How many first class rail journeys were undertaken by Assembly Commission staff in 2017-18 and what were the details and cost of each?
First class travel can be provided where it is strictly necessary for work related reasons and where an application is supported by an authorising officer. This may be for the following reasons:
· when a member of staff is required to work on official business while travelling and first class travel would facilitate this;
· when travelling for work reasons with someone who is not a Commission employee (e.g. an Assembly Member) and that individual is travelling in a higher class; or
· where the cost of a single first class ticket is within 10% of the equivalent off-peak single or anytime single standard class fare (according to the time of travel).
In total there were four first/business class travel journeys authorised during the 2017/18 financial year including:
- Three journeys where officials accompanied the Llywydd on official business, costing a total of £331.50.
- One journey for two translators and one interpreter, required to support the Finance Committee at Beaumaris on the morning of 13 July and an afternoon stakeholder meeting & Scrutiny of the First Minister Committee at Bangor University on Friday 14 July 2017. Travelling first class enabled staff to work en-route. The return journey on Friday afternoon 14 July was in Standard class. The total cost was £225.