News

• Welsh Government urges older people to claim financial support they're entitled to.
• Deputy First Minister visited Age Connects Morgannwg to see welfare advice in action
• Working towards a simpler, fairer welfare system for Wales

The Welsh Government has announced a £50,000 donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Venezuela Earthquake Appeal, following the devastating twin earthquakes that struck the country last week.

• Welsh Government is taking early action to prepare NHS and social care for winter focussing on five key areas.
• NHS Wales is being asked to plan for winter earlier this year and move to a year-round planning approach considering all seasonal demands.
• Expansion of RSV vaccine to those over 65 who are at clinical risk will begin in September.

• The new coach service will improve public transport connectivity between the north and the south of Wales and cut journey times by over an hour.

• The north south coach will operate regular services every day linking Bangor to Carmarthen.
• The service supports a shift away from car travel, backing Wales' transition to a low carbon economy.

• Welsh Government is taking direct action to drive improvement at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, rather than the health board leading own recovery.
• Independent panel will review patient safety, leadership and culture, reporting back by end of October.
• Health Minister says this is clear statement of commitment to supporting improvement and ensuring the people of north Wales receive the safe, high-quality and timely care they deserve.

• Welsh farming businesses can apply for loans of between £25,001 and £1 million from 1 July 2026
• The scheme offers a fixed interest rate of 3%, with a repayment holiday and terms of up to 15 years
• Up to £5 million is available in 2026/27 to support energy efficiency, renewable energy and productivity improvements

• 100 new jobs in Gorseinon and Tredegar by March 2028
• Operation will more than will double Wales’ reprocessing capacity for recycled plastic.
• Reducing the carbon footprint of Wales by around 150,000 tonnes per year – the equivalent of taking 120,000 cars off the road.

• Next phase of the industry-led programme to eradicate BVD from Wales - backed by farming unions, vets, markets and auctioneers.
• New rules from 1 July 2026 to protect cattle health, welfare and farm productivity across Wales.
• Cattle keepers with BVD Not-Negative herds must pre-movement test before moving animals off their holding.

• New group of NHS surgeons, nurses and managers will plan up to ten elective care hubs across Wales

• Hubs will increase surgical and diagnostic capacity and protect planned care from emergency pressures

• Delivery plan to be published by end of 2026

• Minister challenges UK Government on Wales Bill and HS2 funding gap
• Fair, needs-based funding settlement needed to end historic underfunding
• Visit follows statement to the Senedd, setting out full ministerial priorities

• Deputy First Minister attends Armed Forces Day event in Carmarthenshire
• £20,000 contribution supports this year’s event
• Focused support across devolved areas to the Armed Forces community in Wales

The First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth, addressed the representatives to the UK from the major EU nations yesterday.