Mark Drakeford MS, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language
I am pleased to announce today the launch of a public consultation on making changes to the Welsh Tax Acts.1
In this consultation, the views are sought of the public, individual lawyers and tax advisers with an interest in constitutional and taxation matters (especially in how changes are made to the rules that apply to taxes), and professional bodies whose members have similar interests.
The consultation closes on Friday 28 November. Consideration of the responses will help in meeting the statutory duty placed on the Welsh Ministers under section 6 of the Welsh Tax Acts etc. (Power to Modify) 2022 to publish the conclusions of a review of the operation and effect of this Act by 8 September 2026. That review must include an assessment of alternative legislative mechanisms for making changes to the Welsh Tax Acts and regulations made under any of those Acts, and the responses to this consultation and engagement work by my officials will help in reaching those conclusions.
The outcome of this consultation will complement work being undertaken to prepare a consultation on potential provisions for inclusion in a Tax Maintenance Bill. Together, they will enable the next Welsh Government and Senedd to work towards finding the right approach to make changes to our Welsh Tax Acts.
This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.
1 The Tax Collection and Management (Wales) Act 2016, the Land Transaction Tax and Anti-avoidance of Devolved Taxes (Wales) Act 2017 and the Landfill Disposals Tax (Wales) Acts 2017.