Questions to the Minister for Finance and Local Government

QNR – in the Senedd on 23 June 2021.

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Photo of Tom Giffard Tom Giffard Conservative

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

Photo of Rebecca Evans Rebecca Evans Labour

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.   

Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru

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

Photo of Rebecca Evans Rebecca Evans Labour

(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.

Photo of Sioned Williams Sioned Williams Plaid Cymru

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

Photo of Rebecca Evans Rebecca Evans Labour

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.

Photo of Luke Fletcher Luke Fletcher Plaid Cymru

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

Photo of Rebecca Evans Rebecca Evans Labour

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.