Group 4: Regulation-making powers (Amendments 11, 12, 15, 18, 27)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:12 pm on 9 July 2024.

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Photo of Peter Fox Peter Fox Conservative 5:12, 9 July 2024

Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. So, I will speak to amendments 11, 12, 15, 18 and 27. These amendments provide for a minimum period of 60 days, excluding periods of dissolution or recess of more than four days, to allow the Senedd to scrutinise draft regulations, such as powers inserted into the 1988 Act by sections 5, 9, 10 and 12 of the Bill, which purport to do any of the following: confer or withdraw reliefs from liability to non-domestic rating of hereditaments in Wales; confer or withdraw exemptions from non-domestic rating for prescribed hereditaments in Wales; and make provision in relation to different multipliers for the calculation of non-domestic rate liability for hereditaments in Wales.

At Stage 2, the Cabinet Secretary commented that the 60 days makes it a superaffirmative procedure, which can delay changes. However, by having this time for scrutiny, it will improve transparency and accountability and it's in this spirit that we encourage Members to support these amendments.