Despite the English population already making up 20% of Wales, the Welsh assembly wants to bring in more in the vain hope that they'll bring plenty of cash. So instead of just establishing a real economy independent of the public (government) sector they are seeking powers to lower taxes so that the English will flood in (in theory). Somehow I cannot see Welsh people being too happy about this, it seems they weren't even considered, but at least their immigrants are actually from the same country.

  • Welsh Assembly 'to get power to set tax rates' like Scottish Parliament
  • Plan is intended to attract investment to region with lower income tax
  • Tory leader in Wales calls for high earners to get tax cut
  • Just 1 in 16 Welsh taxpayers in 40% band compared to 1 in 10 in England


English people looking for lower tax rates may not have to seek out an offshore haven in future - they could just go to Wales.
The Welsh government is set to be given the powers to reduce taxes in an attempt to attract businesses and individuals to the country from other parts of the UK.
Officials hope the move will help to reduce inequality between the various regions of Britain.

House prices in Wales are around two thirds of the UK average, which could tempt English homeowners forced to devote most of their salary to mortgage repayments.
And experts have recommended that the Welsh Assembly should be given the power to make Wales more business-friendly by varying tax rates in the country.

Currently the devolved governments in Wales and Scotland have no tax-raising powers, but the Scottish Parliament will be allowed to set its own rates from 2016.
The Silk Commission which issued a report on the future of Wales last year suggested that the Welsh Assembly should follow suit.
Senior Conservatives are in favour of allowing the Assembly to set its own rates of income tax and stamp duty, according to the Independent.

The party's leader in Wales will today unveil a new policy which would see a tax cut for those earning more than Ł34,000 who are currently subject to the 40 per cent rate.
Andrew Davies said: 'If some elements of income tax are devolved, it would be necessary to look at a period of reduced taxation for those paying the 40 per cent tax rate.
'This would not only send out a strong sign to business in competing regions of the UK, but it would spell out that Wales is well and truly open for business.'
Some 64 per cent of residents in Wales would support the devolution of income tax, according to a poll conducted for the Silk Commission.

Currently just seven per cent of Welsh taxpayers are subject to the 40 per cent rate - 1 in 16 - compared to 1 in 10 in England.
The British Government spends more than Ł6,000 on Wales per head of population, meaning that Westminster is keen to reduce the country's dependency on more economically vibrant areas like London and South-East England.
As well as making Wales a more attractive place to live and do business, giving the Assembly the power to determine tax rates would boost interest in the devolved government.
The new powers would allow local politicians to run for office promising to cut taxes or offer more public services.
Source

Whilst I've advocated fiscal powers for the regions of England and nations of the UK (including the power to set minimum wage), it is a shame to see the other nations alone getting such powers. No such powers to the English regions, poorer ones can't lure other English people from richer regions.
Whilst lower taxes would benefit some of the Welsh, some of the motivation is to attract English migrants and so it is basically a parasitical approach to building up an economy whilst changing the ethnic demographics. Wales had the fastest growing economy in the UK until it got self government, it seems that Labour and Plaid can't run an economy and that is the real issue here.