Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed for publication.

Business Committee noted the Llywydd’s decision to continue with hybrid Plenary meetings this week, following informal consultation with Business Managers.

The Trefnydd informed Business Managers that Labour backbenchers and members of the government would participate in the hybrid meetings remotely this week.

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to the three changes to Tuesday’s business in the revised copy of This Week’s Business circulated yesterday:

• The statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on Local Coronavirus Restrictions has been moved to later in the agenda.
• The statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on Maternity Services and Governance Improvements at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has been postponed to 13 October.
• The LCM on the Fisheries Bill has been postponed to 6 October.

The Trefnydd also informed Business Managers that there will be a further change to move the public health regulations to earlier in the day.

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to the revised timetable, circulated yesterday:

Tuesday 6 October 2020 –

·         Statement by the Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language: Update on Developments in the UK’s Trade Policy (45 mins) – Postponed until 3 November 2020

·         Statement by the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs: Draft Plan to Tackle Fuel Poverty in Wales (45 mins)  - Postponed until 20 October 2020

·         Statement by the Counsel General and Minister for European Transition: Coronavirus Recovery Plan (45 mins)

·         Statement by the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd: Update on fiscal impacts of COVID-19 and future budget prospects (45 mins)

·         Proposal under Standing Order 12.24 to debate the following together but with separate votes: (30 mins)

o   The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 13) (Llanelli etc.) Regulations 2020

o   The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 14) (Cardiff and Swansea) Regulations 2020

o   The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 15) (Neath Port Talbot, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan) Regulations 2020

·         LCM on the Fisheries Bill (30 mins)

Tuesday 13 October 2020 -

·         Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on Maternity Services and Governance Improvements at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (45 mins) – postponed from 29 September

·         Proposal under Standing Order 12.24 to debate the following together but with separate votes: (60 mins)

o   The General Principles of the Renting Homes (Amendment) (Wales) Bill

The financial resolution in respect of the Renting Homes (Amendment) (Wales) Bill

Business Committee agreed to schedule the following items of business:

Wednesday 7 October 2020 –

·         Debate on the Finance Committee report: – Inquiry into a legislative budget process (60 mins) – postponed to 14 October

·         Standards of Conduct Committee report – Report 01-20 (15 mins)

·         Motion to delegate authority to make the arrangements for recruiting a new Commissioner for Standards to the Chief Executive and Clerk (5 mins)

·         Standards of Conduct Committee report – The Acting Commissioner for Standards’ Pay (15 mins)

Wednesday 14 October 2020 –

·         Debate on the Finance Committee report: – Inquiry into a legislative budget process (60 mins) – postponed from 7 October

·         Time allocated to the Brexit Party (60 mins) – postponed to 4 November

Wednesday 21 October 2020 –

·         Debate on a Member's Legislative Proposal (30 mins)

·         Debate on Petition P-05-1003: Demand an EIA now on the dumping of radioactively contaminated mud in Welsh waters (30 mins)

·         Time allocated to Plaid Cymru (60 mins)

The Business Committee agreed to set a reporting deadline of Monday 5 October for the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee to report on the regulations.

The Business Committee agreed to set a reporting deadline of Monday 5 October for the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee to report on the regulations.

The Business Committee agreed to set a reporting deadline of Monday 5 October for the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee to report on the regulations.

The Business Committee agreed to set a reporting deadline of Monday 5 October for the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee to report on the regulations.

Following discussion in the debate last week, Business Managers asked the secretariat for a paper for next week’s meeting on the made affirmative process.

Business Committee noted the latest position on LCMs, and the proposed plenary debate date of 3 November for the LCM on the Non-Domestic Ratings (Public Lavatories) Bill and 6 October for the LCM on the Fisheries Bill.

The Committee referred the LCM on the UK Internal Market Bill to the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee and LJC Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 19 November 2020. 

The Committee agreed not to refer the SLCMs on the Agriculture Bill for scrutiny.

Business Managers discussed the paper, and agreed to schedule fewer other debates when 30 minute items such as Commission questions are scheduled.

The Business Committee noted the letter. The Trefnydd said that Ministers prioritise attendance at committee meetings, but asked that committees give as much notice as possible, particularly for days when Cabinet meetings are held.