Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford is inviting people to apply to become the first chair and members of the board of the new Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA).
From April 2018, Wales will start collecting taxes for the first time in 800 years as stamp duty land tax and landfill tax are devolved.
The Welsh Government is setting up the WRA to collect the two new Welsh taxes – land transaction tax and landfill disposals tax.
As well as collecting and administering the new Welsh taxes, the WRA will also:
- Provide information, advice and assistance about Welsh taxes to Welsh Ministers and taxpayers;
- Resolve taxpayer complaints and disputes;
- Promote tax compliance;
- Protect against tax evasion and tax avoidance; and
- Support the development of Welsh Government tax policy.
The WRA will be operationally independent of the Welsh Government but will be accountable to Welsh Ministers and to the National Assembly for Wales.
In a message to applicants, Professor Drakeford said:
“The chair and non-executive members will be critical in ensuring the WRA has the capability to collect tax revenues to fund our public services while making sure this is done to the highest possible standards.
“The WRA will need to establish itself quickly. I see it as a confident and professional organisation, expert in what it does and providing a service tailored to the needs of Wales.
“The setting up of the WRA marks a historic moment for devolution and if, successful, you will be instrumental in helping us to take forward new tax powers.
“I would encourage anyone who believes they have the necessary experience, qualities and skills to apply for these positions.”
Further information about how to apply to become the WRA chair or a non-executive board member, together with an information pack for candidates, is available on the Welsh Government’s website.
The closing date for applications for the chair is 3 January 2017. The closing date for applications for non-executive board members is 6 February 2017.