Agenda and minutes
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Contact: Sulafa Thomas
No. | Item |
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Introduction |
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Introduction and apologies Minutes: No apologies were received. |
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Declarations of interest Minutes: Adam Price MS identified that his brother is an employee of the Senedd Commission. |
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Cost of Living payment proposal 2023-24 Minutes: Following
the Commission’s in principle decision to make a cost of living payment in the
current financial year, Commissioners were updated about a meeting between
officials and the TUS which had taken place on 5 September. It was explained
that the position had moved beyond what had been reflected in the papers and
that the Clerk was requesting an opportunity for the Executive Board to respond
to trade union requests for further information before agreeing the in-year
payment. Commissioners
discussed a desire to prioritise responding to the needs of the lowest paid and
reflected that over the summer period it had not been possible for full
involvement in the processes to be achieved. They considered the implications
of services that would be reduced, for example ICT support, training and
interparliamentary activity and new activity that would not be supported as
anticipated. They also expressed concerns about the impacts on the wellbeing of
staff that would be caused by the cost saving measures. One Commissioner
remained opposed to making a payment beyond the existing pay deal. The
Commission agreed that Officials continue negotiations with the collective
Trade Union Side (made up of representatives from PCS, FDA, and Prospect) for a
short period. Negotiation would be based upon the affordability of the payment
and the impact that it will have upon staff and services to settle the dispute.
Commissioners suggested that Ken Skates, as the relevant portfolio holder, be
involved in the process if that would be helpful. They requested a brief note
be prepared for Commissioners to take to their groups as an update about the
steps being taken, and the Llywydd requested Commissioners provide feedback
from their groups subsequently. The Clerk
set out that as Accounting Officer she would intend to write to the Finance
Committee about the implications once the position was finalised as the
variation in the use of funds would be significant. |
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Draft Commission Budget 2024-25 Minutes: Commissioners
considered work undertaken as preparation for the final draft Commission budget
for 2024-25, which would be presented for final decision at the meeting on 25
September. Commissioners
discussed and provided views in relation to: • staffing costs and cost of living
crisis impact; • the operational and total budget
requirement for 2024-25, budget pressure cost reductions and savings required
to be identified through the service planning process and corporate review; • the Medium Term Resourcing Framework
(MTRF) and future year budget estimates; • ringfencing costs relating to
programmes which respond to requested work to be undertaken by the Senedd and
the Finance Committee i.e. Senedd Reform, Ways of Working, and any future Cost
of Living Payment; • the Determination and support for the
Remuneration Board. The Clerk
set out that the recommendation of the Executive Board was not to incorporate
funding for outcome of a future pay deal, based on the current PCS pay
negotiation position, in the core budget. The Executive Board recommended
accelerating discussions about the next pay deal. Commissioners confirmed the
bases for the development of the final draft Commission budget for 2024-25,
including preparation on the basis of the existing pay deal. The final draft
budget would be reviewed and agreed at the next meeting and laid thereafter in
accordance with the requirements of Standing Orders. They agreed that it would
be helpful to write to the Finance Committee to provide additional information
for the scrutiny of the budget. |