Finance Committee to scrutinise draft Welsh Government budget

The National Assembly for Wales’ Finance Committee is set to scrutinise the Welsh Assembly Government’s draft budget. The Government is expected to lay the budget on November 5, and under the Assembly’s Standing Orders, the Committee has four weeks to scrutinise the budget and report on its findings.  The Committee will be holding four meetings during that time to ensure full and proper scrutiny of the proposed budget. On Thursday 8 November, the Committee will invite Andrew Davies, Minister for Finance to introduce the budget and explain the proposed spending for the year ahead.   On Tuesday 13 November, the Committee will take evidence from the NHS and the Welsh Local Government Association on the budget’s impact in their service areas. Each of the Assembly Committees has the opportunity to scrutinise the draft budget and consider the potential impact of the proposed spending in their area of interest. The Finance Committee will consider reports from other Assembly Committees at its meeting on Thursday 22 November.   During its final budget meeting on Tuesday 27 November, the Finance Committee will agree its recommendations before making a full report to the National Assembly for Wales.  The Committee may, if appropriate, recommend changes to the Government’s spending plans. Alun Cairns AM, Chair of the Finance Committee, said: “The draft budget will set out the spending priorities of the Welsh Assembly Government for the next year and it is of vital importance that the Assembly and the Government work together at this time to ensure the budget is soundly based.  The Committee and I look forward to working with Andrew Davies, Minister for Finance, as we strive to ensure that the budget best serves the people of Wales and ensures the delivery of high quality public services.” More details about the Committee