Decisions 15 December 2003
Monday 15 December 2003 at 5pm in Speaker's House
Present:
The Speaker
Mr Stuart Bell
Sir Patrick Cormack
Mr Peter Hain
Mr Oliver Heald
Sir Archy Kirkwood
1. Security
The Serjeant at Arms was present.
The Commission discussed security matters.
In the absence of the Speaker, Sir Archy Kirkwood took the Chair.
2. Staff pay
The Director of Finance and Administration was present.
The Commission considered staff pay negotiations.
3. Draft Administration Estimate 2004/05
The Director of Finance and Administration was present.
The Commission considered advice from the Finances and Services Committee and the Director of Finance and Administration and approved a cash Estimate of £140.2M for 2004/05, subject to the normal inflation and pay award adjustment, and additional provision of £150K for childcare for House staff as approved by the Commission on 17 November.
4. Members Estimate: governance
The Director of Finance and Administration was present.
The Commission considered the arrangements for oversight of and decision-taking on Members' pay and allowances. It agreed to return to the subject in the New Year with further advice and following consultation with the Speaker's Advisory Panel on Members' Allowances.
5. Impact of the revised sitting hours
The Commission noted a further assessment by the Board of Management of the impact of the revised sitting hours on House staff and administration.
6. Survey of services: follow-up action
The Commission took note of planned follow-up action from the Survey of House Services and of the forthcoming meeting between the Finance and Services Committee and the Board of Management.