Agenda and minutes

The Llywydd welcomed Members to the meeting.

The Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed for publication.

Organisation of Business     

This Week’s Business

Tuesday 

The Trefnydd informed Business Managers of the following change:

·         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 7.35pm.

Wednesday

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.  

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.40pm.

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

Tuesday 1 April 2025

·         Statement by the Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing: Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Strategy (45 mins)

Tuesday 29 April 2025

·         Statement by the First Minister: The Legislative Programme (60 mins)

Heledd Fychan enquired whether the Government intends to bring forward an Oral Statement next week on the impact of the UK Government’s Spring Statement on Wales. The Trefnydd indicated that she would consider this.

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

Wednesday 7 May 2025 –

·         Debate on the Local Government and Housing Committee report: Follow up inquiry into the provision of sites for Gypsy, Roma and Travellers (60 mins)

·         Debate on the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee report: Halting and reversing the loss of nature by 2030 (60 mins)

·         Time allocated to Plaid Cymru (60 mins)

·         Short Debate (30 mins)

The Llywydd noted the upcoming debate on the first report of the Wales Covid-19 Inquiry Special Purpose Committee, which is scheduled for 2 April. She noted that, should any amendments be tabled to the motion, she will determine whether they should be selected for debate under Standing Order 12.23(iii) based on their content and the remit agreed for the Committee.

Business Committee noted the Committee’s interim response and agreed to return to consider the timetable further at the following meeting.

Business Committee considered an update on Legislative Consent Memoranda and agreed to:

• refer the LCM on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to the Children, Young People and Education Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 16 May 2025;
• refer the Supplementary LCM (No.2) on the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill to the Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for scrutiny, with a reporting deadline of 16 May 2025.

Business Committee agreed to schedule a debate on P-06-1365: Re-open railway lines to connect the north and south of Wales, and noted updates on other petitions.

Business Committee agreed to a request from the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for it to meet on the morning of Tuesday 6 May 2025.

Business Committee confirmed recess dates for Autumn Half Term 2025 and Christmas Recess 2025, and agreed provisional dates for the Spring Half Term and Easter Recess in 2026.

Business Committee agreed the arrangements for tabling plenary business, written questions and amendments to Bills during the Easter recess, and changes to tabling deadlines as a result of the bank holidays in May.

Any other business

Future format of meetings

Business Managers discussed the future format of Business Committee meetings and agreed that meetings will be held in person from next week, with a hybrid option available.

The Llywydd referred to the high volume of procedural issues due for consideration by the Committee over the remaining 12 months of this Senedd, and noted that Business Committee may need to consider using a regular alternative meeting slot for procedural work.

Siambr Hywel lectern

Business Committee discussed the potential use for a second lectern in Siambr Hywel and noted that the Llywydd would take a decision on whether to proceed having considered the options and the cost of providing one.