Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
23/06/2021Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.
Questions For - Minister for Finance and Local Government
Will the Minister make a statement on how the tax on second homes is being implemented?
The land transaction tax rates for buyers of second homes, and all higher rates transactions, were changed last December and approved by the Senedd. They are four percentage points higher than the residential main rates. The Welsh Revenue Authority is responsible for the implementation and administration of the tax.
Will the Minister make a statement on council tax levels in South Wales West?
The average band D council tax in South Wales West for 2021-22 ranges between £1,754 and £1,996. Local authorities in Wales are given the flexibility to set their annual budgets and council tax levels to reflect local priorities. They are accountable to their residents for these decisions.
What consideration does the Minister give to the provision of homelessness services by local government when allocating funding to the climate change portfolio?
In 2020-21 local government received an additional £600 million for the hardship fund, which included £10 million ring-fenced for homelessness. For 2021-22, the hardship fund received £206 million, which includes £4 million for the homelessness prevention grant, which now stands at £21.9 million in this financial year.
What additional support is the Welsh Government providing to local authorities ahead of the 2022 local elections?
We are working with local authorities as they plan for local elections in May 2022. Education and communications campaigns will encourage citizens to understand the critical role local government plays and why voting matters. We will also work to tackle the barriers which prevent individuals’ active participation in local democracy.
Questions For - Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
When does the Welsh Government intend to introduce an agriculture Bill for Wales?
I published an agriculture White Paper last December setting out my proposals for an agriculture (Wales) Bill. The First Minister will make an announcement on the legislative programme before the summer recess.
Will the Minister make a statement on the future of the Glastir scheme?
As EU rural development programme funding ends, we are considering the future of Glastir in the context of new replacement domestic funds and the transition to our proposed sustainable farming scheme.
Will the Minister make a statement on efforts to improve animal welfare on Welsh farms?
Animal health and welfare is a priority for the Welsh Government and the Wales animal health and welfare framework Group. The Wales animal health and welfare framework, launched in 2014, sets out our 10-year overarching plan for making improvements in standards of animal health and welfare.
Will the Minister make a statement on Welsh Government support for farm diversification in Wales?
The Welsh Government is committed to supporting all businesses in Wales. Business Wales and Farming Connect supports farm businesses to become more efficient, profitable and resilient. Support is tailored according to customer need and the different regions of Wales, dependant on requirements.