The First Minister of Wales has set out his government’s five year plan for the country, including reducing business rates bills and reviewing council tax.
First Minister Carwyn Jones has outlined his intention to reduce business rates bills to zero for half of all eligible firms and promised to work with local government to make council tax fairer.
The latter policy would mean that people with low and moderately valued properties would pay less than they do now.
Mr Jones also said he would provide funding to put in place a floor for future local government settlements.
‘A critical five years lie ahead,’ Mr Jones, said.
‘The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union creates some uncertainty and challenges, but our mandate is clear.
‘The Welsh government’s relentless focus will be on driving improvement in our economy and public services, which are together the bedrock of people’s daily lives.’
As part of this drive, the first minister said, an extra 20,000 affordable homes, including 6,000 homes through the Help to Buy scheme, would be made available.
Mr Jones promised he would also push on with devolution deals. He said he would deliver the Cardiff City Region Deal and develop a similar deal for Swansea and a growth deal for North Wales.