15(1)When the Commission submit to the Speaker’s Committee such an estimate as is mentioned in paragraph 14 [F1in respect of the first financial year to begin after the day on which Parliament meets for the first time following a parliamentary general election,] the Commission shall also submit to the Committee a plan prepared by the Commission setting out the Commission’s—U.K.
(a)aims and objectives for the period of five years beginning with the financial year to which the estimate relates, and
(b)estimated requirements for resources during that five-year period.
[F2(1A)The Speaker's Committee may require the Commission to submit a plan under sub-paragraph (1) when the Commission submit such an estimate as is mentioned in paragraph 14 in respect of a financial year other than one mentioned in that sub-paragraph.]
(2)The Speaker’s Committee shall—
(a)examine each plan submitted to them;
(b)decide whether they are satisfied that the plan is consistent with the economical, efficient and effective discharge by the Commission of their functions; and
(c)if they are not so satisfied, shall make such modifications to the plan as they consider appropriate for the purpose of achieving such consistency.
(3)Before deciding whether they are so satisfied or making any such modifications, the Speaker’s Committee shall—
(a)have regard to the most recent report made to them by the Comptroller and Auditor General under paragraph 16 and to any recommendations contained in that report; and
(b)consult the Treasury and have regard to any advice which the Treasury may give.
(4)The Speaker’s Committee shall, after concluding their examination and making their modifications (if any) to the plan, lay the plan before the House of Commons.
(5)If the Speaker’s Committee, in the discharge of their functions under this paragraph—
(a)do not follow any recommendation contained in the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General,
(b)do not follow any advice given to them by the Treasury, or
(c)make any modification to the plan,
they shall include in the next report which they make to the House of Commons under paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 a statement of their reasons for so doing.
[F3(6)A plan prepared under this paragraph must not include aims, objectives or estimated requirements for the exercise of the Commission's functions in relation to devolved Welsh elections and devolved Welsh referendums (as to which, see paragraph 16B).]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in Sch. 1 para. 15(1) inserted (1.1.2016) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), ss. 94(3), 115(7); S.I. 2015/1732, art. 3(b)
F2Sch. 1 para. 15(1A) inserted (1.1.2016) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), ss. 94(4), 115(7); S.I. 2015/1732, art. 3(b)
F3Sch. 1 para. 15(6) inserted (E.W.) (1.10.2020) by Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020 (anaw 1), s. 42(3)(b), Sch. 2 para. 14(3); S.I. 2020/1052, art. 2(b)