logo
Land value tax in Wales could replace council tax and rates

Land value tax in Wales could replace council tax and rates

The former first minister said the Welsh Government continues to explore the feasibility of LVT as used in countries such as Denmark and Singapore.
Professor Drakeford has long supported a LVT, arguing those who have the privilege of ownership should pay something back for that privilege.
LVT is levied on the value of the land rather than the property itself.
Proponents argue LVT is easier to collect, more efficient and difficult to avoid, while discouraging speculation and encouraging people to bring idle land back into use.
Professor Drakeford told the Senedd: "I am anxious to see this discussion move beyond the theoretical and into the realms of the practically possible.
He explained that the Welsh Government has invited tenders to test approaches to valuing land, with submissions for every aspect of the work.
The finance secretary said: "I want to use the coming months to test the boundaries of what might be possible in the next Senedd term.
"Let's open the door to more radical, fundamental and progressive reform in the future."
He added: "The current system is unfairly weighted against those who experience difficulty in paying.
"I want to shift the focus from harmful escalation towards supportive prevention."
He stated ministers will introduce a new council tax appeals process by April 2026 that will be "easier to navigate and provide a better, modern system for taxpayers".
Peter Fox agreed that council tax is regressive by nature "and that it will never really become a fair local tax".
Mr Fox accused the Welsh Government of increasing tax on families "by stealth" through underfunding councils which, in turn, pass on the shortfall to people.
He called for reform of the "outdated and flawed" funding formula.
Professor Drakeford replied: "Almost every local authority in Wales will agree that the formula needs revision – nobody can agree on how that should be done.
"The 22 local authorities each believe that the formula uniquely disadvantages them."

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

100,000 electric vehicle charging points to be installed with £381m funding
100,000 electric vehicle charging points to be installed with £381m funding

Leader Live

time12 minutes ago

  • Leader Live

100,000 electric vehicle charging points to be installed with £381m funding

The cash aims to help the uptake of electric cars among motorists who do not have their own driveways and charging points. The new charging points come on top of 80,000 already installed publicly across the UK, and tens of thousand more installed privately. Transport minister Lilian Greenwood said: 'This Government is powering up the EV revolution by rolling out a charge point every 29 minutes, and our support to roll out over 100,000 local charge points in England shows we're committed to making even more progress. 'We're delivering our Plan for Change by investing over £4 billion to support drivers to make the switch, while backing British car makers through international trade deals – creating jobs, boosting investment and securing our future.' The money comes from the Government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund, which helps councils to instal new EV charging points. Meanwhile, in a sign of growing market confidence in EVs, London-based firm Believ has secured £300 million to roll out charging points across the UK.

100,000 electric vehicle charging points to be installed with £381m funding
100,000 electric vehicle charging points to be installed with £381m funding

Glasgow Times

time14 minutes ago

  • Glasgow Times

100,000 electric vehicle charging points to be installed with £381m funding

The cash aims to help the uptake of electric cars among motorists who do not have their own driveways and charging points. The new charging points come on top of 80,000 already installed publicly across the UK, and tens of thousand more installed privately. Transport minister Lilian Greenwood said: 'This Government is powering up the EV revolution by rolling out a charge point every 29 minutes, and our support to roll out over 100,000 local charge points in England shows we're committed to making even more progress. 'We're delivering our Plan for Change by investing over £4 billion to support drivers to make the switch, while backing British car makers through international trade deals – creating jobs, boosting investment and securing our future.' The money comes from the Government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund, which helps councils to instal new EV charging points. Meanwhile, in a sign of growing market confidence in EVs, London-based firm Believ has secured £300 million to roll out charging points across the UK.

100,000 electric vehicle charging points to be installed with £381m funding
100,000 electric vehicle charging points to be installed with £381m funding

North Wales Chronicle

time15 minutes ago

  • North Wales Chronicle

100,000 electric vehicle charging points to be installed with £381m funding

The cash aims to help the uptake of electric cars among motorists who do not have their own driveways and charging points. The new charging points come on top of 80,000 already installed publicly across the UK, and tens of thousand more installed privately. Transport minister Lilian Greenwood said: 'This Government is powering up the EV revolution by rolling out a charge point every 29 minutes, and our support to roll out over 100,000 local charge points in England shows we're committed to making even more progress. 'We're delivering our Plan for Change by investing over £4 billion to support drivers to make the switch, while backing British car makers through international trade deals – creating jobs, boosting investment and securing our future.' The money comes from the Government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund, which helps councils to instal new EV charging points. Meanwhile, in a sign of growing market confidence in EVs, London-based firm Believ has secured £300 million to roll out charging points across the UK.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store