Public divided over further devolution [in Wales]
It’s worth pointing out that whilst the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Shaun Woodward, MP, talks of the devolution of policing and justice powers in terms of it being the completion of the devolution process, it still leaves tax-varying powers here in the hands of Members of Parliament. Meanwhile, in Wales, as the 10th anniversary of devolution approaches, the public are evenly divided on whether further powers should be devolved there to the National Assembly for Wales. More details of the survey findings here and, from the BBC report
Some 39% back full law-making and taxation powers, and 10% independence. With 46% backing either no further extension of devolution or its reversal, it seems Wales is fairly evenly split on the issue.
Adds It’s also worth noting that the proposed referendum, to be held by May 2011, would only devolve law-making powers to the Welsh Assembly for specific policy areas.
THe “further powers” link dosn’t seem to work for me Pete.
Fixed now, Dewi.
It was just a link to the BBC report quoted at the end.
Thanks Pete. What is most encouraging is that only 15% would return to pre-assembly days – as 49.7% voted aginst in 1997 that’s very good news.
Er lets see what tax raisng powers the assembly could have:
1 Local income tax at time when household bills are going thru the roof. No votes there.
2 Excise duties er no next door neighbour would clean up and anyway would only add to bills in 1 above.
3 Shaft the rate payer– bin taxes, walking down the street tax, support youn local councillor tax. Possible?
Enter the real world
Barnshee – it should say tax “varying” powers rather than “raising”. Seems to work OK in other countries around the world. Are we especially incompetent?
Dewi,
tax raising/varying powers will be chosen battleground for the ‘No’ campaign and it will be a tough fight to get it through. The anti “Welshie” Irish factor in Kaydiff and Newport, although in decline just like in Scotland, may well scupper it.
Pete,
“it being the completion of the devolution process”
I think that statement relates to completion of what was agreed in the STA.
“The anti “Welshie” Irish factor in Kaydiff and Newport, although in decline just like in Scotland, may well scupper it.”
Dan O Neill in the Echo Sammy? – I wouldn’t overestimate the Irish vote SAmmy although Paul Flynn, Paul Murphy and Don Touhig all MPS from that tradition.
Guys
Note the update to the original post.
Neither taxation nor policing and justice are included in the referenced schedule.
Wonder if my generation will see the death of the British Empire completed?
One of my concerns about the continued success of the devolved bodies is the lack of tax varying powers. Gordon Brown alluded to this the other day when he talked about the illogicality of spending money when not being responsible for raising it. We could have a generation of politicians who do not percieve the economy as their issue.
Dewi
“Barnshee – it should say tax “varying” powers rather than “raising”. Seems to work OK in other countries around the world. Are we especially incompetent”
1 Er yes
2 What taxes would you “vary” and how?
2 What taxes would you “vary” and how?
Income, Corporation, Capital Gains, Inheritance – the whole lot.
“Income, Corporation, Capital Gains, Inheritance – the whole lot”
FACT 1 the main tax generator in the UK is the SE corner of England most (people most economic activity =most tax)
FACT 2 The “Barnett” formula (named after Joel Barnett) recognises this and reallocates some of the SE England Tax take across the UK in the form of a subvention (billions of pounds).
In short the regions get more than they would if the had to depend on the tax raised in the region .
This,obvious to even the moderately aware, is a very bad deal for the SE of England and a very good deal for the deadbeats in the rest of the UK.
(why the SE put up with it is beyond me)
You wish to vary your tax rates?
Please proceed Put them up? –don`t think so not a big vote winner there?
Reduce them ?
1 Will you create new taxation departments ? or ask the existing ones to operate for you (for a fee)
2 How will you pay for existing services? ask the dreaded ENGLESE for more of their tax?
3 How will you react if the dreaded ENGLESE point out that you are now master of your own destiny for tax and utter the magic words fuck off .