4. Statement by the Minister for Finance and Local Government: Reforming Council Tax in Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:15 pm on 7 December 2021.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 4:15, 7 December 2021

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Minister, thank you for your statement today. First of all, would you agree that the 22 local authorities across Wales have been absolutely incredible in supporting vulnerable people, communities and businesses during the whole pandemic, and that it demonstrates the value of public services at a very local level? Of course, reform of council tax is overdue, but there are other ways that the Welsh Government has been supporting councils in delivering vitally important enabling projects, like the Wrexham Gateway in north Wales and the global centre for rail excellence in mid and south Wales, both supported by Welsh Ministers through local authorities. Would the Minister reaffirm the Government's commitment to supporting such job-creating magnets alongside, of course, councils raising revenue through a reformed system? And finally, Minister, I'd be very grateful if you could just once more assure Members that there will be no sudden changes to Bills, and that the new system will address the unfairness of council tax.