Fifth Senedd Activity (April 2020 to April 2021)

Following the declaration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in Spring 2020, a number of Committees considered the Welsh Government’s approach to the response required to deal with the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following a temporary suspension of business, committee activities resumed on the week commencing 27 April 2020. A breakdown of committee activities is provided below.

Health, Social Care and Sport Committee

The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s programme focused on its inquiry into the Covid-19 outbreak on health and social care in Wales. 

Children, Young People and Education Committee

The Children, Young People and Education Committee focused its work on the impact of the current public health situation on children and young people, including students in further and higher education.

Culture, Welsh language and Communication Committee

The Culture, Welsh language and Communication Committee focused its work on the impact of Covid-19 on culture, creative industries, heritage, communications and sport.

Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee

The Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee focused its work on the impact of COVID-19 and its impact on matters relating to the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills.

Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee

The Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee concentrated its work on its inquiry into COVID-19 and its impact on matters relating to the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee’s remit.

Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee

The Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee focused its work on the impact of Covid-19 on the agriculture and fisheries sectors, food supply and animal welfare.

Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee

The Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee continued to monitor subordinate legislation during the pandemic, including any regulations relating to COVID-19.

Public Accounts Committee

The Committee Chair and Permanent Secretary of the Welsh Government have exchanged correspondence on action the Welsh Government has taken with dealing with the Public Health Emergency. The Committee received a briefing from the Permanent Secretary and entered into a dialogue over the actions taken to date, within the Committee’s remit on 4 May 2020. The Public Accounts Committee will continue to focus its work on the impact of COVID-19 on matters relating to its remit.

Petitions Committee

The Petitions Committee dealt with a number of petitions relating to COVID-19.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee focused its work on the financial impact and support for Wales as a result of Covid-19.

Committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister

In 2020 the Committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister agreed to focus its’ work on the Welsh Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. As well as holding regular scrutiny sessions with the First Minister, the Committee also met to scrutinise the Counsel General on his role in coordinating the Welsh Government’s reconstruction work following the pandemic.

Virtual sessions (all committees)

Running alongside these activities was a rolling programme of virtual committee sessions. Details of which committees met virtually each week can be found on the Senedd timetable page or on the homepage of each relevant committee.

Calls for evidence

Committees responded to the current public health situation as it developed and further calls of evidence were be issued. For more information, please refer to the consultations homepage.