11. Short Debate: Tax Devolution

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:37 pm on 17 July 2019.

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Photo of Rebecca Evans Rebecca Evans Labour 6:37, 17 July 2019

We wouldn't expect to see changes at this point in the year, because obviously, as you say, we don't have the level of detail that we have, and we've set our Welsh rates of income tax at the same level as they have in England. We've been really clear, and I'll reiterate it in the Chamber today, that we would have no intention of changing those Welsh rates of income tax between now and the Assembly elections. I think it's for all of our parties to consider what our offer is to the people of Wales. Mark Reckless asked about what the change would be in terms of a 1 per cent change in the basic rate, for example. Well, for every 1 per cent we're looking at £200 million, so if you were to reduce tax by 1 per cent, then it would be a £200 million cut, or increase by 1 per cent, a £200 million increase. Then I think there are debates to have with the public then as to what people are prepared either to lose, or what they would be prepared to pay for to gain. I think that that will add a certain new element, definitely, to our Assembly elections next time.

Then, finally, I suppose, what is the vision for Welsh taxes? Well, we set out the vison, certainly in the early years, in our tax policy framework, which is underpinned by principles about revenues being there to support our public services, and to do so in as fair a way as possible. Taxes should always be as simple and clear and stable as possible, and of course they should link directly and contribute directly to our well-being of future generations Act goal of creating a more equal Wales. If Members are keen to know more of the detail of that, then we have our tax policy work plan, which is part of an annual policy development cycle, and in February we announced the plan for this year. But at all points throughout the year we're really keen to engage with anybody who has an interest in taxes in Wales in order to continue to develop our thinking and explore new ideas, and always seeking to improve the things that we're already doing.

I think I've just about used up my time talking about tax, and, as always, it's been a pleasure.