Agenda and minutes

The Llywydd welcomed Members to the meeting. Apologies were received by Jane Dodds.

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The Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed for publication

Business Committee considered and noted a paper outlining the procedures for Stage 2 proceedings on the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill.

The Llywydd proposed that a break of approximately 30 minutes be taken between the end of Plenary and the start of the Committee proceedings, which was agreed by Business Managers. The Committee agreed a rough cut-off time for proceedings on Tuesday evening of 21.00.

Business Committee agreed that Plenary would begin at 13.00 on Tuesday and that further consideration will be given to whether an earlier start to proceedings (at 12.30 or 13.00) is required on Wednesday, following the conclusion of tonight’s proceedings.

Business Committee considered the response from the Reform Bill Committee on the Government’s proposed timetable for the Bill and the alternative timetable proposed by the Committee. The Deputy Presiding Officer, Darren Millar and Heledd Fychan noted that they are members of the Reform Bill Committee.

The Trefnydd stated that the Government’s proposed timetable, which includes an expedited timetable for Stage 1 scrutiny, was necessary to ensure that the Bill is implemented ahead of the 2026 Senedd election.

The Deputy Presiding Officer, as Chair of the Reform Bill Committee, expressed that Committee’s concern around the proposed timetable and a lack of clarity provided as to why an expedited timetable for Stage 1 is necessary. He also drew Business Committee’s attention to the short period of time that would be available to Members to table amendments to the Bill at stages 2 and 3 if the Government’s proposed timetable was agreed.

Heledd Fychan expressed that Plaid Cymru would not wish to put the Bill in jeopardy, however she also requested that further explanation be provided for the timetable being proposed by the Government.

Darren Millar expressed concern at the possibility of causing reputational damage to the Senedd if scrutiny is curtailed and called for Business Committee to agree the alternative timetable proposed by the Reform Bill Committee.

The Llywydd expressed her serious concern at the prospect of a curtailed period of scrutiny being agreed for this Bill and the need for additional reasoning to be provided by the Government. She noted the issues and concerns that have previously been raised by Senedd committees in relation to other Bills which have proceeded with expedited timetables for scrutiny.

Business Committee agreed to request an urgent note from the Welsh Government containing evidence as to why the Bill requires an expedited timetable and to consider the timetable further, via email or at the following meeting, once that has been received.

Business Committee agreed a request from the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for it to meet earlier on 11 March 2024 in order to take evidence from the Minister for Climate Change.