Council tax reform “to deliver fairer system”

The Welsh Government is proposing a set of reforms to the council tax system that will tackle the unfairness within the current system, according to the Minister for Finance and Local Government, Rebecca Evans.

Speaking to the Senedd, Evans said the reforms will include more progressive bands that reflect the latest data, regular revaluations, and a review of arrangements for discounts and reductions.

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The changes are set to be implemented from April 2025, and more details about what the new system will look like will be confirmed towards the end of this year.

The council tax will continue to fund crucial services like schools and social care, but the reforms are not designed to raise any more revenue overall than what is raised currently.

The current council tax system has been called "nearly twenty years out of date" by Plaid Cymru Designated Member Cefin Campbell and "still regressive in the way it is designed, it places a higher burden on households with lower wealth" by Rebecca Evans.

According to the Welsh Government, council tax is one of the most beneficial actions that can be taken to reduce wealth inequalities and will be felt by those most in need by the end of this government term.

The commitment to reform the council tax system is part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.