Agenda and minutes

No apologies had been received.

Arwyn Jones, Director of Communication and Engagement, was welcomed to his first meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meeting on 15 July were agreed.

Commissioners gave further consideration to their proposed draft budget 2020-21 in preparation for laying it no later than 1 October.

They discussed changes in the operational and overall budget along with project fund priorities. They also noted amendments required to account for the new International Financial Accounting Standard (IFRS) 16 – Leases and a letter sent from the Finance Minister to the Chair of the Finance Committee.

Commissioners discussed and approved the 2020-21 Draft Budget, subject to some minor narrative adjustments.

Commissioners considered proposals for the replacement of windows in Tŷ Hywel, which are nearing the end of their operational life and we are seeing an increasing level of faults and defects that cannot be repaired.

Commissioners agreed that a feasibility study to establish a plan for replacement should be undertaken, and that the outcome be reported back in due course.

4(A)   Senedd and elections (Wales) Bill update - Electoral Commission

4(B)    Senedd and elections (Wales) Bill update - Issues not related to the Electoral Commission

4A - Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill update - Electoral Commission

Commissioners received an update on proposals relating to the proposed amendments to the financing and accountability of the Electoral Commission in the Bill and an update to the legislative timetable.

They discussed the Counsel General’s proposed model for funding the Electoral Commission and the implications of different approaches as set out in his correspondence to Finance Committee. They also noted that the proposed amendments would require UK Government Minister of the Crown consent and that it would need to be received well within the usual timescales to avoid any delays to Royal Assent for the Bill.

Commissioners agreed that their preference remained that the Electoral Commission be funded directly from the Welsh Consolidated Fund. The Llywydd will consider the matter further with Commissioners to agree their response at Stage 2 in light of the Finance Committee’s views and further information from Welsh Government.

4B - Senedd and Elections (Wales) Bill update - Issues not related to the Electoral Commission

Further information had been requested by the Commission in relation to the potential disqualification of Commission staff from standing for election to the Assembly, and the publication of Assembly elections expenditure.

Commissioners considered how the Llywydd should address these matters during Stage 2 scrutiny of the Bill as well as how to respond to other amendments that might be laid.

Commissioners noted the progress in relation to proposals for awareness raising in relation to the introduction of votes at 16 for Assembly elections and welcomed that they would receive further information at their next meeting.

Commissioners noted proposals for taking Assembly business to a location outside Cardiff and agreed that the Llywydd would write to the Chairs of groups and party leaders outlining the case and seeking their views on the level of interest in this form of engagement.  

Having agreed in 2018 to move towards more transparency and accountability in relation to costs incurred by Members for the running of their offices, other than those provided for by the Determination, Commissioners considered data relating to expenditure over a 12 month period.

Commissioners agreed to talk to their groups about the proposed changes to the way these costs are managed with a view to agreeing the recommendations in order to facilitate this improvement.

Commissioners noted information provided about preparations for various scenarios relating to Brexit on both the business and the corporate services side of Commission activity.

Commissioners discussed and noted the latest update on the GWLAD Festival programme.

Commissioners were provided with the routine update of recent RAD decisions.

Commissioners noted the regular presentation of ACARAC meeting minutes.

Commissioners were informed of a planning notification that had been received relating to a proposed temporary zip line development in Cardiff Bay.

In the period since the previous meeting Commissioners had agreed the Annual Environmental Report.