Brecon and Radnorshire Senedd Member James Evans' column

The importance of the visitor economy cannot be underestimated. It supports jobs and sustains many local businesses.

Welsh Labour should be supporting our tourism sector, but instead, policies are threatening its viability. I have always been vocal in my opposition to the proposed tourism tax, but the recent introduction of the Visitor Accommodation (Register and Levy) Etc. (Wales) Bill to the Senedd by Cabinet Secretary for Finance Mark Drakeford brings us one step closer to its implementation.

Many tourism attractions, shops, pubs, and restaurants are already struggling with rising costs and economic pressures like higher business rates compared to England.

A tax on overnight stays could drive visitors to stay in England instead. With many short stays in Wales made by Welsh residents, this is essentially a tax on people who choose to holiday in their own country. We must support these businesses, as they are the backbone of our local economy.

I urge all communities to participate in the Finance Committee’s online consultation, open for just another week (until 10th January), to voice their concerns about the potential harm these new rules could cause.

As many of you will all know, I have always vehemently opposed Senedd reform, particularly the increase of Senedd Members from 60 to 96 members.

The latest plans from the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru now propose renaming the Brecon and Radnorshire constituency to ‘South Powys Tawe Neath’ or ‘De Powys Tawe Nedd’ in Welsh from 2026.

Constituencies could primarily also be predominantly referred to by their Welsh-language names. I believe this is a backwards step and risks seriously damaging our heritage and what makes our area in Wales unique.

If this wasn’t enough… Powys residents could also face a staggering 13.5% Council Tax hike in April, forcing them to pay more while receiving fewer services in return.

Services such as community recycling, gritting in bad weather, and even some leisure centres are being slashed or threatened with closure.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Government is wasting taxpayer money on vanity projects—£179 million propping up Cardiff Airport, £32 million on 20mph speed limits, £120 million+ on Senedd expansion, and £135 million on a road to nowhere.

Public services are broken and still the Welsh Government prioritises wasteful spending over essential services – proving yet again where their true priorities lie.

Brecon and Radnorshire Senedd Member James Evans.