(Translated) What consideration does the Minister give to the provision of homelessness services by local government when allocating funding to the climate change portfolio?

In 2020-21 local government received an additional £600 million for the hardship fund, which included £10 million ring-fenced for homelessness. For 2021-22, the hardship fund received £206 million, which includes £4 million for the homelessness prevention grant, which now stands at £21.9 million in this financial year.   

(Translated) Will the Minister make a statement on how the tax on second homes is being implemented?

(Translated)

The land transaction tax rates for buyers of second homes, and all higher rates transactions, were changed last December and approved by the Senedd. They are four percentage points higher than the residential main rates. The Welsh Revenue Authority is responsible for the implementation and administration of the tax.

(Translated) Will the Minister make a statement on council tax levels in South Wales West?

The average band D council tax in South Wales West for 2021-22 ranges between £1,754 and £1,996. Local authorities in Wales are given the flexibility to set their annual budgets and council tax levels to reflect local priorities. They are accountable to their residents for these decisions.

(Translated) What additional support is the Welsh Government providing to local authorities ahead of the 2022 local elections?

We are working with local authorities as they plan for local elections in May 2022. Education and communications campaigns will encourage citizens to understand the critical role local government plays and why voting matters. We will also work to tackle the barriers which prevent individuals’ active participation in local democracy.