Agenda and minutes

(09.35 – 10.15)

FIN(4)-03-11 (Paper 1, Annex A) – Welsh Government

Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Finance
Andrew Jeffreys, Head of Strategic Budgeting 

Jo Salway, Head of Budget Policy.

Jeff Andrews, Specialist Policy Adviser, Finance

2.1 The Committee welcomed Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Finance; Andrew Jeffreys, Head of Strategic Budgeting; Jo Salway, Head of Budget Policy; and Jeff Andrews, Specialist Policy Adviser – Finance to the meeting.

2.2 The Committee scrutinised the Minister.

2.3 The Committee requested that the Clerk produce a report on its consideration of the Minister’s proposals for amending the Welsh Government Annual Budget Motion.

(10.15 – 11.00)

FIN(4)-03-11 (Paper 2) - Welsh local Government Association

Steve Thomas CBE, Chief Executive, Welsh Local Government Association

Cllr Rodney Berman, WLGA Finance Spokesperson and Leader, Cardiff County Council

Vanessa Phillips, Director of Resources, Welsh Local Government Association

3.1 The Committee welcomed Steve Thomas, Chief Executive, WLGA; Cllr Rodney Berman, WLGA Finance Spokesperson and Leader, Cardiff County Council; and Vanessa Phillips, Director of Resources WLGA.

3.2 The Committee questioned the witnesses.

Action points:

The Welsh Local Government Association agreed to provide:

·         Further details on efficiency savings made by the Welsh Government’s efficiency and innovation and invest to save programmes.

·         Figures highlighting the level of reserves in place for local authorities and the implications of the reduction in those reserves.

·         A note on how Cymorth and other specific grants within last year’s local government settlement have helped reduce the administrative burden of hypothecated grants.

·         A note on the outcome of the meeting between the WLGA and Welsh Fire and Rescue Services regarding the pension abatement service.

(11.00-11.10)

4.1 The Committee considered the evidence provided by the witnesses.

(11.10-11.20)

5.1 The Committee discussed its potential inquiry into devolution funding.

(11.20-11.30)

6.1 The Committee discussed its potential inquiry into the effectiveness of European Structural Funds in Wales.

View the meeting transcript.