News

The Cabinet Minister for Finance Elin Jones said:

• Deputy First Minister sets out the route and phasing for a funded childcare offer for all children aged nine months to four years.
• Local authorities expected to make huge strides towards extending the offer to all two-year-olds as a result of recent funding, setting the foundation for truly universal childcare.
• Twenty local authorities expecting to deliver to all two-year-olds by the end of 2026-27.  

The First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth will set out the first phase of the Welsh Government’s new legislative programme in a statement to the Senedd this afternoon. 

• Even small increases in physical activity in those who are not currently active can make a big difference to your health, Chief Medical Officers say.
• All activity counts, from walking and taking the stairs to sports.
• Everyone benefits no matter their fitness level, including those with long-term conditions.

• Proposals include plain packaging, shop display restrictions and limits on flavour names
• All four UK nations are consulting together on new rules for vaping products
• Public and businesses asked to have their say before October 2

New national indicators for literacy and numeracy will provide a clearer picture of progress and support raising educational standards.

• Progressing a National Care Service for Wales and strengthening safeguarding arrangements.
• Mental health services to shift towards open-access, same-day support, with 21 demonstrator sites already underway and further rollout planned
• Women's Health Summit this month will hear directly from women with lived experience, alongside action to improve endometriosis, abortion services and maternity safety

• Seven projects across six local authority areas receive a share of £540,761
• Funding supports oyster restoration, marine monitoring, harbour improvements and seafood trail development
• Scheme delivered through Wales Council for Voluntary Action on behalf of Welsh Government

• New focus on delivery after years of talking about ambition
• Half of Wales’s children to begin their journey in Welsh-medium education by 2050
• Work has already begun in first 100 days to strengthen the language in areas with a higher density of Welsh speakers

• Welsh Government begins negotiations with UK Government for fairer funding and a pathway to full devolution as part of its 100-day commitment.
• Work to accelerate delivery of committed rail improvements is underway to improve services for Welsh passengers.
• Steps being taken with the UK Government to strengthen Welsh influence over rail decisions.

• Jonathan Lewis named chair of expert panel designing new economic development agency
• Agency will help deliver most ambitious economic goal in Wales in two decades – halving the productivity gap with the UK within 10 years.
• Agency will be built around innovation, target inward investment and help Welsh businesses grow and scale.

• £5m boost to upgrade and transform community spaces across Wales
• Investment will allow more community led projects to access funding
• Deputy First Minister visits refurbished Cymmer Afan Library, transformed with £181,300 funding