Welsh Government have put forward plans to reform council tax, 20 years on from the last time it was reviewed, and they want to know what you think.
Council tax helps to fund the everyday essential services provided by local councils that we all rely on, including schools, local libraries, social care and street cleaning, and pays for around a fifth of spending by councils.
The current system is 20 years old and contributes to wealth inequalities. Homes in the highest tax band can be worth more than nine times the value of homes in the bottom band, yet only pay three and a half times more council tax.
Welsh Government have now launched a consultation asking residents what they think of different potential approaches designed to make the tax fairer, including adding new Council Tax bands, changing the tax-rates charged for each band, and reviewing discounts and reductions.
The consultation also asks about the pace of change people would like to see. The earliest date for any changes coming into effect is 1 April 2025. However, changes could be deferred until the next Senedd term, or introduced in stages.
In parallel with this work, the Valuation Office Agency, is preparing to carry out a proposed revaluation of all 1.5 million homes in Wales to ensure valuations are up-to-date and in line with current property values.
Proposals include completing a revaluation of all 1.5 million properties in Wales to ensure valuations are up-to-date and people are paying the appropriate amount. This would enable different bands to be created with new tax rates chosen for each band.
Cllr Mark Pritchard, lead member for finance at Wrexham Council, said: “I would encourage as many residents as possible to take part in this council Tax consultation so Welsh Government have a clear view of what the people of Wrexham want. This is an extremely important issue that affects all households in Wrexham and across Wales, so I urge you not to miss this opportunity to make sure that your views are taken into account.”
You can complete the Fairer Council Tax consultation on the Welsh Government’s website.
