Local Taxes

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Finance and Local Government – in the Senedd at 2:14 pm on 15 September 2021.

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Photo of Rebecca Evans Rebecca Evans Labour 2:14, 15 September 2021

Yes, I agree that this is only part of the picture and that action is required urgently, because we know that there are communities in Wales really feeling the pressure in this regard. It's why we've taken some early action, such as the additional 1 per cent on the higher rate of land transaction tax, for example, but there's work going on at this point as well in terms of developing the Welsh language strategy for communities, and part of that, really, is about ensuring that people are able to stay in their Welsh language communities and be able to buy a home there.

So, there are several things happening at once. It's not my intention to spend a long time deliberating on the views that come forward. I know that we're going to have a really wide spectrum of views, from people who are completely opposed to any changes, to people who would prefer us to have an approach that made it even easier to buy second homes, right the way through to people who have a view on the other end of the spectrum. Obviously, all views are welcome and we will be considering them, but I don't want to spend more time than is necessary. Obviously, I understand the urgency of this particular issue.