The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has launched ‘For a Resilient Wales’ the first step of their manifesto for the Senedd elections 2026. The document was jointly developed by the leaders of all the Welsh local authorities. The programme outlines six key themes for the next Welsh Government to consider, highlighting the ways in which local government and the Senedd could collaborate more effectively with a particular emphasis on planning for the long term.
The six themes are:
- A sustainable funding plan for services, including social care, so that councils can move from “firefighting” pressure points towards long-term planning for the future.
- A council-led way of working together across regions that’s flexible and focused on saving money, strengthening services, and helping people.
- Working together for Wales by strengthening the Partnership Agreement between local and Welsh Government, with fair funding for any new duties.
- Adopting a new Prevention focus to tackle ill-health, climate change adaptation, nature recovery, as well as leisure and recreation.
- Prioritising a digital Wales by fully resourcing a digital strategy for Wales, using data and technology to transform public services
- New freedoms and flexibilities for Welsh Councils to deliver urban renewal and rural resilience, focusing on the sustainable growth of our communities.
A second more detailed document will be published in future that the WGLA says will try to steer the next government’s programme in a constructive way.
In a statement the Leader of The Welsh Local Government Association, Councillor Andrew Morgan said:
“This manifesto is about ambition and partnership. Local councils are on the frontline of delivering the services that matter most to people, from schools to social care, housing to the environment. We want to work with the next Welsh Government not just to cope with pressures, but to seize opportunities.
For a resilient Wales, we need sustainable funding for services such as social care, fair responsibilities, and the freedom to innovate locally. Councils are ready to rise to that challenge, but resilience can only be built if we act together. The constructive partnership between local and Welsh governments has been a hallmark of the last term. It is vital for that close cooperation to continue if we are to deliver together for our people and places.”
You can read ‘For a Resilient Wales’ by following this link to the WLGA website.
