A scratching of heads, pens thrust between clenched teeth, which ruminate rapidly while papers bearing spread sheets rustle relentlessly.
Yes, it’s budget briefing time at the Assembly when willing hacks try to outwit seasoned accountants over the smoke and mirrors that passes for the government’s spending plans.
“A-ha! That £7m for business rate relief doesn’t kick in until 2009-10.”
“No, that’s when it is paid, retrospectively,” comes the assured reply.
“So that £4m to reduce council tax for pensioners is in the same boat, then?”
“No, that is correct, that’s when it will come in.”
“Where’s the money for free lap-tops.”
“That comes under ‘Education IT Strategy’.”
Thankfully, there is another briefing today, followed by a statement to AMs, four evidence sessions with the finance committee and a full plenary debate before the £14.8bn spending programme is approved by January.
By then, all will become clear in the historic first coalition budget between Labour and Plaid Cymru.
Finance minister Andrew Davies faced a budget backlash after he seasonally declared a ‘bonfire of inefficiency’ in public services.
Council chiefs demanded urgent talks as Mr Davies predicted an end to ‘duplication and red-tape’ in the tightest squeeze on the growth in public spending since devolution.
The Assembly government budget would rise from around £14bn to £16bn (1.8%) by 2010-11, which was more than double to original £7bn financial pot in 1999.
But the Welsh Local Government Association warned council services would bear the brunt of the squeeze, with just a 2.2% rise in spending.
A promised council tax reduction scheme for pensioners, costing £4m-a-year, will also be delayed until 2009-10, although a £7m rate relief plan for business will go ahead from April.
Mr Davies insisted a total of £3.6bn in new investment would be made by 2010/11, some £1.2bn more for the NHS.
“I am determined we get a bigger bang for our buck in delivering pubic services.
“I want a bonfire of inefficiency that gets rid of duplication and red-tape and delivers real improvements.” (That's enough Bonfire Night puns - Ed)
Priorities were for health, education, and affordable housing, he said.
WLGA leader Derek Vaughan said: “We expected a tough settlement but today’s unacceptable outcome following on from the recent poor Comprehensive Spending Review will place huge pressures on local authorities who are already squeezing everything possible from the system.”
The Conservatives claimed that Plaid Cymru’s election pledge to provide grants of up to £5,000 to all first time home buyers was in tatters after just £500,000 a year was made available for the scheme.
