I will begin my brief comments by alluding to the Holtham commission and the Silk commission. One of the most important recommendations outlined by them is the value and importance of taking financial responsibility and accountability, and, without a doubt, today we are a step closer towards that accountability and responsibility by being able to set our own income tax rates. We on these benches look forward to seeing how the current Government will use these powers in the ensuing years, and we certainly are looking forward to presenting our own ideas and contributing to that debate and actually being in Government in ensuing years.

As has already been mentioned, this is a historic moment for our Senedd. The people of Wales will now be able to see in real terms on their pay slips the importance of the Senedd and the Government of Wales and how our institutions have a direct impact on their everyday lives. We as a Senedd are strengthening and, therefore, as a nation, we are getting stronger and more mature.

As regards the rates that are proposed before us today, we tend to support the rates listed in this motion, as these are the first for the Government to set. We are laying the foundation for the future, and I am certain that we will see many changes in future as we grow in maturity and confidence as regards how to use these tax-raising powers for the benefit of the people of Wales. Because with these new powers, comes great responsibility, and that's a responsibility for us all as Members of our national Senedd and as members of our political parties, not only to respect these responsibilities but also to respond to the fact that we have been given these responsibilities and to use them in a responsible manner but also in a creative manner—in a manner that will develop a Welsh method or means of setting taxes or tax rates not only to respond to the fundamental problems in the society of Wales but also, I hope, to be innovative in our ideas and ambitious in creating a taxation system that will be fairer for the people of Wales than the current one.