6. Debate: Welsh Rates of Income Tax 2020-2021

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:08 pm on 3 March 2020.

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Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 4:08, 3 March 2020

(Translated)

Just a few comments from me. We too will be supporting the motion before us today. These are very early days, of course, following the devolution of a portion of the income tax rates last year, and it's important that confidence is being engendered amongst taxpayers and the public in these new devolved arrangements that are in place. We will have to, in the years to come, as political parties, and as Members of the Senedd in this place, make difficult decisions, and brave decisions indeed, I hope, with regard to the rates. But there is sense in going through this initial phase by maintaining consistency in the taxation arrangements.

One thing that I will say is this: we, as Members of the Senedd, and the public in Wales, need to see that the Welsh Government is being driven by the fact that they have control now over a portion of our income tax, and that they take advantage of this opportunity and continue to ensure that we increase the tax base that we have here in Wales. Because this is a genuine opportunity, we can't have business as usual. It would be a waste of devolution if that's the attitude that was adopted. But for the time being, there is sense in maintaining the status quo.