7. Welsh Conservatives Debate: Welsh Rate of Income Tax

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:23 pm on 23 January 2019.

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Photo of Mark Isherwood Mark Isherwood Conservative 5:23, 23 January 2019

Diolch. I'm still rapidly scribbling notes, because you've all said so much, and thanks very much to all the contributors. Nick Ramsay began by summoning the memory of Bobby Kennedy. We must remember his brother, JFK, when President, had argued that strong economic growth required lower taxes. Many in his own party disagreed with him, but, at the time, back in 1963, he was proved right.

He talked about how we need to make this work best for the people of Wales and use these new tax levers to nurture investment and generate economic growth in Wales in a new age of accountability for this Assembly and, of course, this Welsh Government to make the economy more competitive, to encourage more investors to come to Wales and create the better paid jobs that we need. And he talked about concerns about the Welsh Government commitment not to increase devolved income tax during this Assembly term, given the quotes, which he and others referred to, subsequently made by some Welsh Government members.

Rhun ap Iorwerth talked about the priority of ensuring economic growth and increased revenue by supporting indigenous businesses. Quite right: we agree with you, and we will be supportive of your amendment. You oppose, however, insisting that the Welsh Government not increase tax during this Assembly term—rather odd, particularly given that the Welsh Government themselves are going to be supporting this motion. Perhaps the public might note that Plaid Cymru are the only party perhaps proposing increased taxes during this Assembly term.