Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle MS has announced the publication of the Review of School Funding Formula in Wales. This review follows an independent assessment by education economist Luke Sibieta, which identified complexities in school funding across Wales. The Welsh Government has conducted an in-depth analysis of local authority funding formulae to understand the intricacies and decision-making processes involved. The newly published review provides a summary of this analysis and outlines recommendations aimed at creating a fairer, more transparent and consistent funding system for Welsh schools. The government plans to consult on proposed changes later in the year, working closely with stakeholders to inform future policy decisions.

The Welsh Government has published the revised Section 7 list of species and habitats under the Environment (Wales) Act 2016, updating the statutory register of species and habitats of principal importance for maintaining and enhancing biodiversity in Wales. The refreshed list, led by Natural Resources Wales in consultation with key stakeholders, represents an expansion to 1,322 species and 69 habitats, including bird species such as Swifts, Starlings, Rooks and House Martins that have experienced significant population decline across Wales. Planning authorities are advised to have regard to the revised Section 7 list, follow a step‑wise approach to deliver net benefits for biodiversity and secure enhancement primarily on site or immediately adjacent to development, including suitable provision for nesting, such as swift bricks, where relevant.

The Welsh Government has published comprehensive risk guidance for Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) in Wales, highlighting new Welsh Housing Quality Standard requirements effective from 1 April 2026 mandating 24-hour investigation of damp and mould hazards with imminent harm risk. It sets out the principal risks facing the sector and expects boards to respond through strong governance, robust financial management and effective risk oversight. The guidance identifies a challenging operating environment shaped by economic uncertainty, inflation, high borrowing and operating costs, and policy change, requiring prudent financial planning, stress testing, and careful balancing of investment between new development, existing homes and tenant services, while maintaining affordability and income stability.

The Welsh Government has published guidance for local authorities on smoke control areas, following the implementation of relevant provisions under the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 (EAS(W)A 2024). The guidance covers: (1) rules on the acquisition and sale of unauthorised fuels in smoke control areas, in accordance with the Clean Air Act 1993 (CAA 1993), as amended by EAS(W)A 2024; (2) the civil sanctions regime under CAA 1993, Sch 1A, as amended by EAS(W)A 2024; (3) FAQs for local authorities on smoke control measures; (4) FAQs for households and businesses on smoke control areas; and (5) requirements for creating, varying, or revoking smoke control orders under CAA 1993.

The Welsh Government has published a statement by Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan MS on how the Flying Start childcare expansion has achieved the delivery target of offering an additional 4,500 childcare places in 2023–2024. Morgan has noted that the Welsh Government will continue to reach out to more families who can benefit from Flying Start during the second phase of the expansion.

The Welsh Government has published a statement on the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body’s (IWPRB) Review of the roles and responsibilities of supply teachers in Wales employed through local authorities or directly by schools. Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle MS has noted that the report makes many recommendations which will require ‘long-term consideration’ and that discussions will be held with stakeholders on the IWPRB’s recommendations.

The Welsh Government has published a written statement on Learning Disability Specialised Adult Inpatient Provision. The statement, from the Minister for Mental Health and Early Years, Sarah Murphy MS, responds to concerns raised about the level of publicly available information on the number of Welsh people with a learning disability receiving long term treatment in inpatient facilities in Wales and England. Murphy stated that between 50,000-60,000 people in Wales have a learning disability and '134 Welsh patients with an identified learning disability are being treated in a learning disability or mental health hospital setting'. According to the statement, the NHS Wales Executive has been commissioned to internally review the Learning Disability Specialised Adult Inpatient Provision.

The Welsh Government has published a statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Cabinet Office, Rebecca Evans, on the Procurement Act 2023 (Commencement No 3, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2024, SI 2024/716. The regulations commence the practical and operational legislative requirements of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA 2023). SI 2024/716 confirms 28 October 2024 as the go-live date of substantive provisions of PA 2023 and the revocation of the current regime. The Welsh Government notes that additional commencement regulations will be required to commence further provisions of PA 2023, also requiring consent of Welsh Ministers.

The Welsh Government has published a written statement on the Reducing Restrictive Practices Framework, which was initially published in July 2021, with the intention to reduce the use of restrictive practices in childcare, education and health and social care settings. Minister for Social Care, David Bowden, has announced that supporting resources for the Framework have now been launched, including an animation, an explainer document and a poster produced in partnership with the British Institute for Learning Disabilities.

The Welsh Government has published a statement on building safety. The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, announced that the Building Safety (Wales) Bill is scheduled for introduction in 2025, seeking to build on the progress made to ensure the safety of multi-occupied buildings. In addition, she highlighted that the next stage of the new building control regime will seek to introduce increased scrutiny and new duty holder responsibilities. The Welsh Government has expressed its intention to consult on these proposals before the end of the year, with the proposed regime applying to all multi-occupied residential buildings, not just those over 18 metres. Bryant also addressed the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report, stating that officials are reviewing the recommendations detailed in the report.

The Welsh Government has published a statement by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Mark Drakeford MS, highlighting that the National Framework for the Commissioning of Care and Support in Wales Code of Practice and the Revised Code of Practice (General Functions) (Appointed Day) (Wales) Order 2024 has been made on 27 August 2024, bringing the National Framework for the Commissioning of Care and Support in Wales: Code of Practice and the revised Part 2 Code of Practice (General Functions) into force on 1 September. Drakeford has also noted that the National Framework applies equally to the commissioning of care and support by local authorities, health boards and NHS trusts and that directions will be issued soon to health boards and NHS trusts to enable them to carry out their functions in line with relevant provisions of the National Framework.

The Welsh Government has published an oral statement delivered on 1 October 2024 at the Senedd. The statement was delivered by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, addressing the need for more homes to end homelessness in Wales. The speech pointed at several people living in temporary accommodation and the targeted number of homes to be delivered for rent in social sector. It was also indicated that funding has been set aside to support the commitment of delivering more homes. It was stated that arrangements are being finalised for an affordable task team which will assist with the delivery of affordable homes.