I'd like to begin, actually, by making clear my delight; it's the first opportunity I've had, actually, to thank Members, and indeed my own group, for appointing me to become one of the Commissioners for the sixth Senedd.

I'd just like to say, Peredur, your contribution there I felt was really appropriate, because, at the end of the day, we as a Commission—and I can say 'we as a Commission'—are not above scrutiny and challenge, and neither should we be. I'm aware that, when you're a Commissioner, you become—I'm sure Joyce would agree—a sounding board for any issues that people wish to raise with you. I know that some Members have had concerns about the late sightings of the draft budget. I have raised these concerns, but this has been explained to me along the way—it's because we were only re-elected, and some elected for the first time, in May. I know that that did impose some restraints. However, I have been assured that engagement with all Members by our Commission, in terms of our budget and its spend, will be far more transparent and far more obvious to all Members as we go forward.

Secondly, it has been noted by some Members that the Commission—yes, as has been rightly pointed out—is seeking a budget increase of 4.39 per cent, whilst the Member allowance budget increase is just 0.004 per cent. And it's already been said, hasn't it, that—. I've been here now 11 years, and, I have to say that, whilst, again, we don't want to see increases in our expenditure, I think there has to be some proportionality and some recognition of the fact that our Members here are very important, and they do need the tools and the wherewithal to do their role. There are also issues that have been raised with me, and I've raised them previously, about the inequality in pay scales between the Senedd Commission and, indeed, our own support staff. I know, before anyone tells me, that that's a remuneration board matter, but, again, I think we as a Commission ought to be far more robust and making that point more strongly. 

Elsewhere, Members have also raised concerns around an increase to the broadcast budget—on page 9. That's a significant amount of £100,000, staying at that level after a retendering process. I'm still waiting for a better explanation on that point. So, whether, Ken, you could elaborate more on that. Because we try to look at budgets looking more static, and hence the retendering process, yet our broadcasting seems to go up ordinarily every year, and we should be—. The Finance Committee and the work you've done, the points you make about—. It doesn't matter what financial pressures we're facing, you have to look at where you can make efficiencies in the year. 

Other concerns have been raised with me about unallocated and yet earmarked funds—£200,000 in table 10 for engagement is earmarked for larger initiatives, but the Commission is yet to decide how and if to allocate. Questions still remain over the planned estates and facilities management expenditure, costing £600,000 every year, and whether we would still need to allocate £300,000 to future ways of working, as forecast in 2024-25. So, again, Commissioner Ken, I would appreciate those points being addressed in your reply. I note the Finance Committee's recommendations that the Commission prioritises and implements changes associated with its carbon-neutral strategy for 2021-30 that are simple, yet cost effective, and to do so at the earliest opportunity. 

On this occasion, the Welsh Conservative group will not be able to support the draft Senedd Commission budget. But, again, I know I speak on behalf of my group in paying tribute to the work of the Commission and its staff, who, without any shadow of a doubt, over the last 20 months of challenge, have made sure that the crucial work of this Senedd and its Chamber could continue, moving to hybrid operations, whilst also keeping staff and members of the public safe on our estate. I look forward to working with all the Commissioners and the Llywydd over the next Senedd term, to ensure that questions like these are able to be raised in this way, and that we can be assured of the necessary and appropriate answers. Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd.