The Audacity of Nope: Meaningful fiscal accountability remains a pipe dream for Wales

Welsh Labour has hitherto refused to accept income tax devolution, arguing accepting such responsibilities would be economically detrimental to Wales without a reform of the Barnett funding formula. Recent comments made by Owen Smith, Shadow Secretary of Wales, however, leaves little doubt about the overall attitude of Welsh Labour to the first report of the Silk Commission and fiscal accountability: they don’t want it. Combined with the blundering UK government, meaningful fiscal accountability will remain a pipe dream for Wales, writes Adam Evans.