Agenda and minutes

The Llywydd welcomed Members to the meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed for publication.

Tuesday 

The Trefnydd informed Business Managers of the following change to This Week’s Business:

·         Questions to the Counsel General and Minister for Delivery (45 30 mins)

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

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.35pm

Heledd Fychan noted that there is likely to be significant interest from Members in today's statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government on the Town centre position statement.

Wednesday

• Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.  
• Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.10pm

The Trefnydd noted that there are no changes to the Three Week Timetable of Government Business.

Jane Dodds asked whether an oral statement on the Animal Welfare Plan would be scheduled prior to recess, in light of a previous commitment made. The Trefnydd indicated that she would consider the request.

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

Wednesday 11 December 2024 –

• Motion under Standing Order 16.3 to alter the remit of the Reform Bill Committee (5 mins)

Wednesday 15 January 2025 –

• Debate on the Local Government and Housing Committee report: Private rented sector (60 mins)
• Time allocated to the Welsh Conservatives (60 mins)
• Time allocated to Plaid Cymru (60 mins)
• Short Debate (30 mins)

Business Committee considered a request from Sioned Williams for time to be made available for a debate on No Named Day Motion 8755 concerning the conflict in Israel and Gaza.

Business Managers agreed to hold further discussions between parties with a view to scheduling a debate on this matter on a cross party basis in the near future.

Business Committee considered a response from the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee and agreed the proposed timetable for scrutiny of the Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Bill.

Business Committee considered the LCM update paper and agreed:

• to refer the supplementary LCM (Memorandum No. 3) on the Water (Special Measures) Bill to the Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 10 January 2025; and 
• to extend the deadlines of the LCMs relating to both the Mental Health Bill and Tobacco and Vapes Bill to 21 February 2025.

The Business Committee considered a proposal for facilitating committee scrutiny of the draft Senedd Cymru (Representation of People) Order 2025 and agreed to:

• note the proposed approach for the Reform Bill Committee’s engagement with the public consultation on the draft Order;
• propose to the Senedd a new remit for the Reform Bill Committee to enable it to undertake that work;
• review the Reform Bill Committee’s membership with particular reference to the position of the Labour Group nominated Member; and
• note proposals for the timetabling of Reform Bill Committee meetings. 

Business Committee considered and agreed the request for members of the Finance Committee to travel to Belfast on Tuesday 18 March 2025 to attend a meeting of the Interparliamentary Finance Committee Forum and, subject to travel arrangements, to be excused from Plenary on 18 and 19 March. 

The Business Committee considered an initial scoping paper containing a proposed scope, approach and timescales for reviewing the Public Bill and Member Bill processes.

Business Managers agreed the proposals (subject to minor changes) and requested background information on arrangements in other parliaments for Explanatory Memorandums and Member Bills.

Business Committee noted the letter and agreed that it will respond to share details of its approach, timescales and intentions for the legislative reviews, including the opportunities for Members to contribute.