Referendum – important or unnecessary?
Later this year, we will be publishing our findings and recommendations on part 1 of our work. We have made no decisions yet, but if we were to recommend that a package of tax powers be devolved to the Welsh Government, there is a case to argue for and against a referendum on the matter.
Some believe that it is the people’s democratic right to decide on important constitutional issues which could affect their daily lives. Some also argue that there is a precedent of for a referendum in Wales on these issues, and the 1997 Scottish referendum on devolution had a separate question asking if a Scottish Parliament should have tax varying powers.
Others however argue that politicians are elected to make these important decisions for us. There is also the view that too many referendums are held in Wales and that the costs involved outweigh the benefits especially if there is a possibility of a low turn out. It could be argued that any change could be given a mandate through inclusion in the manifesto of a party elected to govern at Westminster.
What do you think? Would you be in favour or against a referendum on tax powers?
If you would like to see a referendum, on what taxes would you like to see this be based. Do you think it should be on income tax? On some or all smaller taxes such as stamp duty, Air Passenger Duty, Aggregates Levy etc? Or on all taxes?
We want to hear your views – tell us what you think…
Comments (9)
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All tax powers needed to raise Welsh economy. (aside from Licence Fee, possibly). No referendum needed, we’re not asked if it’s ok to put tax up, or invent new ones usually, so why for this? Just devolve them, as soon as possible, so Welsh Government can get on with its job.
(Unlike moving Trident to Wales, which WOULD need a referendum imo)
The power to raise taxes is just that, a power. Other powers have been transferred to the Assembly without a referendum, so, I see no need for a referendum in this case.
For the purposes of democracy I would normally say yes to a referendum on devolving tax raising powers. However in light of the 2011 referendum for limited Primary law making powers and the lack of an official No campaign this meant there wasn’t sufficient opportunities for a Yes campaing to get its message out even though the Yes vote substantially beat the No vote. I fear this could once again happen with “True Wales” refusing to endorse an official No campaign and thus hampering a Yes campaign wouldn’t be able to actively promote its campaign.
In light of the points made above I feel that to offer a referendum would firstly be undemocratic as public wouldn’t be properly informed. The turn out like would be an additional factor, the 2011 turn out was only was only 35% and could potentially be lower on this occasion. Factoring in the expense of such a referendum with the low turn out would make this too costly given there will have been only a few years since the previous referendum and, dependent on the findings of stage 2 of your commission, there might be another referendum on the horizon. Too many referenda have a tendency of disengaging voters.
Nid wy’n gweld fod angen refferendwm. Mae pwerau cyllid wei eu trosglwyddo i’t aolban dan y ‘Ddef yr Alban’ heb refferendwm, felly pam fyddai angen un arno ni?
Scotland have had fiscal powers transferred under the ‘Scotland Bill’, without a plebiscite, so why would we need one?
No need for a referendum following last years one. Will be efficent to include call for Tax varying powers and to what excent in each party manifestio at the next Assembly election. I think all main parties will be for some form of tax varying powers. Common sense and next step to what Wales needs to compliment primary law making powers.
I see no need for a referendum on tax and borrowing powers at all.. I strongly bellieve that all tax powers should be devolved to the assembly the democratically elected body of Wales to better hold the Welsh government to account. To cause them to take responsability for the money they have. If a referendum was needed I could easily see labour refusing to campain for a Yes on the basis that it has move powers over tax than they would like. Allowing the Cardiff London blame game continue. Not to mention most polls on the subject put the Welsh people ahead of even the Welsh Government on how much tax powers should be delvovled. I think a referendum would be a waste of money considering we just had one.
If it was close in opinion polls and there was at lease 1 elected party in the Assembly against it I would say it would be so important to have a referendum.
However as opinion polls are all for it and as parties are all for it, I don’t see any point. It would be as pointless as the 2011 referendum, everyone knew it was going to be passed and it was such a minor point that very few (including me) could be bothered to turn up.
So no, no need for a referendum for as long as Parliament and the Assembly agree that these powers should be transferred.
I don’t believe in these half way houses to independence. We should have a full independence referendum the same as the Scots.
If we do have a referendum on tax raising powers, the result should only count if we get a decent turnout – ie > 60%, otherwise its plain that the population aren’t really that interested, so the status quo should be held.
You have to question the validity of calling referendums where the majority of the population just aren’t bothered.
There is no need to call a referendum over this issue. As others have said, powers have been transfered to the Assembly and the Scottish Parliament previously without them and this would be no different.