News

Welsh Government outlines cautious 2026–27 Budget plan

Published

9 months ago

July 1, 2025

No major new spending as inflation-linked uplift promised for public services

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has set out its approach to the 2026–27 Budget, confirming a cautious one-year plan ahead of the next Senedd election.

Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford, speaking in Plenary on Tuesday (Jul 1), said the Draft Budget would be published on 14 October and would increase departmental allocations in line with inflation. He said this was designed to give “stability” for public services and allow the incoming Welsh Government a clean slate to shape its own Programme for Government.

Mr Drakeford, a former First Minister, said: “I want to ensure we provide a stable and reliable outcome for our public services and all who rely on them. I also want to ensure the new Senedd we have worked so hard to create has the best possible platform from which to carry out its work.”

The final budget of the current Senedd term will not include major new spending commitments. Instead, it will ringfence a pool of unallocated funding for the next government to use based on its electoral promises.

Key dates for the budget process are:

14 October 2025: Outline Draft Budget (high-level allocations)
3 November 2025: Detailed Draft Budget (expenditure lines)
20 January 2026: Final Budget publication
27 January 2026: Budget vote in the Senedd

The Welsh Government said its overarching priorities remain unchanged: a healthier Wales, green jobs and growth, better connectivity between communities, and creating opportunity for every family.

However, critics have raised concerns that sticking to an inflation-only uplift could mean a continued squeeze on frontline services. In recent months, both the Welsh NHS and local councils have warned that “flat” settlements are not enough to meet demand or sustain service levels, particularly in health and social care.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has also noted that while the Welsh Government faces difficult choices, the scope for genuine reform or investment is limited without additional UK-wide funding or changes to devolved tax powers.

The Welsh Conservatives have repeatedly criticised the Labour-led government for prioritising non-essential spending over frontline services, citing money spent on Senedd reform and a universal basic income pilot.

The Herald understands that some Plaid Cymru members, while broadly supportive of a cautious approach in an election year, want to see more targeted investment in housing and climate resilience.

The budget will be the last before voters go to the polls in May 2026, with pressure likely to mount on all parties to set out their longer-term visions during what is expected to be a tightly fought campaign.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

50 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

55 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.