Politics
Call to bring forward council tax shake-up rejected by Senedd
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THE SENEDD rejected calls to press ahead with “long overdue” reforms to council tax before the next election despite an “overwhelming” moral case for change.
Peredur Owen Griffiths, Plaid Cymru’s shadow local government secretary, warned council tax imposes a disproportionate burden on poorer households.
He tabled an amendment to the local government finance bill, which would have placed a duty on the Welsh Government to stick to implementing reforms by April 2025.
In mid-May, the Welsh Government pushed back plans – which were jointly agreed with Plaid Cymru – to redesign council tax with the aim of making it fairer until 2028.
Plaid Cymru pulled out of the broad cooperation agreement two days later due to the delay coupled with concerns about donations to Vaughan Gething’s leadership race warchest.
During a debate on July 9, Mr Owen Griffiths urged fellow Senedd members to back his amendment to ease pressure on some of the poorest households in Wales.
He said: “Reflect on the real-world implications of kicking this reform into the long grass, especially for lower income families who are continuing to struggle to make ends meet.”
He warned the delay would condemn those with the least to three years of disproportionately high council tax bills while those with the broadest shoulders do not pay their fair share.
Mr Owen Griffiths told the Senedd: “The moral case for implementing this change is overwhelming and, given the continued financial pressure facing households across the length and breadth of our nation, now is the time to strike whilst the iron’s hot.”
The South Wales East MS accused the Welsh Government of letting an opportunity slip, with parliamentary arithmetic currently in favour and a Senedd election on the horizon in 2026.
Rebecca Evans, for the Welsh Government, described the Plaid Cymru amendment as “too broad to constitute workable or clear law”.
The finance secretary reiterated that a consultation found a clear appetite for a council tax shake-up but over a slower time frame.
Ms Evans said it is no longer feasible to deliver reforms by 2025, adding: “We’re listening to the people of Wales by moving forwards with council tax revaluation and reform in 2028.”
She stressed ministers remain committed to reforming council tax, with the first revaluation of Wales’ 1.5 million homes since 2003 scheduled for 2028 and every five years following.
She told the chamber the local government finance bill will underpin delivery of the proposals developed with Plaid Cymru’s Cefin Campbell as part of the cooperation agreement.
Members voted 12-37 against the amendment.
Peter Fox put forward amendments that would give people a say on “reckless” council tax rises, with a local referendum required for any increase in excess of 5%.
The Conservatives’ shadow local government secretary, who led Monmouthshire Council for more than a decade, said: “Councils can’t keep hiking council tax excessively year on year.
“I put council tax up, I admit it, every year. We had to do that. But there is a limit to how long the public can keep putting their hands in their pockets. Sometimes they need to have a say in if this is right or not, and the councils have to go back to the drawing boards.”
Ms Evans said no council that has held a referendum has been able to proceed with its initial budget needs since the policy was introduced in England in 2012.
She said setting limits in this way effectively becomes a target for local authorities to raise council tax to the maximum allowed rather than carefully considering what is necessary.
Mr Fox’s amendment fell, with 36 against, one abstention and 12 in favour. As did another Tory amendment seeking to enshrine the 25% single person discount within the bill.
If passed, the bill would increase the frequency of business rates revaluations to three years.
Mr Fox also spoke to a Conservative amendment to use new powers in the bill to create a separate business rates multiplier for small businesses.
He said: ”It is important that the differences between small businesses and medium and large businesses are recognised in the rates that they pay.”
The Tory MS for Monmouth added: “We should be really thinking about looking at creating a multiplier for small businesses, as Scotland and England have.”
Plaid Cymru supported the amendment, with Mr Owen Griffiths saying seeking and obtaining powers but not using them has been a recurring trend with the Welsh Government.
Ms Evans said the Welsh Government has no current policy intention to create a small business multiplier, committing to consulting before introducing any such differential.
The amendment was narrowly defeated, with 25 against and 24 in favour.
Following the meeting, Mr Fox warned: “Be in no doubt, Labour has today passed a bill that will result in continued excessive council tax rises for the people of Wales.”
But Ms Evans told the Senedd the bill will deliver meaningful change to council tax and business rates in the short term as well as pave the way for further reforms.
“It’s an opportunity to make a real difference to a taxation system that impacts almost every person and business in the country,” said the finance minister.
The bill now moves onto the fourth and final stage of the Senedd’s legislative process, with a vote of the whole Senedd on the amended version scheduled for July 16.
With Labour and Plaid Cymru’s support, and no legal challenge expected, the bill is likely to be agreed next week before moving on to receive royal assent.
News
Eluned Morgan unveils new cabinet as Mark Drakeford takes on finance role
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WALES’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan, has revealed her newly appointed cabinet just days after her predecessor, Vaughan Gething, announced he would step down from the Senedd.
Baroness Morgan, who had already formed an interim cabinet over the summer, made a notable choice in bringing former First Minister Mark Drakeford back into government as health secretary for the past month. On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Mr Drakeford will remain in government, but in a new capacity as finance and Welsh language secretary.
Mr Gething, who took over as First Minister in March, officially stepped down from his role last month following a series of ministerial resignations that called for his departure. His short tenure ended after just four months, a period marred by internal discord within the Welsh Labour government.
Two former ministers, who were part of those resignations, have now returned to government under Baroness Morgan’s leadership. Among them is Jeremy Miles, Mr Gething’s former leadership rival, who will now serve as health secretary. Julie James, another familiar face, has returned as counsel general – the government’s top legal post – and minister for delivery.
Mr Gething has announced his intention to leave the Welsh parliament entirely at the next election, scheduled for 2026. In a statement, he confirmed he would not seek a role in the current administration, but would continue to support the government from the backbenches.
Baroness Morgan praised her new team, stating it represents “all of Wales” and would offer “stability, draw on experience, and bring our collective talents together”. However, the Welsh Conservatives, the largest opposition party in the Senedd, were quick to criticise the reshuffle, claiming it was “still the same old Labour” and accusing the party of focusing on “pointless pet projects”.
In the reshuffle, Huw Irranca-Davies, who ran alongside Baroness Morgan during the Welsh Labour leadership contest, retains his position as deputy first minister and secretary for climate change and rural affairs. Ken Skates continues to oversee transport and North Wales, while Rebecca Evans takes on the economy brief. Lynne Neagle and Jayne Bryant remain education and housing secretaries, respectively, while Jane Hutt stays on as social justice secretary, as well as the government’s chief whip and Trefnydd (leader of the house).
The only newcomer to the cabinet is Vikki Howells, who has been appointed as minister for further and higher education. Sarah Murphy and Dawn Bowden remain as ministers for mental health and social care, respectively, while Jack Sergeant continues as minister for social partnership, with culture and skills added to his responsibilities.
Baroness Morgan will face her first round of First Minister’s Questions in the Senedd next week.
Responding to the First Minister’s new Cabinet, Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “While there may be a new First Minister, it’s still the same old Labour.
“We know that this Labour Welsh Government will continue to fail in the key areas that matter to Wales while they focus time and energy on pointless pet projects.
“The Welsh Conservatives are the true alternative to Labour’s politics of distractions, and only with a Welsh Conservative Government will things finally change for the better.”
MORE ON THIS STORY ON HERALD.WALES, CLICK HERE
News
Local MS raises concerns over viability of mine water heat projects
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SAMUEL Kurtz MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Economy and Energy, has expressed reservations about the feasibility of using mine water heat schemes as a solution to the rising cost of energy in Wales.
Speaking on the potential for these low carbon initiatives, which involve harnessing water from abandoned Welsh coal mines, Kurtz, from Pembrokeshire, said: “While I would never criticise ambition, projects such as this should not be pursued at the expense of more viable options previously explored by the former UK Conservative Government.
“To secure our energy future, it is crucial that Labour commits to nuclear energy, an area they have been hesitant to explore in the past. Additionally, there must be significant investment in developing floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.
“Ultimately, any initiative aimed at reducing energy bills is welcome, but it must offer clear value for money for the taxpayer.”
The comments from Kurtz come in response to news that energy bills could be significantly reduced through the use of low carbon heat schemes which extract heat from water in abandoned coal mines across Wales. According to the Coal Authority, about one in five properties in Wales is located above areas with the potential for such a scheme.
The temperature of mine water ranges between 10°C and 20°C, depending on the depth, making it a viable source of heat. The Welsh Government is currently investing in several low carbon heat projects, aiming to meet future energy demand while contributing to the decarbonisation of heating systems across the country. However, critics have raised questions about the cost-effectiveness and practicality of these schemes.
Work is already under way to explore mine water heat projects in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Caerphilly, and North East Wales. Research has indicated that approximately two trillion litres of warm water sit in old mine shafts across the UK, which could be tapped to support the transition away from natural gas, currently the primary source for heating.
Gareth Farr, leader of the Coal Authority’s mine water heat project in Wales, highlighted the potential for replicating the success seen in Gateshead, where the UK’s first large-scale mine water heat scheme is already operational. “From mine water heat in the North East of England, it has shown to be delivering heat at 5% below the gas heat price to customers, so that is really important especially during a cost of living crisis,” Farr said.
Ffynnon Taf primary school in Taff’s Well, Rhondda Cynon Taf, has already benefitted from a small-scale project, using the village’s natural thermal spring to heat the school and a pavilion. However, not all such schemes have been successful. A project in Caerau, Bridgend, was scrapped after a feasibility study revealed costs were too high, although the local authority has promised to explore other options in the future.
The Welsh Government remains optimistic about the role mine water heat could play in the country’s decarbonisation efforts. Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Transport, and North Wales, stated: “With heating accounting for 50% of energy use in Wales, mine water heat could improve the sustainability of the places where we live and work.”
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding such innovative solutions, Kurtz and other critics are urging caution. They stress the importance of ensuring that public money is spent on schemes that provide tangible results, especially during a time of economic uncertainty. While the Welsh Government is pushing forward with renewable energy initiatives, including mine water heating, Kurtz believes the focus should remain on tried and tested methods, such as nuclear energy and offshore wind development, to secure a stable and sustainable energy future for Wales.
Community
Crymych Arms pub saved by the community is to expand
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A PEMBROKESHIRE village pub which reopened its doors last year after being bought by the community has now been given permission for a restaurant extension and outdoor seating area.
Last December, the Tafarn Crymych Arms reopened after being closed in September 2021 when its current owners retired and put the pub up for sale.
Crymych Football Club coordinated the community purchase of the historic pub in the heart of the village, with volunteers raising more than £200,000 to buy the pub. They also secured a significant Community Ownership windfall from the UK Government.
A dedicated team had helped with repainting, wiring, moving the furniture and pool table, and sorting all issues ready for reopening.
Speaking at the time, former county councillor Cris Tomos who had helped with the purchase process “It is hard to believe that it was just one year ago from now, on December 13, 2022 that the first public meeting took place at the Crymych Market Hall to see if there was any interest within the community to take on the challenge of raising the funds and organising the process of purchasing and reopening the Tafarn Crymych Arms.
“The tremendous support over the following months soon demonstrated that people have missed having the traditional pub at the heart of the village.”
Since that successful reopening, Tafarn Cymunedol Crymych, through agent Harries Planning Design Management, has applied to Pembrokeshire planners for a dining room extension and external seating area.
The scheme was supported by Crymych Community Council which said: “We are pleased to see an application to develop a community resource.”
An officer report for the application said: “The proposed development is to erect a flat roof extension to the front of the building to create a dining room extension and lobby entrance area.
“A formal enclosed seating area which is partially raised would also be created to the front of the public house. The retention of pavement to allow pedestrians to walk across the front of the development, outside of the seating area is to be included within the scheme.”
The application was conditionally approved by Pembrokeshire County Council planners.
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