Tories offer home tax deal to back the budget

THE Welsh Conservatives have suggested they will support a Labour budget if the devolved government backs its plans to scrap a tax paid by homebuyers.

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Yesterday, the Welsh Government outlined its spending plans for the next financial year. First Minister Eluned Morgan has already warned of cuts to frontline services if her Labour government does not succeed in passing a budget.

Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, has written to Ms Morgan, offering to discuss a budget agreement if the Welsh Government considers scrapping the land transaction tax, the Welsh equivalent of stamp duty.

While Labour is the largest party in the Senedd, it does not have a majority. When passing its last budget in March, the Welsh Government needed the help of an opposition member to get it through by a tight margin. The upcoming by-election in the Caerphilly constituency on October 23 could make the next budget vote even more difficult if the party loses the seat.

Mr Millar said: “I have written in good faith to the First Minister to offer an opportunity to discuss next year's Welsh Government budget. While the Welsh Conservatives fundamentally disagree with the Welsh Labour government on many things, we are a responsible opposition that will always strive to put the people of Wales first.

“Our ambition to scrap stamp duty in Wales as part of our plan to fix Wales, will help people get onto the housing ladder, improve mobility in the housing market, and boost the economy. It will be central to any discussions which may now take place”

At the Conservative Party conference earlier this month, party leader Kemi Badenoch promised to abolish stamp duty if the Conservatives win the next general election.

‘The Senedd will vote on the final Welsh Government budget in January.