The Welsh Government has published guidance on electronic invoicing and payment under Part 4 of the Procurement Act 2023. It sets out implied terms requiring contracting authorities to accept electronic invoices in a standardised format and to pay suppliers within 30 days of receipt or the payment due date whichever is later. These provisions apply to most public contracts and sub-contracts including regulated below-threshold contracts, with further detail provided in the Procurement (Wales) Regulations 2024 SI 2024/782. The legal framework is set out in sections 67, 68, 73 and 88 of the Act, which collectively govern electronic invoicing, payment terms and their application across public sector supply chains.

The Welsh Government has published guidance on the requirements for remediation projects addressing internal and external fire safety risks in residential buildings that are 11 metres high and above in Wales. The guidance sets out expectations for those responsible for remediation projects, emphasising that residents’ needs must remain central throughout the process, regardless of who is delivering the project or how it is funded. It details specific requirements, including clearly defining responsibilities, maintaining regular communication with residents, and taking steps to minimise disruption during remedial works. The guidance is informed by the Safer Buildings in Wales White Paper and independent research.

The Welsh Government has published guidance for businesses regarding the forthcoming ban on single-use vape products. The Environmental Protection (Single-use Vapes) (Wales) Regulations 2024 will make it a criminal offence to supply or offer to supply single-use vapes to consumers in Wales from 1 June 2025. The ban aims to reduce environmental harm caused by the production and incorrect disposal of these products. Businesses are advised to begin planning for the new law immediately, including transitioning to reusable vape products. The guidance outlines the timescales, affected parties, and necessary actions for businesses before and after the ban's implementation. Additional support and detailed guidance for businesses will be published in January 2025.

The Welsh Government has published guidance for public sector energy managers on assessing the suitability of ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) and other geothermal technologies. The advice note explains that GSHPs extract heat from the ground, where temperatures remain more stable than air temperatures, making them generally more efficient than air source heat pumps. It states that the largest carbon savings are achieved when replacing fossil fuel heating systems and highlights the role of heat pumps in supporting Wales’ ambition to achieve net zero heat across all sectors by 2050.

The Welsh Government has published guidance on preparing for the implementation of the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 (I(W)A 2024), which introduces a new consenting process for significant infrastructure projects in Wales from 15 December 2025. It has also published guidance on transitional provisions, explaining that the new regime will replace existing consent processes under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (Developments of National Significance), the Transport and Works Act 1992, the Electricity Act 1989, the Highways Act 1980 and the Harbours Act 1964. Applications must be submitted before 15 December 2025 to remain under the current regime, although developers may choose to apply under the new process even if their projects qualify to stay under the existing system. The Welsh Government has also confirmed that further guidance will be published, providing advice on: (1) pre-application requirements; (2) how to submit an application; and (3) how communities can get involved.

The Welsh Government has published guidance on how applicants for significant infrastructure projects can request a land interests notice under section 28 of the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 (I(W)A 2024) to obtain information about interests in land that may be affected by development. The guidance explains that applicants must make reasonable attempts to obtain information and give proposed recipients a final chance to provide details before seeking authorisation from the Welsh Ministers. Requests must include the appropriate fee, evidence of actions taken and the information required by Annex A and Annex B of the guidance, and may only be submitted where applicants have acted reasonably in trying to obtain access to land. Once received, the Welsh Ministers will consult proposed recipients, consider evidence, and issue a decision, after which an authorised notice must be served in writing, identify the land, specify a response date of at least 15 days, and state the effect of section 28(6)–(8) regarding offences for non-compliance or providing false information.

The Welsh Government has published guidance clarifying planning permission requirements for different types of heat pump installations. The guidance explains that ground source and water source heat pumps generally fall within permitted development rights and do not usually require planning permission. Air source heat pumps are also typically permitted, provided they meet specific conditions, including compliance with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) Planning Standards. The guidance also sets out the circumstances in which local planning authorities (LPAs) may remove permitted development rights, either as a condition of the original planning permission or through Article 4 directions, the latter being particularly common in conservation areas. Where rights have been removed, property owners must submit a planning application before carrying out the work.

The Welsh Government has published best practice guidance for developers on carrying out pre-application consultation (PAC) for Significant Infrastructure Projects (SIPs) under the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 (I(W)A 2024). The guidance is intended to support developers preparing applications for Infrastructure Consent Orders (ICOs) and to ensure compliance with statutory consultation requirements. It explains how consultation can be delivered in a way that not only meets legal obligations but also enables meaningful engagement with stakeholders and local communities. Under the I(W)A 2024, SIPs in Wales require an ICO from the Welsh Ministers rather than planning permission from a local planning authority and must comply with defined consultation requirements. These include establishing a project website within three months of validation of the pre-application notification, displaying site notices for 42 days, issuing written notices to statutory consultees and elected representatives, publishing a newspaper notice for a minimum of seven days, and holding at least one public engagement event. The guidance also includes compliance processes and checklists, best practice methods and approaches, and practical tips and information to assist in developing an effective consultation strategy.

The Welsh Government has published guidance for public sector and community organisations who own or are developing renewable electricity generating stations, highlighting contractual considerations for operation, monitoring and maintenance arrangements that may affect Annual Availability and the owner’s ability to manage asset performance.

The Welsh Government has published guidance on section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (E(W)A 2016), which sets out the statutory list of species and habitats of principal importance for maintaining and enhancing biodiversity in Wales. The guidance states that Welsh Ministers must take all reasonable steps to maintain and enhance the listed species and habitats and to encourage others to do likewise, while public authorities must have regard to the list when complying with their duty under E(W)A 2016, s 6.

The Welsh Government has published a series of guidance documents on the Procurement Act 2023 in relation to concession contracts, valuation of contracts, exempted contracts and how public sector procurement has changed following the introduction of new legislation.

The Welsh Government has published an integrated impact assessment, examining how the implementation of the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024 and its associated secondary legislation will impact multiple policy areas, including environmental considerations, community engagement, economic development and well-being goals. The assessment indicates that the Act’s unified consenting process for major infrastructure projects in Wales will establish a standardised statutory timeline for decisions and improve predictability for developers, while making it easier for communities to participate in decisions affecting them. The new process will also streamline approvals for appropriate carbon-reducing developments, particularly renewable energy projects, and ensure that decisions on energy generating development align with national policy on climate change and low carbon. The process, expected to be operational by late 2025, will be monitored through statutory performance reporting and ongoing stakeholder engagement, among other measures.