SIR,

The Welsh Government has decided to fully fund council tax benefits for 2013/14, following a successful campaign by Plaid Cymru.

I was the first Assembly Member to raise this issue, back in April. The Welsh Government consistently told me it would not fund these payments, the majority of which go to pensioners and people with disabilities.

But last week they announced a U-turn, and I am delighted to say that we are keeping the current system in Wales and rejecting the unfair Tory cuts.

I hope many people will be reassured by this news. It is a shame that the Welsh Government took so long to act, because by now some local authorities have already sent out letters telling people to expect a reduction in support.

It's possible now that another round of letters will have to be sent out, adding yet more costs to local government that could have been avoided by the Minister acting earlier.

The challenge now is to design an affordable and fair system of Welsh council tax support for the future, which is especially important as everyone's income is being squeezed in these difficult times.

Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM

(Plaid Cymru, Shadow

Local Government Minister)