Answers to questions not reached in Plenary
18/01/2023Answers 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 the Welsh Government’s budget priorities for 2023-24 in Pembrokeshire?
My priorities are set out in our Programme for Government and 2023-24 Draft Budget, which I published on 13 December 2022; a Budget made in hard times, but one that maintains our commitment to prioritise public services and the most vulnerable, whilst continuing to create a stronger, fairer and greener Wales.
Will the Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government's council tax premium policy?
Welsh local authorities have had discretionary powers to apply council tax premiums to long-term empty dwellings and second homes since 2016. From 1 April 2023, the maximum level of premium will increase to 300%. It is for individual authorities to decide whether to apply a premium and at what level.
What consideration did the Minister give to highway maintenance when deciding this year’s local authority settlement?
The Government is providing unhypothecated revenue funding of over £5.5 billion and £180m capital funding in the 2023-24 local government settlement in support of Local Authority services, including highways maintenance.