Item 8 is our next item, and that is the LCM on the Non-Domestic Rating (Public Lavatories) Bill. I call on the Minister for finance to move the motion—Rebecca Evans.

Motion NDM7476 Rebecca Evans

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 29.6, agrees that provisions in the Non-Domestic Rating (Public Lavatories) Bill, in so far as they fall within the legislative competence of the Senedd, should be considered by the UK Parliament.

Motion moved.

Diolch, Llywydd. I welcome this opportunity to explain the background for this legislative consent motion. I'm grateful to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for considering the LCM, and for the report that it's produced. The committee considers there is no impediment to the Senedd agreeing to the legislative consent motion.

The UK Government introduced the Non-Domestic Rating (Public Lavatories) Bill on 18 March. A similar Bill was introduced in June 2019, and the legislative consent motion for that Bill was agreed in Plenary in July last year. That Bill fell when Parliament was prorogued. The new Bill is a short, single-purpose Bill, which will reduce the rates liability for stand-alone public lavatories to zero, from 1 April 2020. Due to the timing of the Bill, the changes it introduced will be applied retrospectively.

The provisions apply to all stand-alone public lavatories made available for public use, irrespective of who owns or operates the facilities. The Bill will also provide public health benefits, by reducing running costs and therefore reducing the risk of public toilets being closed. Closures could adversely affect groups such as older people, disabled people and people with young children. As this will contribute to our public health objectives in Wales, provisions for Wales were included in the Bill on introduction.

I believe these provisions fall within the legislative competence of the Senedd. However, as no suitable legislative vehicle is available to make these changes in Wales for implementation from April 2020, I'm content that these provisions should be made in a Bill covering England and Wales. I therefore move the motion and ask the Senedd to approve it.

The Chair of the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, Mick Antoniw.

Diolch, Llywydd. Another short report from the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee. We considered this LCM at our meetings on 8 and 15 June, and subsequently laid our report on 17 June. Our report noted the Welsh Government's assessment of the provisions in the Bill that require Senedd consent and the Welsh Government's reasons as to why, in its view, making provision for Wales in the Bill is appropriate. We also noted the retrospective effect of the Bill as, once enacted, the legislation will have effect in relation to financial years beginning on or after 1 April 2020. Diolch, Llywydd.

I have no speakers in this item. I don't know whether the Minister wants to respond.

I'll just reiterate my thanks, Llywydd, to the committee for their work.

Okay. Thank you for doing that.

The proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? I see no objections, and it's therefore agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36. 

Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.