Finance on the Welsh Government Supplementary Budget 2013-14 and agreed to consider the Committee’s report outside of Committee due to timing issues.

FIN(4)-03-14 (paper 1)

FIN(4)-03-14 (paper 2)

Research Service Brief

Jane Hutt, Minister for Finance

Lynne Hamilton - Director, Finance and Commercial, Welsh Government

Jo Salway - Deputy Director, Strategic Budgeting, Welsh Government

2.1 The Committee took evidence from the Minister for Finance on the Welsh Government Supplementary Budget 2013-14.

2.2 The Minister for Finance agreed to write to Committee outlining how she intends to proceed with regarding the concerns raised by the Auditor General for Wales in his letter to the Permanent Secretary on 13 November 2913, prepare and lay in the Table Office annual reports on the Invest to Save scheme, explain what early release is and clarify the savings she expects under this scheme, and  confirm the budget allocation for administration under the Discretionary Assistance Fund.

5.1 The Committee considered the evidence.

5.2 The Committee Clerk agreed to draft a short report on Scrutiny of Supplementary Budget motion 2013-14.

Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Finance

Matt Denham Jones, Head of Budgetary Control and Reporting

Jo Salway, Deputy Director, Strategic Budgeting

2.1 The Chair welcomed Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Finance and her officials.

2.2 The Minister and officials responded to questions from Members of the Committee.

2.3 The Minister agreed to provide the Committee with the following information:

To confirm whether the communications strategy for the Welsh Government’s Review of Qualifications had been costed and funds committed.

6.1 The committee approved draft guidance to other committees on financial scrutiny.

FIN(4) 03-13 – Paper 3 – Welsh Government’s Supplementary Budget 2013-2014

Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Finance and Leader of the House

Jo Salway, Head of Strategic Budgeting
Matthew Denham-Jones, Head of Budgetary Control & Reporting

Jeff Andrews, Specialist Policy Adviser

5.1 The Chair welcomed Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Finance and Leader of the House; Jo Salway, Head of Strategic Budgeting; Matthew Denham-Jones, Head of Budgetary Control & Reporting; and Jeff Andrews, Specialist Policy Adviser.

5.2 The Committee scrutinised the Minister on the Welsh Government’s Supplementary Budget 2013-14.

Action points:

The Minister agreed to provide:

• Clarification on the request in the supplementary budget motion for a reduction in the amount to be paid from the Consolidated Fund, due to other sources of income being higher than originally forecast, and a breakdown of these sources and the forecast amounts.
• Clarification on funds allocated in this financial year to the NewBuy (Mortgage Guarantee Scheme) and Welsh Housing Bond – and whether there is likely to be any draw down on these funds given the likely launch dates.  Also an explanation as to how it is intended that the NewBuy scheme will be provided for in the budget, at the time where provision is made, and in the event of any default resulting in a cost to the Welsh Government.
• Further information on the transfer of capital funding from Invest-to-Save repayments to address IT costs and details of how the revenue funding for the Fund has increased as a result of further transfers.

9.1 The Committee discussed the evidence received on the Welsh Government’s Supplementary Budget 2013-14 and instructed the Clerk to prepare a draft Committee report.

4.1 The Committee considered Ministerial responses to Committee reports on the Welsh Government Draft Budget 2013-14.  

HSC(4)-33-12 paper 3

3.2 The Committee noted the letter.

NDM5109 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 20.25:

Approves the Annual Budget for the financial year 2013-2014 laid in the Table Office by the Minister for Finance and Leader of the House on 27 November 2012.

Footnote:

In accordance with the relevant provisions contained in the Government of Wales Act 2006 and Standing Order 20.28, the Annual Budget comprises the following information:

1.the written statement required under section 125(3) of the Government of Wales Act;

2.the resources agreed by the Treasury for the Welsh block budget for the financial year covered by the motion;

3.a reconciliation between the resources allocated to the Welsh block budget by the Treasury and the resources to be authorised for use in the motion;

4.a reconciliation between the estimated amounts to be paid into the Welsh Consolidated Fund by the Secretary of State and the amounts to be authorised for payment out of the Fund in the motion; and

5.a reconciliation between the resources to be authorised under section 125(1)(a) and (b) of the Act and the amounts to be authorised for payment out of the Welsh Consolidated Fund under section 125(1)(c).

The following additional information has been made available to Members:

·         an Explanatory Note on changes between Draft Budget proposals and the Annual Budget.

Supporting Documents
The Annual Budget for the financial year 2013-2014
An Explanatory Note on changes between Draft Budget proposals and the Annual Budget.

Research paper: Final Budget 2013-14 – Research Service

The item started at 16:23

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

NDM5109 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales, in accordance with Standing Order 20.25:

Approves the Annual Budget for the financial year 2013-2014 laid in the Table Office by the Minister for Finance and Leader of the House on 27 November 2012.

Footnote:

In accordance with the relevant provisions contained in the Government of Wales Act 2006 and Standing Order 20.28, the Annual Budget comprises the following information:

1.the written statement required under section 125(3) of the Government of Wales Act;

2.the resources agreed by the Treasury for the Welsh block budget for the financial year covered by the motion;

3.a reconciliation between the resources allocated to the Welsh block budget by the Treasury and the resources to be authorised for use in the motion;

4.a reconciliation between the estimated amounts to be paid into the Welsh Consolidated Fund by the Secretary of State and the amounts to be authorised for payment out of the Fund in the motion; and

5.a reconciliation between the resources to be authorised under section 125(1)(a) and (b) of the Act and the amounts to be authorised for payment out of the Welsh Consolidated Fund under section 125(1)(c).

The following additional information has been made available to Members:

·         an Explanatory Note on changes between Draft Budget proposals and the Annual Budget.

The result was as follows:

The motion was agreed.

E&S(4)-30-12 paper 2

4.1 The Committee considered the letter from the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes.

HSC(4)-29-12 paper 3

6.1a The Committee considered the letter from the Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development.

2.1 The Committee discussed its draft report on the Welsh Government’s draft budget proposals 2013-14, which will be published shortly.

Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Finance and Leader of the House

Jo Salway, Head of Strategic Budgeting  

Andrew Jeffreys, Head of Strategic Capital Investment

Jeff Andrews, Specialist Policy Adviser

2.1 The Chair welcomed Jane Hutt, Minister for Finance and Leader of the House; Jo Salway, Head of Strategic Budgeting; Andrew Jeffreys, Head of Strategic Capital Investment; and Jeff Andrews, Specialist Policy Adviser.

2.2 Members scrutinised the Minister.

Action points:

The Minister agreed to provide:

·         Figures highlighting the low take up of Council Tax Benefit.

·         Further information on the Effective Service Programme and the measures being undertaken by the Welsh Government to ensure that effective services are being delivered.

6.1 The Committee considered the evidence received on the Welsh Government’s draft budget 2013/14.

7.1 The Committee considered the key themes and emerging issues of their evidence on the Welsh Government’s draft budget 2013/14.

Welsh Government

CELG(4)-23-12 – Paper 2

Leighton Andrews AM, Minister for Education and Skills

Carla Lyne, Deputy Director Finance and Corporate Services

The Chair welcomed the Minister and his officials. The Members questioned the Minister.

Welsh Government

CELG(4)-23-12 – Paper 1

Huw Lewis AM, Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage

John Howells, Director of Housing Regeneration and Heritage

Kath Palmer, Deputy Director, Homes and Places

The Chair welcomed the Minister and his officials. The Members questioned the Minister.

The Minister agreed to provide the following:

The full list of performance indicators for Sport Wales;

A note on what land has been released by the Government for public housing since the elections;

Provide information on the equality impact assessment that was carried out on the disabled housing grants; and

A note on how much funding each local authority receives and is spend (including historical spend) on the disabled facilities grants;

To provide a written response to the unasked questions.

5.1 The Committee considered the evidence it had received and the issues it wished to raise in its report to the Finance Committee.

5.2 The Committee adjourned between 12.00 and 13.00.

E&S(4)-25-12(paper 2)

John Griffiths AM, Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development

Matthew Quinn, Director, Environment & Sustainable Development

Dr Christianne Glossop, Director, Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer

3.1 The Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development and officials responded to questions from members of the Committee.

3.2 The Minister agreed to provide the ‘green book’ figure for legacy issues related to IT systems of the new single environment body.

E&S(4)-25-12 paper 1

Alun Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes

Andrew Slade, Director of EU Policy and Funding and Head of European Programmes Group

Rob Hunter, Director, Finance and Performance

2.1 The Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes and officials responded to questions from members of the Committee.

2.2 The Deputy Minister agreed to provide a breakdown of the enforcement Action in relation to the proportion of the budget spend on prosecution.

HSC(4)-27-12 paper 1

Lesley Griffiths AM, Minister for Health and Social Services

Gwenda Thomas AM, Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services

David Sissling, Director General, Health, Social Services and Children

Steve Milsom, Deputy Director, Adult Social Services Policy

Alan Brace, Former Director of Resources

2.1 The Minister for Health and Social Services and the Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services responded to questions from members of the Committee.

5.1 The Committee discussed the evidence it had received and the key issues to be included in its letter to the Finance Committee.

FIN(4) 16-12 – Paper 3 – Cardiff University

Professor Hywel Thomas FRS, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International and Engagement), Cardiff University
Dr Sue Hybart, Director of Planning, Cardiff University
Hugh Jones, Chief Operating Officer, Cardiff University

FIN(4) 16-12 – Paper 4 – Deeside College

David Jones, Principal, Deeside College

John Graystone, Chief Executive, Colegau Cymru

3.1 The Chair welcomed Professor Hywel Thomas, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International and Engagement), Cardiff University; Dr Sue Hybart, Director of Planning, Cardiff University; Hugh Jones, Chief Operating Officer, Cardiff University; David Jones, Principal, Deeside College; and John Graystone, Chief Executive, Colegau Cymru.

3.2 The Committee questioned the witnesses.

Action points:

Cardiff University agreed to provide:

·         Further information on the wider economic benefits of overseas students at Cardiff University.

·         Further information on the impact that the reduction in student loan support in England has had on enrolment numbers at Higher Education authorities in Wales.

6.1 The Committee discussed the evidence received on the Welsh Government’s draft budget proposals 2013-14.

FIN(4) 16-12 – Paper 1 – Ceredigion Council

Gwyn Jones, Director of Finance, Ceredigion County Council

FIN(4) 16-12 – Paper 2 – Wrexham County Borough Council

Mark Owen, Head of Finance, Wrexham County Borough Council

2.1 The Chair welcomed Gwyn Jones, Director of Finance, Ceredigion County Council and Mark Owen, Head of Finance, Wrexham County Borough Council.

2.2 Members questioned the witnesses.

Action point:

The witnesses agreed to provide:

·         A note on the proportion of each authority’s social care budget which is spent on care home fees.

6.1 The Committee discussed the evidence received on the Welsh Government draft budget proposals for 2013-14.

6.1 The Committee discussed the evidence received on the Welsh Government draft budget proposals for 2013-14.

Members received an informal briefing on the Welsh Government draft budget proposals for 2013-14.

Members received an informal briefing on the Welsh Government draft budget proposals for 2013-14.

Carl Sargeant, Minister for Local Government and Communities

Frances Duffy, Director Transport, Welsh Government

Claire Bennett, Deputy Director, Transport Policy, Planning and Partnerships, Welsh Government

4.1 The Chair welcomed the Minister and his officials to the meeting. Members questioned the witnesses.

Action points:

The Minister for Local Government and Communities agreed to provide the Committee with a note to clarify why revenue funding for the Regional Transport Plan has fallen from £11.5m in 2012-13 to £0.5m in 2013-14.

The Minister for Local Government and Communities agreed to provide the Committee with a paper to explain the changes in funding arrangements for bus travel, and what this means for the customer in terms of service delivery and transport integration.

Edwina Hart, Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science

Rob Hunter, Director, Finance and Performance, Welsh Government

3.1 The Chair welcomed the Minister and her officials to the meeting. Members questioned the witnesses.

Action points:

The Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science agreed to provide the Committee with a note regarding the future strategic direction of the nine key sectors and their relationship with Enterprise Zones, R&D and inward investment. The Minister agreed to include information on the measurable outputs, outcomes and targets she expects to be achieved by the sectors and how they are expected to contribute to economic growth.

Rob Hunter, Director, Finance and Performance, agreed to provide the Committee with a detailed breakdown of the activity funded by the ‘Strategic Investment Support’ budget expenditure line.

FIN(4) 15-12 – Paper 1 – Evidence from Local Health Boards

Dr Andrew Goodall, Chief Executive, Aneurin Bevan Local Health Board

Geoff Lang, Executive Director of Primary Care, Community and Mental Health Services, Betsi Cadwalader Local Health Board

Karen Miles, Director of Finance and Economic Reform, Hywel Dda Health Board

2.1 The Chair welcomed Dr Andrew Goodall, Chief Executive, Aneurin Bevan Local Health Board; Geoff Lang, Executive Director of Primary Care, Community and Mental Health Services, Betsi Cadwalader Local Health Board; and Karen Miles, Director of Finance and Economic Reform, Hywell Dda Local Health Board.

2.2 The Members questioned the witnesses.

Action point:

Dr Andrew Goodall agreed to provide:

·         A note quantifying the cost of unused estate in the NHS including the scale of risk of non-compliance issues around the estate.

2.3 The Committee agreed to write to the NHS Confederation regarding shared services across the NHS.

FIN(4) 15-12 – Paper 2 – Welsh Government

Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Finance

5.1 The Committee welcomed Jane Hutt, Minister for Finance and Leader of the House; Jo Salway, Head of Strategic Budgeting, Welsh Government; Andrew Jeffreys, Head of Strategic Capital Investment, Welsh Government; and Jeff Andrews, Specialist Policy Adviser, Welsh Government.

5.2 The Committee scrutinised the Minister.

Action points:

The Minister agreed to provide:

·         Budgets which have been protected in your proposals and further information on measures being taken by the Welsh Government to consider preventative spending to reduce the demand on public services.

·         Further information outlining the full directory of projects which have been funded through the Invest-to-Save programme.

7.1 The Committee discussed the evidence on the Welsh Government’s draft budget proposals for 2013-14.

5.1 The Committee discussed the evidence received on the Welsh Government draft budget proposals for 2013-14.

Leighton Andrews, Minister for Education and Skills

Jeff Cuthbert, Deputy Minister for Skills

Emma Smith, Head of Planning and Performance

Chris Tweedale, Director Schools and Young People Group

2.1 The Chair welcomed the Minister, the Deputy Minister and their officials to the meeting. Members questioned the witnesses.

Action points:

The Minister for Education and Skills and the Deputy Minister for Skills agreed to provide the following additional information:

·         The type of technologies being used at Ysgol y Bont in Anglesey to support the construction of a new state of the art green school;

·         Clarification of which budget line funds the Masters training programme;

·         Details of the projects delivered through the Minority Ethnic Achievement  Education of Travellers’ Children and Tackling Disaffection grants;

·         Whether any local authorities have not bid for the Education of Travellers’ Children Grant and have withdrawn services, as a result. 

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Health and Social Services

Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services

Martin Swain, Deputy Director, Children, Young People & Families

Mark Osland, Deputy Director of Finance, Health and Social Services

David Sissling, Director General, Health, Social Services and Children

3.1 The Chair welcomed the Minister, the Deputy Minister and their officials to the meeting. Members questioned the witnesses.

Action points:

The Minister for Health and Social Services and the Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services agreed to provide the following additional information:

·         Whether there are any resources available through Together for Mental Health for the development of age-appropriate training programmes for frontline staff for the diagnosis and management of ADHD;

·         Whether any additional resources have been allocated for the implementation of the National Oral Health Plan for Wales specifically with regard to children and young people.

Welsh Government

CELG(4)-22-12 – Paper 1

Carl Sargeant AM, Minister for Local Government and Communities

Reg Kilpatrick, Director, Local Government & Public Service

Kate Cassidy, Director for Communities & Social Justice

The Chair welcomed the Minister and his Officials. Members questioned the Minister.

The Minister agreed to provide the following:

An update on the progress with the result based accountability process;

A definition of Sustainable Development and ask the Minister for Environment and Sustainability to write to the Committee on this issue;

Information on the Financial Regulatory Impact Assessment of Bills and whether there are mechanisms in place to track this process;

If possible to provide some figures relating to the scheme proposed to replace council tax benefit in April 2013;

The Community First Partnerships that have exited the scheme;

Further information on the additional funding for the advice sector and

Details on the model used for funding the Fire and Rescue Service and in particular how it compares to the funding of the Police and Local Authorities.

Welsh Government

CELG(4)-22-12 – Paper 2 and 2A

Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Finance and the Leader of the House

Amelia John, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Division

Claire McDonald, Head of Equality

Joanne Glenn, Head of Inclusion Team

The Chair welcomed the Minister and her Officials. Members questioned the Minister.

The Minister agreed to provide the following:

The list of external organisations who have been funded over the 3 year period;

The template used for the Equality Impact Assessment guidance and

The budget allocations to organisations who support the provision of the Refugee Inclusion Strategy Action Plan.

Members agreed that the event was a success and an excellent opportunity to engage with stakeholders. They agreed that similar events should be held in the future.

The item started at 14:38

6.1 The Committee held a discussion with representatives from Cardiff & Vale University Health Board and Powys Teaching Health Board in preparation for scrutinising the Welsh Government’s draft budget for 2013-14.

3.1 Members discussed their approach to Scrutiny of the Draft Budget 2013-14

6.1 The Committee discussed its approach to scrutinising the Welsh Government draft budget 2013-2014.

The Business Committee considered a letter from the Chair of the Finance Committee suggesting that the deadline for the Finance Committee to report on the draft budget should be 13 November rather than 6 November.  Business Managers agreed an alternative date of Thursday 8 November, to allow the Committee additional time after the half term recess to sign-off their report.

6.1 The Committee agreed to appoint a technical advisor to assist with its scrutiny of the Welsh Government budget 2013-2014.

5.1 The Committee discussed options for handling the Welsh Government Draft Budget 2013-2014.