Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Finance and Local Government – in the Senedd at 1:43 pm on 13 October 2021.

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Photo of Peter Fox Peter Fox Conservative 1:43, 13 October 2021

Well, I can't thank you for that, Minister; I think you've ducked the question. It's a legitimate question from a party that is supposed to hold the Government to account. The Welsh Government's upcoming budget is one of the most significant that we will see in this place, and given the impact that the pandemic has had on people across Wales, this needs to be a budget that is focused on not just recovery, but one which is focused on aspiration.

But the deal that your party is proposing to do with Plaid risks taking more money out of the pockets of our people. Plaid's manifesto included a number of potential stealth taxes, such as a junk food tax, a tax on drivers, a tourism tax, which has been mentioned and would have dire consequences for the hospitality sector in Wales. Of course, Welsh Government are also looking into the potential of a road tax and tourism tax—a double whammy for families across the country. Ultimately, we need an ambitious plan that embraces the future and puts an end to this dark COVID chapter we've all lived through. So, Minister, can you confirm that it is not your intention to introduce any new taxes in your upcoming budget, and can you outline whether your agreement with Plaid includes a specific agreement on the reform of council tax? Put simply, what will your co-operation agreement mean for the hard-working families of Wales? Thank you.