Simon Thomas AM calls on constituents to voice views on new Welsh Taxpayer’s Charter

• Simon Thomas AM attended a Welsh Assembly event to promote a new taxpayers’ Charter

• The Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA) hosted the event to set out its draft Charter

• From April, the WRA will collect and manage two devolved taxes in Wales – the first in around 800 years

Mid and West AM Simon Thomas, is calling on local constituents in the region to have their say on a draft taxpayer’s Charter for Wales, recently launched for consultation by the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA).

The WRA was established last October to collect and manage two devolved Welsh taxes – the first in around 800 years – following the introduction of the Tax and Collection and Management (Wales) Act 2016.

From 1 April, the WRA will collect and manage land transaction tax and landfill disposals tax, which will replace stamp duty land tax and landfill tax in Wales.

Simon Thomas AM joined an event this week hosted by the WRA at the Welsh Assembly, Cardiff Bay, to find out more about the Charter, which is open for public consultation until 13 February.

Once finalised, the WRA’s Charter will set out how the new body will seek to work in partnership with the Welsh public, customers and organisations to create a fair tax system for Wales.

Plaid Cymru’s Simon Thomas AM, said: “This is a historical year for Wales as a new Welsh tax authority starts to collect and manage the first taxes in Wales for around 800 years. All the revenue raised in Wales will support public services in local communities, so I’d encourage everyone in my constituency to have their say.”

“This is a landmark moment in the history of devolution in wales. It’s the first piece of tax-raising legislation to come forward since the time of Hywel Dda 800 years ago.”

Dyfed Alsop, Chief Executive, Welsh Revenue Authority, said: “As the first tax authority created in Wales, we want people nationwide to have their say on the Charter. It will be at the heart of our work, as we partner with the public, customers and organisations to deliver a fair tax system for Wales.” Plans were leaked earlier this week causing concern amongst residents living in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion about the future of Withybush, Bronglais, Glangwili and Prince Philip Hospitals. The proposals will go out to consultation later this year.

The draft Charter has been published on the consultations pages of the Welsh Government website along with a response form. Alternatively, you can have your say by contacting the WRA via: haveyoursay@wra.gov.wales. The consultation closes on Tuesday, 13 February.