Will the Commission provide an update on its preparations for Senedd reform?
The Senedd Commission is preparing in four ways:
1. Firstly, it is preparing to support scrutiny of Senedd Reform legislation – it is essential that the Senedd receives the support it needs to thoroughly scrutinise the Welsh Government’s Senedd Reform legislation and the Commission will ensure that outstanding parliamentary support is provided.
2. Secondly, the Senedd Commission, as a leading stakeholder, is preparing to assist the Senedd and its committees when they come to consider Senedd Reform legislation – should, for example, a committee invite the Senedd Commission to contribute to its work as a key stakeholder. The Commission is currently responding to Welsh Government information requests for an estimate of the costs to the Senedd Commission that might arise from the Welsh Government’s Senedd Reform legislation. The Commission stands ready to assist the Senedd and its committees when they come to consider the cost estimates in due course.
3. Thirdly, the Commission must prepare for the potential change – without pre-empting the Senedd’s decisions on Senedd Reform, the scale of the proposed change is such that the Senedd Commission has had to start prudently preparing for the possibility. However, significant expenditure will not be incurred until the Senedd has decided to proceed with the proposed reforms, and the requisite legislation has received Royal Assent. A range of projects have been established, including projects relating to adapting the estate, reviewing procedures, and planning future services.
4. Finally, if the Senedd legislates for Senedd Reform, then the Commission, in partnership with other organisations, will need to help communicate any electoral changes to the public ahead of the 2026 Senedd election.