The Welsh Government’s consultation on draft secondary legislation to implement Part 3 of the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023 (SPPP(W)A 2023) closes today, 14 October 2025. The consultation, launched on 22 July 2025, covered prescribed contracts, amendments to SPPP(W)A 2023, s 27(4), registrable contracts, procurement reporting requirements and Welsh language considerations.

The Welsh Government has opened a consultation on proposals to revise local authority fees and charges for environmental permitting in Wales for the 2026/27 financial year to reflect inflation. The consultation proposes a 44.29 percent inflationary uplift to fees and charges under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016, which were last updated in 2016, and applies to Part A(2) and Part B installations, small waste incineration plants and solvent emission activities regulated by local authorities. The proposals aim to improve cost recovery and support effective regulation. The consultation closes on 6 March 2026.

The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on proposed changes to Parts L (conservation of fuel and power), F (ventilation), and O (overheating) of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations, along with revisions to the associated Approved Document guidance. The consultation seeks views on: (1) improving energy efficiency standards for new and existing dwellings and non-domestic buildings; (2) proposals to transition to low carbon heat sources for heating and hot water in new dwellings and non-domestic buildings; and (3) extending Part O and its statutory guidance to cover works on existing dwellings. The Amendment Regulations and revised guidance are expected to come into force in summer/autumn 2026. The consultation closes on 17 November 2025.

The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on proposed regulations to implement the Building Safety (Wales) Act 2026. The consultation seeks views on three areas: the creation of a system for remediation orders and remediation contribution orders by the residential property tribunal, limits on leaseholder liability for the cost of remediation and related provisions and a method for calculating the height and number of storeys of a regulated building. The consultation closes on 7 September 2026.

The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on the implementation of a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers. The scheme would apply to containers between 150 ml and 3 litres made from PET plastic, glass, aluminium and steel, covering both single-use and reusable containers. The consultation seeks feedback on proposals including reuse targets for 2031–40, minimum standards requiring containers to be used at least eight times, and transitional arrangements, such as zero deposits for single-use glass containers. The implementation timeline has been accelerated to align with the introduction of DRS across the rest of the UK. A Deposit Management Organisation will also be appointed to oversee the scheme's operations. The consultation closes on 10 November 2025.

The Welsh Government has opened a consultation on proposals to establish a single public energy company for Wales. The proposed entity would build on the Welsh Government's existing energy delivery functions, increase capacity to deliver renewable and low carbon energy projects and seek to retain a greater share of the value generated from energy development in Wales. The Welsh Government states that the company would not replace existing energy suppliers or directly determine household energy prices, but that increased Welsh ownership of energy projects could reduce energy costs and enable revenues to be reinvested in Welsh communities and public services. The consultation closes on 30 November 2026.

The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on draft Social Public Works Clauses designed to implement Part 3 of the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023 (SPPP Act 2023) in major construction contracts worth over £2m. The consultation does not revisit the policy intent set out in SPPP Act 2023 but asks whether the draft clauses correctly reflect it. The clauses address prompt payment, employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups, compliance with employment and health and safety law, worker training, opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises and voluntary organisations, and environmental requirements including sustainable resource use and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Contracting authorities must consider the published clauses, take all reasonable steps to include and implement them in main contracts and subcontracts, and notify Welsh Ministers if they cannot do so. Ministers may request further information, accept or reject the reasons provided, and direct authorities to take additional steps, with notifications and directions made public. The consultation invites views on the adequacy and applicability of the clauses, including their use in standard contract forms, the sufficiency of supporting explanatory notes, and the potential effects on the Welsh language, with respondents encouraged to suggest measures to enhance positive impacts or mitigate adverse ones. The consultation closes on 19 January 2026.

The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on the draft Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Appeals and Reimbursement of Expenses) (Wales) Regulations 2027 and accompanying guidance. Made under the Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Act 2025 (DMQT(W)A 2025), the draft regulations set out procedures for determining applications under DMQT(W)A 2025, ss 38, 43. The draft regulations set out content requirements, time limits and determination methods as follows: (1) section 38 applications to vary or cancel a section 35 notice (requiring landowners to conduct operations to address tip stability) may be determined by written representations, hearing, inquiry or a combination and (2) section 43 applications for reimbursement of expenses are determined by written representations only, with a six-month time limit. The accompanying guidance is directed at the appointed person—expected in most cases to be Planning and Environment Decisions Wales—and provides for the application of the regulations' procedures, addressing case management, communication with parties and the conduct of hearings and inquiries. The regulations are intended to come into force on 1 April 2027 after being laid before the Senedd. The consultation closes on 14 September 2026.

The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on draft guidance that Welsh Ministers are required to issue to the Disused Tips Authority for Wales (the Authority) under the Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Act 2025. The draft guidance covers statutory areas including charging fees, monitoring registered tips, preliminary and full assessments, compensation for damage or disturbance caused by monitoring or assessment activity, payments in connection with operations and management plans. Additional areas addressed include appeals, categorisation of tips, cross-border issues, dispute resolution, engagement with landowners and interested parties and notices. The consultation closes on 18 September 2026, with the Authority expected to begin functioning by April 2027.

The Welsh Government has launched a consultation seeking views on proposals to establish a Social Care Negotiating Body (SCNB) under powers in the Employment Rights Act 2025. The SCNB would set Fair Pay Agreements for the social care workforce in Wales. The consultation seeks views on the proposed body’s structure, functions and potential impact. The outcomes of the consultation will help the government understand sector views on the SCNB, the negotiating process, coverage and remit, dispute resolution, implementation and compliance and enforcement. The consultation closes on 28 April 2026.

The Welsh Government has announced a consultation on proposed changes to extend job sharing arrangements for elected members in principal councils to include certain non-executive roles. The consultation closes on 4 October 2024.

The Welsh Government launched a consultation on 14 July 2025 to consider: (1) whether the current duty on principal councils to broadcast meetings should be extended to include meetings beyond those of the full council; (2) whether a similar broadcasting duty should be imposed on fire and rescue authorities and national park authorities; and (3) whether a retention period should be established for recordings of broadcast meetings. The consultation closes on 28 November 2025.