2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:21 pm on 14 February 2023.

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Photo of Mike Hedges Mike Hedges Labour 2:21, 14 February 2023

Going back to the Silk report on the devolution of taxation, that recommended that aggregates levy should be devolved to Wales. It could not be devolved due to European Union intervention. In November 2022, Liz Saville Roberts asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he had had discussions with the Welsh Government on devolving the aggregates levy to Wales. The Treasury response was that they 

'are always happy to engage with the Welsh Government, should they wish to discuss this or any other issue further.'

I'm asking for a Welsh Government statement on progress towards devolving the aggregates levy. 

I'm also asking for a statement on rare conditions. Whilst individually they are rare, hence their name, they affect a lot of people, with one in 17 people being affected during their lifetime. Many rare conditions are lifelong and complex. Often, rare diseases are chronic and life-threatening. As a result, people affected by rare conditions often need support and expertise from a wide range of healthcare professionals. This can mean having multiple appointments across different settings, and on different dates. I think a statement on that would be very helpful.