Questions to Minister for Local Government
Spokesperson’s Questions
14:29
Janet Finch-Saunders
Minister, you have recently spoken about the future of local authorities and now you are considering reforming the council tax system in three to five years. You have made clear that this is not an immediate concern, but would you give some indication of your early proposals?

14:29
Leighton Andrews
No.

14:29
Janet Finch-Saunders
Somehow, I thought you might say that. [Laughter.] Thank you.
Your own proposed time frame as regards local government reform would see the Williams mergers in place within five years. In the report, council tax is estimated by finding the midpoint between the two authorities, and this could actually see a potential increase in bills of, say, 10% for authorities such as Caerphilly. Would you intend any system you propose to replace that of the Williams midpoint basis, and if so, do you agree that it would have to be in place before any of the proposed mergers take place?

14:30
Leighton Andrews
We have given local authorities until 28 November to come forward with proposals for voluntary merger. We will then assess those proposals as to whether we think the expressions of interest that have been given are worthy of being followed through. We will make that judgment by 5 January. Clearly, among the issues we will need to look at will be issues of council tax. I will not at this stage want to be drawn on any specific proposals that we might want to make.

14:30
Janet Finch-Saunders
Obviously, these subjects are ones that do not necessarily impact on the here and now. However, local authorities are now going to be setting their council tax by April for the year 2015-16. We have regularly and frequently called for a council tax freeze. Would you consider that here and, if not, can you give us a date by which you might provide a council tax increase cap so as to give councils and our taxpayers some surety?

14:31
Leighton Andrews
We have implemented council tax caps in the past. Of course, council tax levels are lower in Wales than they are on average in England. I see no reason at this present time to make any changes to our policy in this area.