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 7.15pm.

Wednesday

The Llywydd informed Business Managers of the following change:

·         Questions to the Senedd Commission (30 10 mins)

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.  

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.05pm.

The Llywydd informed Business Managers that she has agreed to a request for a proxy vote from Lesley Griffiths, to be held by Jane Hutt, effective from 3 February to 3 March 2025.

The Llywydd also informed Business Managers that Paul Davies will ask leaders’ questions during today’s FMQs on Darren Millar’s behalf. 

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

The following items were agreed to be scheduled on the Three Week Timetable of Senedd Business: 

Wednesday 5 March 2025 –

·         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: Hannah Blythyn MS (Delyn) (30 mins)

Business Committee considered the proposed motions for debate. Heledd Fychan expressed her support for scheduling a motion proposed by Sioned Williams on the conflict in the Middle East. Business Managers agreed by majority to schedule the following motions for debate:

12 February

Jenny Rathbone

NNDM8814 

To propose that the Senedd: 

1. Notes that: 

a) despite the abundance of quality food produced by Welsh farmers, the dominance of ultra-processed food in our diets has devastating consequences for the health, wealth and well-being of our nation; 

b) access to affordable, healthy food is a social justice issue, with poorer communities disproportionately affected by diet-related illnesses; 

c) Welsh production of 20,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables a year is only equivalent to a quarter of a portion of fruit and vegetables a day per person; 

d) expanding sustainable local food production can help reduce food miles, improve food security, and create green jobs in Wales; and 

e) the transition to a sustainable food nation requires a joined up, collaborative, preventative approach in line with the well-being of future generations Act. 

2. Calls on the Welsh Government to: 

a) develop a holistic, joined up government strategy to improve people’s diets; 

b) promote the benefits of fresh, unprocessed food to encourage dietary shifts and tackle the dominance of ultra-processed foods; 

c) use the welcome investment in local food partnerships to bring together growers, caterers and eaters to expand Welsh horticulture; 

d) accelerate work to produce a community food strategy within the Sixth Senedd; and 

e) use the power of public procurement to improve the food served to pupils, patients and people living in care homes. 

5 March

Mark Isherwood

NNDM8734 

To propose that the Senedd 

1. Notes: 

a) the need for service providers to meet the needs of the deaf community; 

b) that people with hearing loss are severely disadvantaged compared to people who have unaffected hearing; 

c) that BSL is the preferred method of communication for many deaf people; and 

d) concern about the decision by Qualifications Wales not to progress with a GCSE in sign language. 

2. Calls on the Welsh Government: 

a) to ensure that the disability rights taskforce specifically captures the issues and barriers that affect the lives of deaf people: and 

b) to have a greater involvement with the deaf community to ascertain their needs. 

Business Committee considered an update on Legislative Consent Memoranda and, as discussed at its previous meeting, noted that a further Supplementary LCM (No.6) had now been laid on the Water (Special Measures) Bill following amendments made to the Bill at House of Commons Report Stage. As the timetable for scrutiny of the Bill at the UK Parliament does not allow for the Senedd’s view on consent for the latest amendments to be considered, Business Committee had agreed previously not to refer SLCM (No.6) on the Water (Special Measures) Bill to committees for scrutiny but noted that committees remain able to consider and report on the SLCM should they choose to do so.

Business Committee noted the letter.

Business Committee considered correspondence from the Wales Covid-19 Inquiry Special Purpose Committee regarding a potential change to the Standing Order 35, which relates to that Committee, regarding oaths and affirmations. 

The Business Committee agreed to write back to the Wales Covid-19 Inquiry Special Purpose Committee to seek clarification on the precise request and to return to consider the matter further once a response has been received.

Business Committee noted a response from the Standards of Conduct Committee regarding potential changes to Standing Orders for the Seventh Senedd in relation to categories of Members. Business Committee agreed to return to consider final proposals to amend Standing Orders at a later date, in light of other potential amendments and any recommendations or conclusions made by the Future Senedd Committee.

The Llywydd noted that she has received representations from several Members regarding Business Committee nominating Rhys ab Owen MS as a member of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee. Business Managers agreed to consider and to return to the matter at the following meeting.