Thank you. I welcome this opportunity to explain the background to this legislative consent motion. I am grateful to both the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee for considering and reporting on the memorandum. Both committees consider that there is no impediment to the Senedd agreeing to the legislative consent motion. I note the helpful points raised by the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and confirm that I have come to the same decision about the next revaluation date as the UK Government.

However, I would like to highlight the detailed programme of work that we have in train to consider the longer term reforms for non-domestic rates in Wales. The UK Government introduced the Non-Domestic Rating (Lists) (No. 2) Bill on 8 September to provide for technical changes to the non-domestic rates system in England and Wales. Provisions in the Bill applying to Wales will move the next revaluation date from 1 April 2022 to 1 April 2023. The Bill also adjusts the deadline for the submission of proposed lists from 30 September in the preceding valuation year to 31 December. The primary reason for the change of date is to take into account the impact of the pandemic on the valuation process and property markets. The Bill also ensures that there is consistency in the valuation approach adopted across Wales and England during these uncertain times.

I believe these provisions fall within the legislative competence of the Senedd, however, I am content that these provisions should be made in a UK Bill. There is no other suitable primary legislation that would enable us to effect the necessary changes within the timescales needed to allow the revaluation to proceed. This is a short, technical Bill to effect a change that has the widespread support of businesses and other ratepayers across Wales. Therefore, I move the motion and ask the Senedd to approve this legislative consent motion.