Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language recently published the Welsh Government’s 2nd Supplementary Budget.
Members may wish to note that the 2nd Supplementary Budget includes provision of a budget cover transfer for Natural Resources Wales (NRW) as I highlighted in a written statement in October 2024. We provided NRW with a cash payment of £19m in 2024 to make a Payment on Account to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for NRW’s historic non-compliance with off-payroll working (more commonly known as IR35) requirements.
NRW and HMRC continue to work together positively in order to resolve this matter. The Welsh Government continues to work with NRW and provide the necessary support as it goes through this process.
The case is expected to draw to a conclusion soon, with the final settlement of liability owed expecting to be confirmed in time for inclusion in NRW’s annual accounts for 2024-25.
Enhanced monitoring arrangements remain in place to provide assurance in our oversight of NRW.