Welsh Labour Grassroots is supporting the most radical Council Tax reform option offered by the  Welsh Government, carried out on the fastest possible timeline. We are encouraging our members  and supporters to respond to the consultation to show support for these options. Please feel free to copy the template answers below or edit accordingly if you prefer. 

Please use the following link to complete the online response form to the consultation:  https://www.gov.wales/node/57464/respond-online 

Q1. What Council Tax band are you currently in? 

A – Answer as appropriate 

Q2. Which council area do you live in?  

A – Answer as appropriate 

Q3. The Welsh Government has shown 3 possible approaches for how to design a fairer Council  Tax system. We want to ask you about your appetite for reform. Do you think we should aim  for: 

A – Approach 3: expanded reform 

Comments – In the longer term, I would prefer a more radically progressive reform than those on  offer, such as a Land Value Tax. 

Q4. The Welsh Government has described when the changes could be made to the Council Tax  bands and tax-rates. Again, we want to ask about your appetite for reform. Do you think we  should make changes according to the: 

A – fastest timetable: minimal, modest or expanded reform by 1 April 2025 

Comments – As the reform will result in a more progressive application of Council Tax bills, it is  vital that, given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, reform goes ahead as soon as possible and is not  delayed. 

Q5. Do you agree there should be an overall time-limit on Exemption F to discourage properties  being left empty and exempt from Council Tax for an indefinite period? 

A – Yes 

Q6. What do you consider is a reasonable period for obtaining probate or letters of  administration? 

A – 2 years 

Q7. Which title do you think should replace the term ‘severely mentally impaired’?

A – Answer as appropriate 

Q8. Do you agree with the proposed definition to describe a person with a significant brain  impairment or condition? 

A – Yes 

Q9. Do you have any views on the qualifying criteria for a person with a significant brain  impairment or condition to be entitled to an exemption or disregard? The current qualifying  criteria are for a person to be entitled to a qualifying benefit and to have medical certification  from a registered practitioner. 

A – Option A  

Q10. We would like to know your views on the effects that these proposals would have on the  Welsh language, specifically on opportunities for people to use Welsh and on treating the Welsh  language no less favourably than English. What effects do you think there would be? How could  positive effects be increased, or negative effects be mitigated? 

A – Answer as appropriate 

Q11. Please also explain how you believe the proposed policy approach could be formulated or  changed so as to have positive effects or increased positive effects on opportunities for people  to use the Welsh language and on treating the Welsh language no less favourably than the  English language, and no adverse effects on opportunities for people to use the Welsh language  and on treating the Welsh language no less favourable than the English language. 

A – Answer as appropriate 

Q12. We have asked a number of specific questions. If you have any related points which we  have not specifically addressed, please use this space to record them. 

A – Council tax reform is long overdue, so this move is to be welcomed. The expanded reform  would make an unfair system significantly fairer and as such should be implemented without  delay.