Council Tax (New Valuation Lists for England) Bill

That is certainly the case so far as England is concerned, but of course, my party’s amendment is founded inter alia on the reasoning that should this exercise proceed, inequality would be created between England and Wales. Real pain is being felt in Wales, and it is exacerbated by resentment at other parts of the country being let off the hook by the Government. We have heard much today about the Lyons inquiry. It is certainly extremely important, but in his evidence to the Welsh Assembly’s Local Government and Public Services Committee earlier this year, Sir Michael said:"““I will say a little about the Welsh experience. This will not give you any comfort, but it is of great benefit to me that you went further forward. We have learned important lessons from that””," in the English context, of course. He said that"““we are able, and, indeed, need—based on your experience in Wales—to do much more exhaustive modelling of the impacts before the bands are set. All of those things are absolutely fixed and understood, and are a result of having learned from your experience.””" Well, fine. I am sure that the people of Wales are delighted to have performed such sterling service to Sir Michael and his interminable inquiry.