We made nine recommendations to the Commission relating to its proposals. I have received the Commission’s response to our report and I am pleased to see that eight of those recommendations have been accepted in full and one accepted in principle.

The Commission’s draft budget sets out its intended expenditure for 2022-23 and contains proposals for a budget of £62.9 million, an overall increase in Commission-related expenditure of 4.4 per cent from 2021-22. The committee supports this overall request and believes that the Senedd should endorse the draft budget. However, we have made several recommendations to caveat this position.

As Members are aware, the current financial picture is uncertain and challenging. As a result, we do not believe that the Commission should be treated differently to other public sector organisations in terms of the funding it receives. In particular, we are concerned that the budget refers to scenarios that would require supplementary budgets to cover certain costs, including those relating to the recently announced increase in national insurance payments. The committee felt strongly that the Commission should fund such pressures on its budget by making in-year savings and efficiencies, rather than relying on supplementary budgets, which should only be used as a last resort.

We were also concerned that the budget does not reflect the Commission’s goals and objectives for the sixth Senedd, as these have not yet been agreed. Whilst the committee acknowledges that we are in the early stages of a new Parliament, and that some agility in financial planning is necessary, we would like to keep a close eye on the budgetary implications of these objectives, and we ask the Commission to provide an update to the committee once they are known. In addition, we want to remind the Commission that it should adhere to the committee’s statement of principles for all directly funded bodies when formulating future budgets and not assume an increase in funding from one year to the next.

Turning to specific issues, clearly, the COVID pandemic has had a significant impact on the Senedd, its staff and services. The committee recognises the dedication and flexibility of staff in successfully supporting the Senedd throughout the pandemic. We also appreciate the way in which the Commission has provided regular updates on costs and savings relating to COVID to the committee, and recommends that such an approach continues. The committee was pleased to hear details of the Commission’s carbon-neutral strategy for 2021-30, and calls on the changes proposed in that strategy, which are simple and cost-effective, to be implemented at the earliest opportunity, to maximise their benefits.

Members will be aware of a significant project to replace the windows in the Tŷ Hywel building. The project cost of £6 million is substantial and has not been included in the budget for 2022-23, although the Commission indicates that the work could potentially take place in 2023-24 if the associated budget is authorised. The committee acknowledges that the Commission has an obligation to keep its rented premises at an agreed level of upkeep. However, it is not clear whether the Commission is contractually bound to replace the windows as part of its leasehold responsibilities. Before considering any future budgetary proposals relating to this project, the committee requests further details and assurances from the Commission before it can express a view on the project’s affordability.

Finally, the committee was pleased with the Commission’s approach to engagement and outreach work, particularly its aims in reaching new audiences and people that have not historically engaged with the Senedd. These are laudable objectives. However, to ensure that this work continues to provide value for money, we ask the Commission to provide regular reports on its success or otherwise.