Elin Jones MS, Minister for Finance
Today the Taxation (Wales) Bill has been laid before the Senedd.
The Bill represents the next stage in maintaining and improving Wales’ devolved tax system. It draws on almost a decade of operational experience since the establishment of the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA), Land Transaction Tax and Landfill Disposals Tax being payable by our taxpayers. The Bill willclarify, strengthen and future-proof Wales's devolved tax legislation supporting the collection of tax revenues that fund public services across Wales.
The Bill delivers a package of targeted technical and administrative changes to the Tax Collection and Management (Wales) Act 2016, the Landfill Disposals Tax (Wales) Act 2017 and the Land Transaction Tax and Anti-avoidance of Devolved Taxes (Wales) Act 2017. It does not introduce any new taxes, nor does it alter the fundamental policy objectives of Wales's devolved tax system. The proposed changes reflect changing circumstances and will ensure that devolved tax legislation continues to operate effectively, efficiently and fairly. This reflects our commitment to maintaining a modern and responsive tax system.
The Bill will improve governance arrangements and administration of taxes collected by the WRA, clarify and enhance compliance and enforcement provisions, and provide greater certainty for taxpayers and their advisers. It also addresses practical issues identified through the operation of land transaction tax and landfill disposals tax, ensuring the operate appropriately.
The Bill will also enable carefully controlled information sharing with local authorities to support the administration of council tax, non-domestic rates and the visitor levy, while maintaining robust safeguards to protect taxpayer confidentiality and personal data.
The proposed changes have been informed by stakeholder engagement and a public consultation. Feedback received demonstrated broad support for measures that improve the effectiveness of tax administration while maintaining appropriate safeguards and taxpayer protections.
The accompanying Explanatory Memorandum and Regulatory Impact Assessment show that the Bill is expected to deliver administrative and operational benefits for taxpayers, local authorities and the WRA.
I look forward to working constructively with Members of the Senedd as the Bill progresses through scrutiny.