While the latest comprehensive report from Gerry Holtham and his fellow Commissioners gets kicked into the long grass next to the first report he produced last year for the Welsh Assembly Government, maybe the politicians and activists from across the political spectrum who have welcomed today’s report and its findings giving the Welsh Assembly the same tax powers that he Scottish Parliament currently has, should look to Scotland to see how they can build further support for the proposals announced today and move the debate on.
A ‘Campaign for Fiscal Responsibility’ website has been launched in Scotland and is asking for signatures for the following declaration
‘A Scottish Parliament with far greater responsibility for raising the money it spends would lead to better government in Scotland. It would make politicians more accountable for the financial decisions they take while giving them both the incentive and the fiscal tools necessary to achieve improved public services and faster economic growth - vital in the current economic circumstances. Further, it would help to foster a healthy relationship between Westminster and Holyrood.
All of the main Scottish and UK parties agree that the Scottish Parliament should have greater financial powers. The debate is now about which powers should be devolved and when.
Much has changed in the last year and the opportunity now exists to go further than the limited financial proposals outlined in the Calman Commission report.
Therefore, we are calling for the control of most current taxes to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament as soon as possible.’
Admittedly its more advanced than political discussion in Wales to date over how Wales is funded, but rather than complain endlessly about the Conservative/Lib Dem Government sell out over the Barnett Formula and the general unfairness of the budgets cuts to come, let’s see if Labour, Plaid Cymru and other parties who believe in more fiscal powers are capable of constructive action to further Wales's cause rather than whinging constantly.Any source
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