Welsh government urged to prioritise accountability and good governance

Welsh government urged to prioritise accountability and good governance
22 April 2026

CIOT has written to the main political parties in Wales ahead of May’s Senedd election, highlighting issues related to accountability and good governance in tax policymaking that it believes should be a priority for the next Welsh government.

The letter, sent in early April by Ellen Milner, CIOT’s Director of Public Policy, sets out four key areas for action:

  1. Adopt a structured approach to changing primary tax legislation
  2. Improve taxpayer awareness of the devolution of Welsh rates of income tax
  3. Strengthen and clarify processes for agreeing new devolved taxes
  4. Adhere to robust consultation and evaluation practices

The letter has been sent to Welsh Labour Finance Spokesperson (and current Finance Secretary) Mark Drakeford, the Welsh Conservatives’ Finance Spokesperson Sam Rowlands, Plaid Cymru’s Finance Spokesperson Heledd Fychan, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds, Welsh Reform leader Dan Thomas and Welsh Green leader Anthony Slaughter.

Ellen Milner explained why the Institute had written to the parties at this time:

‘Ahead of the Senedd election, it is clear that tax policy will play a pivotal role in determining Wales’ economic future. By focusing on accountability and good governance – through primary legislative change, improved taxpayer awareness on the devolution of Welsh rates of income tax, clear processes for devolving new taxes, and maintaining a robust consultation and evaluation practice – the next Welsh government can help create and maintain a tax system that is effective, fair and aligned with the long-term needs of Wales.’

CIOT aims to maintain constructive relationships with all political parties at Westminster, as well as the devolved parliaments. The Institute attended roundtable discussions in Cardiff on economic and business policy earlier this year with representatives of Labour, Plaid, the Conservatives, Reform and the Lib Dems in Wales. The Institute participated in a similar set of roundtables with the main parties in Scotland last year, as well as hosting, with ACCA, a roundtable of politicians and senior professionals in tax and accountancy on issues related to devolved taxation in Edinburgh in March.

Once the dust has settled after the 7 May elections, CIOT will be approaching new (or reappointed) ministers and opposition spokespeople seeking meetings to continue the Institute’s support for the policymaking process and scrutiny of devolved tax law and administration.