May I thank the Minister for opening the debate? It seems that we've had this debate three or four times already in the past month or two, and I make no apology for the fact that the thanks for that is to Plaid Cymru, because we have been willing to grapple with this issue, rather than just nodding it through as perhaps would have happened usually. It's us as a party that have made the case for using these powers that we have. And what purpose is there in having those powers unless there is a real willingness to use them when circumstances require, of course, and not just under any circumstances? I have to say that if the Government don't feel that now is the time to do that, then look at the trajectory: the more austerity that comes from the Conservatives and the more cuts that are forced on Wales, the stronger the argument for using these powers will become, ultimately, so we must prepare the ground so that, when the time comes, Wales is ready to go if needs be. But I don't want to be back here in a year's time hearing the Minister saying once again, 'Well, we don't know what the implications of varying tax levels would be, so it's difficult for us to do anything about it.'

I do understand, of course, that it's a difficult decision, but what has disappointed me about the general debate around all of this so far is the monochrome nature of the debate: raising income tax, and that's it. Well, no—we can look at this more creatively, in a multifaceted way, and perhaps with the use of council tax as a counterpoint in terms of the impact on people who aren't on higher salaries. But, there we are—we are here today with one motion before us and one issue to decide upon.