Strategic plans

10A

1

The Commission shall, in respect of each 4 year period, lay before the Parliament a plan (referred to in this section as a “strategic plan”) setting out how the Commission proposes to exercise the Commission's functions during the 4 year period.

2

A strategic plan shall, in particular, set out—

a

the Commission's objectives and priorities during the 4 year period;

b

how the Commission proposes to achieve them;

c

a timetable for doing so; and

d

estimates of the costs of doing so.

3

Before laying a strategic plan before the Parliament, the Commission shall provide a draft of it to and invite, and (if any are given) consider, comments on it from—

a

the Parliamentary corporation; and

b

such other persons as the Commission thinks appropriate.

4

The reference in sub-paragraph (3)(b) to other persons includes a committee of the Parliament.

5

The Commission shall lay each strategic plan before the Parliament not later than the beginning of the 4 year period to which the plan relates.

6

The Commission shall arrange for the publication of each strategic plan laid before the Parliament.

7

The Commission may, at any time during a 4 year period, review the strategic plan for the period and lay a revised strategic plan before the Parliament.

8

Sub-paragraphs (2) to (7) apply to a revised strategic plan as they apply to a strategic plan.

9

In that application, the reference in sub-paragraph (5) to the 4 year period is a reference to the period to which the revised strategic plan relates.

10

In this section, “4 year period” means the period of 4 years beginning on 1 April next following the coming into force of this paragraph and each subsequent period of 4 years.