12(1)An estimate under paragraph 11 [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] is to be accompanied by a plan prepared by the Commission setting out its—E+W
(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 submits such an estimate as is mentioned in paragraph 11 in respect of a financial year other than one mentioned in that sub-paragraph.]
(2)The Speaker's Committee must—
(a)examine each such plan,
(b)decide whether they are satisfied that the plan is consistent with the economical, efficient and effective discharge by the Commission of its functions, and
(c)if they are not so satisfied, 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 modification the Speaker's Committee must—
(a)have regard to the most recent report made to them by the Comptroller and Auditor General under paragraph 13 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 must, 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 must include in the next report which they make to the House of Commons under paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 of the 2000 Act a statement of their reasons for so doing.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in Sch. 1 para. 12(1) inserted (1.1.2016) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), ss. 95(4), 115(7); S.I. 2015/1732, art. 3(c)
F2Sch. 1 para. 12(1A) inserted (1.1.2016) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), ss. 95(5), 115(7); S.I. 2015/1732, art. 3(c)
Commencement Information
I1Sch. 1 para. 12 in force at 1.4.2010 by S.I. 2009/3318, art. 4(dd)