3. Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance: Tax Policy Work Plan 2018, including New Taxes

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:39 pm on 13 February 2018.

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Photo of Jane Hutt Jane Hutt Labour 3:39, 13 February 2018

Can I welcome the Cabinet Secretary's decision to test the new power with vacant land tax? It's helpful to know that the Republic of Ireland's vacant site levy provides a useful starting point for such a tax in Wales. Would he agree that such a tax could go some way to addressing the growing inequalities in wealth, and the way it's distributed, and that, of course, is exemplified in land banking? I understand, of course, that the first step is to secure power from Westminster. I just wonder whether discussions have taken place at official or ministerial level with the UK Government regarding all four tax proposals, including the vacant land tax, to pave the way for testing today's announcement. I think it's important to recognise that a vacant land tax will help address the need to secure vacant land for housing. I'm sure this will be welcomed by local authorities and registered social landlords who are seeking to meet local housing need. Has any mapping or sampling of vacant land taken place, on a pilot or wider basis in Wales, to identify the scope and extent of the land that might be subject to this tax?

I also welcome his commitment to work on a stand-alone disposable plastics tax in Wales. I certainly know that'll be welcomed by Jones Dairies in my constituency, which has already embraced the Blue Planet message and seen a rise in orders over the past week of 500 more bottles of milk to be delivered in the milk floats that quietly come down my street early in the morning. It's really important that we provide more information—as you say, the public have embraced this message—so that the call for evidence can include those who want to engage, like Chris Jones from the dairy in my constituency.

Finally, can I welcome his commitment to explore the prospects for a social care levy? Will he commit either himself or, indeed, the Minister Huw Irranca-Davies to report to the Assembly on this enhanced social insurance model? I understand that a report is due in May. I think, Cabinet Secretary, that taking that forward could be a very important response to the parliamentary review on health and social care. Alongside his proposed vacant land tax and, indeed, his work on a disposable plastics tax, I think this all will show that Wales is at the forefront of progressive social reform.