Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford says he wants to start a national debate about how to use new devolved powers.

In a debate in the Welsh assembly later today, Drakeford will outline his intention to test the new Wales Act powers and outline some of the tax ideas which have already been put forward by the Bevan Foundation. These include ideas around a tourism levy, takeaway packaging tax and funding social care. 

The Bevan Foundation has also suggested looking at a workforce development levy, sugar tax, sunbed tax, land value tax and a water tax.

During the session, the finance secretary will also suggest that taxation could be used to change behaviours or to discourage activity which has negative social impacts.

The debate follows the passage of two tax bills by the national assembly for Wales, which pave the way for the introduction of two devolved taxes in April 2018 – land transaction tax, which replaces stamp duty land tax and landfill disposals tax, which replaces landfill tax.

Professor Drakeford will say: ‘In nine months’ time the Welsh government will raise our own taxes for the first time in almost 800 years. It marks a new relationship between the Welsh government, the national assembly, the Welsh taxpayer and devolved public services.

‘The power to propose new taxes is an important lever, which we can use to change behaviours and deliver improvements for our communities. That is why I want to start a genuine debate about how we use these powers to support our commitment to fairness, wellbeing and growth.

‘Alternatively, we could use these powers to change behaviour or decrease negative practices, such as targeting land-banking through a levy on unused land.  New taxes also presents us with an opportunity to build on Wales’ strengths, where we could consider taxes which aim to increase levels of recycling or perhaps look at a tourism tax.

‘I am keen to consider all ideas and want to start a conversation around new taxes – with all political parties; with the public; businesses and organisations across Wales.  I urge everyone to get involved, share their ideas with us and help us shape future Welsh taxes.’

Drakeford said a shortlist of ideas for new Welsh taxes will be considered in the autumn.

Ideas should be emailed to [email protected]

The Wales Act 2014 provides the Welsh Government with powers to put forward proposals for the development of new taxes in areas of devolved responsibility. These proposals must be agreed by the national assembly, UK government and both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

The Bevan report, Tax for Good: New taxes for a better Wales, is here.