First Minister of Wales confirms government’s legislative priorities for next Senedd term will include a Bill to reform the council tax system
Other housing measures outlined in statement to the Senedd include commitment to legislate to improve homelessness services and to introduce a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation including short-term lets
The First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford has confirmed that the Welsh Government's legislative priorities for the next Senedd term will include a Bill to reform the council tax system.
Announcing the plans yesterday in an Oral Statement to the Senedd, Mr Drakeford confirmed that a local government finance Bill is among the Bills included in the third year of the government's legislative programme. Mr Drakeford advised that –
'It will contribute to reforms of our council tax and non-domestic rates systems. The reforms will pave the way for these systems becoming more closely aligned with changes in market conditions, more responsive to the evolving pressures faced by people and organisations, and more tailored to Welsh needs as a result of being maintained within devolved structures. Extensive research experience and our experience of operating these systems over many years make clear that targeted reforms are very much needed in this area.'
In addition, Mr Drakeford confirmed that –
'… there will be more to come in the remaining legislative years of this term as we bring forward measures to deliver on further important commitments in our programme for government and our co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru. In those future years, we will introduce legislation for a visitor levy and a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation, including short-term lets, before the end of 2024.
… We will legislate to reform homelessness services and introduce a Bill to overhaul the system for building safety. We will also … bring forward legislation relating to the Welsh tribunal system.'
NB – Mr Drakeford also confirmed the government's priorities in relation to social care, advising that legislation will be brought forward to introduce direct payments for continuing healthcare in support of the programme for government commitment to do so.