1 October 2015

Dear Jane

Scrutiny of the draft Budget 2016-17

Thank you for your letter of 24 September 2015. I discussed the proposed timetable with the Members of Finance Committee yesterday.  Members were concerned that the timetable for scrutiny of the draft budget included a week of recess.  However, we also understand that on this occasion, due to the Comprehensive Spending Review, it has been difficult for you to present the budget before your intended date of 8 December, and for these reasons we have agreed to work within the prescribed timetable to scrutinise the draft budget.

As you will be aware the Committee is also scheduled to undertake stage 2 of the Tax Collection and Management Bill at the same time as scrutiny of the draft budget.  I have asked the clerking team to liaise with your office regarding your attendance at Committee for the draft budget sessions and the disposal of amendments.

I am copying this letter to the Presiding Officer for information.

Yours sincerely,

Jocelyn Davies AM

Chair