Tax and borrowing powers for Wales – Aberystwyth Seminar

Monday night sees a public consultation seminar in Aberystwyth on the arguments for and against the National Assembly acquiring tax and borrowing powers.

Discussion will be chaired by Professor Elan Closs Stephens and the panelists include:
Simon Thomas (former Plaid Cymru MP for Ceredigion)
Professor Peter Midmore (Aberystwyth University)
Alun Davies (Labour AM)
Nick Ramsay (Conservative Shadow Assembly Minister for Finance)
Sue Balsom (Managing Director FBA )
Dylan Iorwerth (editor of Golwg)

The event is part of a consultation by the Assembly's Independent Commission on Funding and Finance for Wales. As well as examining the pros and cons of the operation of the Assembly’s present block grant, the Commission is attempting to identify possible alternative funding mechanisms, including the scope for the Assembly to have tax varying powers as well as greater powers to borrow. Should Wales adopt an alternative system to the current system of funding the National Assembly via the Barnett-determined block grant relating largely to size of population? And what would be the advantages of the Assembly acquiring borrowing powers to finance capital projects?

The Commision’s final report is due in mid 2010. The seminar, one of a series across Wales, is being held next Monday, 22nd Feb from 5.30pm – 7.30pm at Aberystwyth University, Senior Common Room, Penbryn. Booking details are at the website of the Institute for Welsh Affairs or e-mail clarejohnson@iwa.org.uk