The National Assembly for Wales Commission Budget Proposals 2009-10 - Guidance

Purpose

(Service)

2009-10

Estimate £000

2010-11

Estimate £000

2011-12

Estimate £000

IMPROVING EFFICIENCY AND DELIVERY THROUGH INVESTMENT IN IT SYSTEMS

ICT Strategic Replacement Programme - for 2009-10 the 229 information screens used by the public in the Senedd galleries are scheduled for replacement.  The programme for future years covers other aspects of the ICT infrastructure on a rolling basis.

(ICT)

Main strategic goal supported: Promote and widen engagement in devolution (Capital Expenditure)

229

1,374

2,027

A replacement broadcasting ringmain in Ty Hywel is needed in readiness for digital television, which uses different signals and provides additional services to the current analogue system which was installed in 1999.  A planned replacement will ensure continuity of service during business time.

(ICT)

Main strategic goal supported: Provide the best service in the most effective way (Capital Expenditure)

200

-

-

A contribution to the costs of Legislation software (phase II), being a joint essential project with the Welsh Assembly Government for drafting Assembly Measures and amendments to Measures.

(Legislation/Chamber Services)

Main strategic goal supported: A bold response to constitutional change  (Revenue Expenditure)

100

20

20

A Business & Committee Management System would replace current separate systems and manual processes, and associated risks, for managing and reporting Plenary and Committee business.  Savings in staff-time through improving the process will be saved or reinvested in support to Committees.

(Committee Service and Chamber/Leg’n Service)

Main strategic goal supported: Provide the best service in the most effective way (Capital Expenditure 2009-10)

75

15

15

An improved, simple but efficient Information Management System is required to manage the information used and reports provided by the Members’ Research Service.  The current platform dates from 1999 and carries an increasing risk of failure.  This project is scheduled to start during 2008-09 and will lead to improved information capture and retrieval, with resultant staff-time efficiencies to be saved or reinvested in research work.

(Members’ Research Service)

Main strategic goal supported: Provide the best service in the most effective way (Capital Expenditure 2009-10)

75

15

15

Software to automate administration of AM Allowances is needed in order to improve public access to information.  This will overcome the need for duplication of data entry between incompatible systems, saving on additional costs currently being met from unallocated reserves.

(Members’ Pay and Allowances)

Main strategic goal supported: Demonstrate respect, probity, good governance (Capital Expenditure 2009-10)

30

6

6

IT SYSTEMS INVESTMENT - POTENTIAL COSTS

709

1,430

2,083

Annex 1

Purpose

(Service)

2009-10

Estimate £000

2010-11

Estimate £000

2011-12

Estimate £000

STRENGTHENING ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES CONNECTING WITH THE PEOPLE OF WALES

Assembly focus - a programme of Assembly-branded external communications activities across the year to connect the Assembly with the people of Wales: People’s Choice Events; Key partner events, such as a youth event to coincide with the Urdd Eisteddfod; and constituency focused activities to support every Assembly Member.

(External Communications)

Main strategic goal supported: Promote and widen engagement in devolution (Revenue Expenditure)

150

-

-

Delivery of improved outreach services including the Pierhead Futures programme, using the new Assembly Outreach bus to connect with communities and groups, and using video clips and interactive equipment to explain the work of the Assembly and how the people of Wales can engage with it.

(External Communications)

100

150

150

Develop a comprehensive e-democracy programme to extend the Assembly’s reputation as being one of the most technically advanced and innovative parliamentary establishments in the World.  This will include using new technology to enable podcasts and voxpops, embedding webclips in press releases, and using newsletter technology to improve communications with target audiences.

(External Communications)

Main strategic goal supported: Promote and widen engagement in devolution (Revenue Expenditure)

75

75

75

To take forward the benefits of the Operation Black Vote scheme connecting with Black and Minority Ethnic groups.

(Corporate Unit)

Main strategic goal supported: Promote and widen engagement in devolution (Revenue Expenditure)

40

40

40

STRENGTHENING ENGAGEMENT - POTENTIAL COSTS

365

265

265

SUPPORTING THE WORK OF THE ASSEMBLY

Development of new archiving arrangements for a permanent public record of the work of the Assembly.

(Corporate Unit)

Main strategic goal supported: Demonstrate respect, probity and good governance (Revenue Expenditure)

30

150

150

To meet the costs of additional staff recruited during 2008-09 in response to increasing demands in areas such as finance, governance, sustainability, ICT and Estates; Increased demands on the Assembly’s buildings and support services from the growing business activity of the Assembly and success in encouraging visitors and events mean that additional support is needed to deliver the Commission’s strategic goals.

Main strategic goal supported: Provide the best service in the most effective way (Revenue Expenditure)

300

-

-

To meet the Commission’s environmental targets projects will be undertaken to reduce carbon emissions from the Assembly’s estate, coupled with providing improved open, welcoming and modern public areas for visitors to Ty Hywel.

(Facilities)

Main strategic goal supported: Work sustainably (Capital/ Revenue Expenditure)

150

100

100

Strengthening capacity in Legal Services with one additional lawyer to support the increasing legislative programme.

Main strategic goal supported: Provide the best service in the most effective way (Revenue Expenditure)

75

-

-

Targeting cash-backed efficiencies and other savings in expenditure so as to limit the extent of increases in the Assembly Commission’s budget for 2009-10.

Main strategic goal supported: Provide the best service in the most effective way (Revenue Expenditure)

-250

-

-

SUPPORTING THE WORK OF THE ASSEMBLY

305

250

250

INCREASING THE CONTINGENCY BUDGET

133

TOTAL POTENTIAL COST OF PROPOSALS

1,512

1,945

2,598