SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 1 The Electoral Commission

Five-year plan

15

1

When the Commission submit to the Speaker’s Committee such an estimate as is mentioned in paragraph 14 the Commission shall also submit to the Committee a plan prepared by the Commission setting out the Commission’s—

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.

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.