Written Statement - Establishment of Tax Advisory Group

I am pleased to announce the establishment of a Tax Advisory Group for Wales.

The Group has been established to provide advice and support to the Welsh Government in the development of devolved tax policy, its collection and management, and to provide advice on the wider impact of Welsh devolved tax policy on stakeholders and the economy and social fabric of Wales. Building on the advice from the Group, I will ensure that these policies are aligned with our tax principles of fairness, simplicity, supporting growth and jobs, and providing stability and certainty for tax payers. The Group will also help the Welsh Government with its communication across a range of stakeholders in regard to devolved tax policy and its administration, thus ensuring that our consultations and legislation are developed in a robust and inclusive way.

The Tax Advisory Group’s membership is broad as I want to ensure that we capture a range of views. The Group includes representatives from the following organisations:

• Confederation of British Industry
• Wales Council for Voluntary Action
• Federation of Small Businesses
• Institute of Directors
• Bevan Foundation
• Wales TUC
• Law Society

I have also made three appointments to the group to bring a wealth of tax expertise and knowledge:

• David Phillips - Senior Research Economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies
• Andrew Evans - a senior Partner at Geldards LLP; and
• Frank Haskew - Head of the Tax Faculty of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales

The first meeting of the Group will take place on 5 March 2014.