The seminar titled 'Tax devolution and funding floors: What can Northern Ireland learn from Wales’ fiscal framework?' was presented by Mr Guto Ifan, Lecturer in politics and international relations, Cardiff University. It took place on Thursday 7 December 2023 at 15.30 in the ICTU offices, 45-47 Donegall Street, Belfast, BT12FG.
Find the presentation here. The seminar was recorded, the video will be up on the NERI website soon.
Details of seminar:
Mr Guto Ifan, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Cardiff University made his presentation. Subsequently, a discussion was open to the floor where the chairperson Dr. Lisa Wilson, NERI presented questions to Guto.
Abstract:
Reforms over the last decade have substantially changed how devolved budgets are funded in Wales. With the stated aim of increasing the fiscal accountability and empowerment of the Welsh Government, an increasing share of tax revenues have come under devolved control. The 2016 Fiscal Framework Agreement also addressed long-standing concerns over underfunding through the Barnett formula. This seminar will outline the successes and failures of Wales’ new fiscal framework and will explore what Northern Ireland could learn from Wales’ experience so far, in the context of the findings of the NI Independent Fiscal Commission and the NI Fiscal Council. What are the implications of a relatively poor nation taking on revenue-raising powers? Have the current devolved tax powers truly increased the fiscal accountability of the Welsh Government? Can reforms to the Barnett formula put devolved budgets on a more sustainable footing?
Biography of the presenter:
Guto Ifan is a researcher on the Wales Fiscal Analysis (WFA) programme within Cardiff University’s Wales Governance Centre. His research interests include public finances, fiscal policy, and tax devolution in Wales. The WFA programme regularly publishes commentary and analysis on the Welsh Government budget, public services, and the Welsh economy. He joined the Wales Governance Centre in 2015 to work on the Government Expenditure and Revenue Wales (GERW) project.