Agenda and minutes

The Llywydd welcomed Members to the meeting

The Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed for publication

Tuesday 

·         Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.10pm

Heledd Fychan expressed disappointment that the recent updates on ‘Escalation and Intervention Arrangements’ in the NHS and a new special measures framework, including de-escalation criteria for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, have not been made as oral statements and therefore subject to scrutiny by the Senedd. The Trefnydd indicated that consideration would be given to bringing forward oral statements on these matters.

Wednesday

The Llywydd informed Business Managers of the following change:

·         Motion to suspend Standing Orders (5 mins)

·         Voting Time will take place after the short debate.  

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.45pm

The Trefnydd informed Business Managers of the following changes to the Three Week Timetable of Government Business.

Tuesday 17 September 2024

• Statement by the Minister for Social Care: The National Framework for the Commissioning of Care and Support in Wales (45 mins)
• Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language: The green economy (45 mins)
• Statement by the First Minister: Inter-governmental relations (45 mins)

Tuesday 24 September 2024

·         Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Education: Universal free school meals in primary schools (45 mins)

The following additions were agreed to the Three Week Timetable of Senedd Business:  

Wednesday 2 October 2024 –

• Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv) (60 mins)
• Time allocated to the Welsh Conservatives (60 mins)
• Time allocated to Plaid Cymru (60 mins)
• Short Debate (30 mins)

Heledd Fychan enquired whether it would be possible to reschedule Delyth Jewell’s Member Debate on women’s healthcare that had been due to take place on 19 June but was postponed at the Member’s request. Business Committee agreed that it would allow the motion to be resubmitted so that it can be reconsidered for selection at the next opportunity.

Business Committee considered the response from, and the issues raised by, the Finance Committee regarding the proposed timetable for consideration of the Draft Budget 2025-26. Business Committee agreed the proposed timetable, noting that it may be possible for the timetable to be adjusted once the date of the UK Government’s autumn fiscal event is known.

Business Committee also agreed to consider further the suggestions made by the Finance Committee to maximise the opportunities for the Senedd to scrutinise the budget during the autumn term.

Business Committee considered the response from, and the issues raised by, the Finance Committee regarding the proposed timetable for consideration of the Draft Budget 2025-26. Business Committee agreed the proposed timetable, noting that it may be possible for the timetable to be adjusted once the date of the UK Government’s autumn fiscal event is known.

Business Committee also agreed to consider further the suggestions made by the Finance Committee to maximise the opportunities for the Senedd to scrutinise the budget prior to the introduction of the Budget.

Business Committee noted the letter.

Business Committee considered the request and agreed in principle for members of the three committees to leave Plenary early on Wednesday 18 September 2024.

Business Committee requested that options for the Members involved to travel at a time that limits the impact on Plenary to be explored further.

Business Committee agreed to produce a report recommending that the Senedd agrees to amend Standing Order 29.1 (consent in relation to UK Parliament Bills).

Business Committee discussed further the merits of introducing a new format for occasional extended debates to be held on Wednesday afternoons on a trial basis, following its previous consideration of correspondence from several Members.

Business Managers agreed to discuss the proposal and options presented with party groups and to return to consider a detailed proposal at a meeting early in the autumn term.

Business Committee agreed to return to further discussion of the current guidance on virtual and hybrid proceedings at the beginning of the autumn term.