Part of 11. 9. Debate: Stage 3 of the Land Transaction Tax and Anti-avoidance of Devolved Taxes (Wales) Bill – in the Senedd at 5:19 pm on 28 March 2017.
Diolch. I’m pleased to hear the Cabinet Secretary make those comments. This amendment was well meaning in its intention, and that was to ensure that the Welsh Revenue Authority is an efficient organisation that does seek to provide the maximum value for money to the taxpayer. That was why we were suggesting that the Welsh Government might provide guidance. However, this is a grey area, and having listened to the Cabinet Secretary’s intentions, I do share some of his concerns that, actually, the last thing we want to do is compromise the arm’s-length model of the WRA that is being established. I recognise that in certain circumstances this amendment could be seen to be doing that. So, I welcome your commitment to write to the chair of the new authority. I also think, considering that the previous group, 13, and amendment 31, brought forward by Steffan Lewis, has been adopted by the Welsh Government and by the Assembly, that that does provide a measure of security and review at the six-yearly period, I think it was, that’s stated in that amendment. So, that, combined with the commitment of the Cabinet Secretary to review the ongoing operation of WRA, means that I’m happy, with the permission of the Assembly, to withdraw the amendment, but that is a matter for you.