Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee

We have a couple of papers to note, the first being a letter from the Chief Executive and Clerk of the Senedd on recommendation 1 made in this committee's report on the scrutiny of accounts 2020-21. Further to the letter, dated 2 February, responding to our report on the scrutiny of Senedd Commission accounts 2020-21, we've received a final update in relation to recommendation 1 of our report. The recommendation asked that, in advance of annual scrutiny of the accounts, the Commission provide us with details summarising and collating underspends and setting out any decision taken to reallocate any underspends. The Commission has also provided us, helpfully, with details outlining the financial implications of the pandemic on the outturn of this information, and this information has been shared with the Finance Committee. We'll be scrutinising the Senedd Commission accounts in the autumn term as normal. Are Members content to note the contents of this letter or are there any issues you wish to seek further clarification on ahead of our scrutiny of the Commission accounts in the autumn?

Yes.

Happy to note, Chair.

Thank you very much, both. The second item to note is a letter from the Chief Executive and Clerk of the Senedd on recommendation 3 in the committee's report on the scrutiny of accounts 2020-21. The Commission has also provided a further update to recommendation 3 contained in our report published in December. Recommendation 3 was accepted by the Commission, and we were previously advised that since April 2021, socioeconomic data has been included within the Commission's recruitment processes to provide an understanding of the socioeconomic diversity of the applicant pool. The information was to be reviewed alongside the Commission's annual diversity and inclusion reporting mechanisms in June 2022. The letter updates us on progress in responding to the different components of recommendation 3, which were addressed in turn in the annex provided. We've also been provided with full copies of 2021-22 equality data monitoring and annual reports, which were published last week. Do Members have any matters they wish to raise regarding this or are they content to note the contents of the letter?

Yes.

Content.

Thank you very much indeed. The committee had been scheduled to take evidence from Welsh Government officials in March on NHS Wales escalation and intervention arrangements. Because officials were unable to attend, the committee agreed that I write with a number of questions on these arrangements. On consideration of this response, Members agreed to consider whether the session should be rearranged in the autumn term. The committee may wish to consider taking further evidence from the Welsh Government on some of these matters during the autumn term when it also intends to revisit related issues concerning Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. Are Members content to note the contents of this letter? Thank you very much indeed.

I now propose in accordance with Standing Order 17.42(ix) that the committee resolves to meet in private for the remainder of today's meeting and the start of our meeting next week on 14 July. Are all Members content? I note that Members are content. I'd be grateful, therefore, if we could move into private session.