Agenda and minutes

The Llywydd welcomed the 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 7.50pm.

Wednesday 

·         Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.

·         Plenary is unlikely to run past 6.55pm. 

The Llywydd informed Business Committee that she intends to make a statement of condolence following the death of Sir David Amess MP at the start of Plenary today followed by a minute’s silence. Business Committee agreed that Party Leaders and Jane Dodds will also pay tribute following the minute’s silence.

The Trefnydd drew Business Managers’ attention to the following changes:

Tuesday 2 November 2021 -

·         Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on Covid-19 (45 mins)

·         Statement by the Minister for Climate Change: Net-Zero Strategy (60 mins)

·         Statement by the Minister for Climate Change: Reducing emissions from energy generation (45 mins)

·         Statement by the Minister for Climate Change: Optimised Retrofit Programme 2 – An Affordable Warmth Special (45 mins)

Tuesday 9 November 2021 -

·         Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on Covid-19 (45 mins)

Business Committee agreed to schedule the following items of business:

Wednesday 17 November 2021 –

·         Motion to approve the Senedd Commission's Budget 2022-23 (30 mins)

·         Motion under Standing Order 26.91 seeking the Senedd's agreement to introduce a Member Bill – the Food (Wales) Bill (60 mins)

·         Time allocated to Plaid Cymru (60 mins)

Business Committee agreed to schedule a joint committee debate by the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee and the Equality and Social Justice Committee on scrutiny of national implementation of the Well-Being of Future Generations Act (2015).

The Trefnydd highlighted that the government statement referred to in the letter was additional to, and not instead of, a response to the report on this subject published by the Public Accounts Committee at the end of the Fifth Senedd.

Business Committee considered the request to amend Standing Orders to allow substitutions at meetings of the Standards of Conduct Committee, other than when considering complaints. Business Committee agreed to amend Standing Order 22 as part of its review of Standing Orders.

LCM on the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill

The Trefnydd informed Business Committee that the government will be laying an SLCM on the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill this week, and so proposes that the committee reporting deadline on the LCM is extended from 21 October to 11 November. Business Committee agreed to the extension.

European Engagement

Business Committee discussed nominations for Members to represent the Senedd on:

·         the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities; and

·         the Committee of the Regions-UK Contact Group.

Business Managers agreed to discuss nominations with the aim of ensuring a gender balance; a decision would be made outside of committee.

Business Committee agreed to consider gender balance when changes are proposed to the membership of Senedd committees.

Plenary  arrangements during Alert Level 0

Business Committee agreed to keep under review the number of Members able to attend plenary in person.  Any changes would be based on relevant public health regulations and guidance and be subject to risk assessments.