The Welsh Government has published circular letter WGC 005/2025, announcing updated versions of the standards, rules and codes governing the building control profession. The updated documents include the: (1) Building Inspector Competence Framework (BICOF) (Wales); (2) Code of Conduct for Registered Building Inspectors (Wales); (3) Professional Conduct Rules for Registered Building Control Approvers (Wales); (4) Operational Standards Rules (Wales); and (5) OSR: Monitoring Arrangements (Wales).

The Welsh Government has published the Climate Adaptation Strategy for Wales 2024, outlining how the Welsh Government and partners can tackle the causes and impacts of climate change. The strategy includes plans for all parts of government, including protecting vulnerable transport networks from extreme weather conditions, and working with the UK Government on food security issues. The strategy also documents key commitments like protecting and effectively managing 30 per cent of land, freshwater and marine areas by 2030. Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said ‘this strategy intends to amplify the conversation around adaptation and provide the impetus for us all to grasp the opportunities while protecting our people and our planet.’

The Welsh Government has published the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice for Wales, supported by farming and professional bodies, to assist tenants, landlords and their agents and advisers. Founded on the principles of clarity, communication and mutual respect, the Code provides guidance on standards of behaviour and positive conduct across agricultural tenancy matters, including negotiations, disputes and professional advice, with the aim of fostering transparency, fairness and mutual responsibility in the tenanted sector in Wales. Specific sections cover the initial grant of a tenancy, routine engagement during its term, rent and rent reviews, improvements, access to government support schemes and other business opportunities, termination and renewal, disputes and the role of professional advisers and agents.

The Welsh Government has published guidance to assist community and town councils, community groups and individuals in responding to consultations on Strategic Development Plans (SDPs). SDPs are regional plans that address planning issues spanning local authority boundaries. The guidance outlines that SDPs will be prepared by Corporate Joint Committees (CJCs) in four regions: North Wales, Mid Wales, South West Wales and South East Wales. It also sets out the preparation and consultation process, and highlights key planning topics covered by the SDPs, including housing, employment growth, strategic development sites, transport infrastructure and environmental designations.

The Welsh Government has published an analysis of consultation responses to its White Paper on adequate housing and fair rents. The consultation received 308 responses. Key proposals gaining support included requiring ministers to produce an annual housing strategy, collecting local rent data through Rent Smart Wales (RSW) and introducing Annual Property Condition Records. The analysis will inform policy development on pet-friendly rentals, rent guarantor guidance, and potential Land Transaction Tax refunds for landlords participating in Leasing Scheme Wales. Respondents expressed mixed views on whether housing adequacy indicators should vary regionally or apply nationally.

The Welsh Government has published a consultation document on its third net zero plan covering 2026-2030, which will be finalised in late 2026. The plan focuses on transport electrification, building decarbonisation and sustainable farming, with targets including 25% of homes using low-carbon heating by 2033 and 40% of vehicles being electric by 2033. Public consultation runs through Wales Climate Week (3-5 November 2025) and community events until February 2026.

The Welsh Government has published a consultation on the plan to end tax break for private schools. The Welsh government proposes to reform the non-domestic rates system, ensuring independent schools with charitable status are treated similarly to other independent schools in Wales, aiming to address potential disparities and ensure a level playing field among independent schools. The consultation closes on 16 December 2024.

The Welsh Government has published the outcome of its consultation on draft regulations to replace the Inspection of Education and Training (Wales) Regulations 2001. The consultation, which ran from 28 April to 20 June 2025, sought views on incorporating Medr's role in post-compulsory education and training sector inspections, and on aligning Estyn's reporting periods across education sectors. The new regulations aim to modernise the inspection framework for further education and training providers in Wales. The consultation outcome was published on 15 August 2025, with the new regulations scheduled to come into effect in 2026.

The Welsh Government has published the outcome of its consultation on proposed regulations for the protection of trees and woodlands. The consultation, which ran from 15 November 2024 to 14 February 2025, sought views on changes that will inform new regulations. The proposed changes include simplifying the protection process, introducing woodland preservation orders, and defining amenity. A summary of responses document has been made available following the consultation's conclusion on 14 February 2025.

The Welsh Government has published a summary of responses to its consultation on revisions to the Separate Collection of Waste Materials for Recycling Code of Practice for Wales. The consultation sought views on updates needed to reflect forthcoming amendments to the Waste Separation Requirements (Wales) Regulations 2023, including the requirement that from April 2026 all small waste electrical and electronic equipment from non domestic premises must be separately presented for recycling. Most respondents considered this clarification, and the proposed adjustments to waste subfractions such as adding blister packaging to items excluded from the cartons, metal and plastic stream and removing expanded polypropylene, to be sufficiently clear. They also agreed that the expiry of hospitals’ temporary exemption from separation requirements is well explained. Practical concerns were raised regarding difficulties for small and rural businesses, limited storage capacity in some settings and the complexity of hazardous waste guidance. Respondents identified no significant impacts on the Welsh language but suggested bilingual public facing materials and clearer introductory guidance. Several called for coordinated enforcement between Natural Resources Wales and local authorities to ensure consistent compliance across Wales.

The Welsh Government has published a summary of responses to its consultation on draft Social Public Works Clauses under the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023, outlining stakeholder feedback on clauses covering payments, employment, compliance, training, sub-contracting and environment. The 29 responses reflected mixed views, with concerns about implementation, proportionality, administrative burden, supply chain oversight and the £2 million threshold. The Welsh Government emphasises that the clauses aim to improve economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being, confirms some amendments (including changes to payment provisions), and intends to provide further statutory guidance to support flexible and proportionate implementation.

The Welsh Government has published a summary of responses to its consultation on proposed changes to the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for Regulated Childcare for children up to age 12, along with an updated impact assessment. Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden MS, noted that the proposals were broadly supported by respondents. All registered childcare and play providers are expected to adhere to the NMS, which ensure that providers meet the requirements of the Childminding and Daycare (Wales) Regulations 2010 (as amended) in a manner that reflects the service they deliver. The consultation proposals aimed to address recommendations arising from the Early Years, Childcare and Play reviews, as well as concerns raised by stakeholders and providers.