Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy was delighted yesterday to secure a commitment from the First Minister that the Welsh Government will not be raising income tax in 2025/26.
Responding to Mrs Finch-Saunders at First Minister’s questions, Eluned Morgan MS clearly spelled out that the Welsh Government has no plans to raise income tax in the upcoming budget.
This follows a statement from Mark Drakeford MS, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, who expressed his belief that increasing the basic 20p rate could generate substantial revenue in finance committee last week, and his decision, in writing to Mrs Finch-Saunders last week not to rule out the possibility.
Commenting on her successful campaign to stop income tax increases in Wales in 2025/26, Janet said:
“I am delighted to hear this affirmation that income tax will not be raised.
“After the rhetoric from the Finance Cabinet Secretary last week I was deeply concerned that the Welsh Government were seriously considering raising the threshold for the basic rate of income tax.
“In my view, this would be a punitive measure that would disproportionately affect those already struggling with council tax and energy bills, particularly as we head into the colder months.
“I am unsure why the Finance Cabinet Secretary was unable to make this commitment last week and clearly it shows that there is yet again a disconnect between the inner workings of Welsh Government.
“So I am glad that the First Minister has committed to not raising this tax and I hope that this will come as good news to everybody.”
ENDS
