Agenda and minutes

The Llywydd welcomed Julian Luke, Head of Policy and Legislation Committee Service and introduced him to Members,

The minutes for the meeting were agreed by the Committee for publication.

Tuesday

• Voting Time will take place after the last item of business. 

Wednesday

• The vote on Stage 4 of the Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill will take place directly after the item.

• Voting Time on all other items will take place before the Short Debate.

Business Committee noted the 3 Week Timetable of Government Business.

Business Managers noted David Melding’s request for a debate on the Motion to annul The Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Specified Information) (Wales) Regulations 2019, and agreed to schedule the debate for 11 December 2019.

Business Committee determined the organisation of Assembly business and agreed to schedule the following items of business:

Wednesday 11 December 2019 –

·         Motion to annul The Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Specified Information) (Wales) Regulations 2019 (15 mins)

Wednesday 8 January 2020 –

• Statement by the Chair of the Committee on Assembly Electoral Reform: An update on the work of the Committee (30 mins)
• Debate on the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee report: On mental health in police custody (30 mins)
• Debate on the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee report: Benefits in Wales: Options for better delivery (60 mins)
• Time allocated to Plaid Cymru (60 mins)
• Short Debate Suzy Davies (South Wales West) (30 mins)  - postponed from 20 December 2019

Business Managers discussed the response from the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee to the proposed timetable for the Bill, and the proposed compromise that emerged after last week’s meeting for extending Stage 1 by having a shorter Stage 2.

Darren Millar, Rhun ap Iorwerth and Caroline Jones expressed support for the committee’s position, emphasising the importance of good evidence for good legislation. They stated that 12 weeks should be the minimum for Stage 1, rather than  a standard or maximum period, especially for such a substantial Bill.

The Trefnydd opposed any change to the proposed timetable, emphasising that the timetable was already tight for implementation and that a full Stage 2 window was needed to allow tabling of amendments, including time to implement anticipated committee recommendations.

As there was a majority for the government’s proposed timetable under the Business Committee weighted voting system, the timetable proposed by the government was agreed. Business Managers agreed to write to the ELGC Committee to inform them of their views. The Committee agreed to look at timetabling of scrutiny of legislation as part of its preparations for the Sixth Assembly.

Business Managers confirmed the arrangements for tabling plenary business and amendments to bills during the Christmas recess period and agreed the arrangements for the tabling of Written Assembly Questions.