The Welsh Government has introduced the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill to the Senedd, with Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies stating it will play a crucial role in protecting Wales’ natural environment. The Bill requires Welsh Ministers and Natural Resources Wales to integrate environmental principles into policymaking and establishes the Office of Environmental Governance Wales to independently oversee the application and implementation of environmental law. It also empowers Welsh Ministers to set statutory biodiversity targets aimed at reversing ecological decline. The Deputy First Minister announced the Bill during a visit to the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, which received £249,306 from the Nature Networks Fund in 2024 for its Dolphin Diet Detectives Project supporting marine ecosystem resilience.

The Welsh Government has laid the Building Safety (Wales) Bill before the Senedd, establishing a new safety regime for multi-occupied residential buildings. The legislation is based on three key principles: safety, accountability, and residents' rights. It forms part of a broader programme of building safety reforms.

The Welsh Government has announced that the Disused Mine and Quarry Tips (Wales) Bill, along with an explanatory memorandum, has been laid before the Senedd Cymru. This Bill introduces a new regulatory framework to address safety concerns associated with both coal and non-coal tips in Wales. It proposes the establishment of a new public body, the Disused Tips Authority for Wales, which will be responsible for the assessment, registration, monitoring, and management of disused tips. Key provisions include granting the Authority powers to address tip instability, including requiring landowners to carry out necessary operations or allowing the Authority to conduct such operations itself. It also introduces related offences to support the enforcement of the new framework. This follows the Law Commission's 2022 report, which recommended reform of the existing Mines and Quarries (Tips) Act 1969.

The Welsh Government has laid the draft Health Services (Provider Selection Regime) (Wales) Regulations 2025, before Senedd Cymru. This statutory instrument, which replaces a withdrawn 2024 draft, establishes a new procurement regime for NHS health services in Wales, as authorised by the Health Service Procurement (Wales) Act 2024. The regulations will apply to 'relevant authorities' as defined in the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 and will disapply the UK Government's Procurement Act 2023 for health service procurement in Wales. Subject to Senedd approval, the regulations are set to come into force on 24 February 2025, aligning with broader UK procurement reforms. Accompanying draft statutory guidance and training materials have been made available to stakeholders to facilitate familiarisation with the new operational principles.

The Welsh Government has introduced six pieces of subordinate legislation to implement the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024, with the new infrastructure consenting process set to take effect on 15 December 2025. The legislation covers pre-application and application procedures, examination and decision-making processes, fees, compulsory acquisition and other miscellaneous provisions. The new system will replace the current Developments of National Significance regime. Applicants may continue to submit proposals for determination under the current consenting regimes until 15 December 2025. The Welsh Government is also preparing guidance to supplement the new process, including detailed advice on pre-application requirements, application submissions, and community engagement. Further regulations on consequential and transitional arrangements and procedures for changing or revoking an infrastructure consent order are expected later in 2025.

The Welsh Government has issued a written statement confirming the publication of the Code of Practice on Quality Assurance and Performance Management, Escalating Concerns and the Closure of Regulated Care and Support Services 2026, following its laying in draft before the Senedd on 1 December 2025. The statement confirms that the Code of Practice will come into force on 31 March 2026 replacing existing statutory guidance. The Code will apply to local authorities, local health boards and NHS trusts in Wales in relation to the commissioning of regulated care and support services registered with Care Inspectorate Wales under the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016.

The Welsh Government has published Building Regulations Circular WGC 001/2025 announcing the Building etc. (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2025, which will come into force on 1 July 2025. The regulations mandate gigabit-ready infrastructure and connections for new dwellings in Wales, with a £2,000 cost cap per dwelling. The amendments introduce new requirements 'RA1' and 'RA2' in Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010, supported by new 'Approved Document R Volumes 1 and 2'. Transitional provisions will apply to building work where notices were given or plans were deposited before the regulations' commencement, on condition that the work starts within 12 months of implementation.

The Welsh Government has issued two building regulations circulars implementing Part 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022, with both sets of regulations coming into force on 1 July 2026. The Building etc. (Amendment) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2025 introduce new dutyholders and competence requirements, replace the existing "deposit of plans" system with a formal building control approval process, and establish new enforcement tools including compliance notices and stop notices with associated appeal rights. The Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (Wales) Regulations 2025 create a comprehensive procedural framework for higher-risk buildings, requiring formal building control approval with defined timeframes of 12 weeks for new higher-risk buildings and 8 weeks for work on existing buildings. The regulations establish a change control mechanism categorising modifications as recordable, notifiable or major changes, mandate digital 'golden thread' information systems, and introduce mandatory occurrence reporting for safety incidents during construction. Both regulations include transitional provisions for work commenced or approved before the implementation date.

The Welsh Government has issued two further guidance documents to provide technical guidance and help with interpretation of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA 2023). These documents should be read in conjunction with PA 2023 and its associated regulations. The guidance documents include the legal framework, what has changed, key points and policy intent and relevant guidance.

The Welsh Government has published numerous guidance documents relating to the Procurement Act 2023 (PA 2023). These documents should be read in conjunction with PA 2023 and its associated regulations. Each guidance document will typically include the legal framework, what has changed, key points and policy intent and notices or guidance.

The Welsh Government has issued guidance on tackling stationary engine idling, noting that idling on a public road is an offence under Highway Code rule 123, which requires drivers to apply the parking brake and switch off the engine when stationary. The guidance explains that avoiding idling reduces air pollution and associated health impacts, and highlights acceptable and unacceptable reasons for idling.

The Welsh Government has issued a written statement in conjunction with its response to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)'s study on the housebuilding market in Great Britain. The study looked at the planning system, speculative private development, land banks, private estate management, and the quality of new housing. Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, acknowledged the findings of the CMA study and accepted the recommendations as they apply to Wales. The full response from the Welsh Government is available in the Senedd Library.