The Welsh Government has published a new regulatory framework for Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) in Wales. The framework introduces mandatory annual self-evaluations, updated regulatory standards and a four-tier judgement system (Green to Red) for assessing RSLs' governance and financial viability. RSLs must comply with new requirements including board-approved self-evaluations, compliance improvement plans and enhanced tenant engagement processes. The framework replaces the January 2022 version and aims to protect tenants while maintaining effective oversight of social housing providers.

The Welsh Government welcomes the publication of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny in the UK Parliament confirming that it ‘continues to work with the UK government on this important area of reform’ and encouraging current and prospective homeowners and any other interested stakeholders to engage with the proposals and consider responding to the consultation published alongside the draft Bill. The draft Bill applies to both England and Wales and proposes a cap on ground rent in existing leases at £250 per year, reducing to a peppercorn rent 40 years after commencement, alongside reforms to make commonhold a practical alternative to leasehold and a future ban on certain long residential leases of flats, similar to the existing ban on leasehold houses; further proposals include the abolition of leasehold forfeiture for long residential leases, to be replaced by a lease enforcement claim process, and the removal of disproportionate enforcement options for non-payment of certain freehold estate charges, with the UK government also having launched a consultation on the operation of the proposed leasehold flat ban.

The Welsh Government has published a letter to the Heads of Planning at planning authorities in Wales regarding the implementation and commencement of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023 (HE(W)A 2023). HE(W)A 2023 will repeal the current legislative framework for the protection of the Welsh historic environment — primarily the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 and the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act 1990 — and replace it with accessible and fully bilingual law for the historic environment. The policy and legal effects of the law will remain unchanged.

The Welsh Government’s Flooding and Coastal Erosion Committee (FCEC) has published its response to the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales (NICW)’s report, ‘Building Resilience to Flooding in Wales by 2050’. The FCEC welcomes the report's independent perspective and focus on long-term challenges, as well as its emphasis on adaptation, resilience, and equity. It also endorses several proposals, including the development of a 30-year national flood resilience strategy, the establishment of catchment partnerships, and the diversification of funding sources, among others. However, it expresses concerns about the report's limited consideration of the business community's role in flood risk management and the difficulties in implementing recommendations due to resource constraints and unclear ownership of responsibilities. The response also highlights the report's inadequate focus on flood warning systems and calls for flood risk management infrastructure to be recognised as part of national infrastructure. It further suggests prioritising recommendations related to catchment-based approaches, community empowerment, adaptation funding, and addressing planning limitations.

The Welsh Parliament's Local Government and Housing Committee has published a report on social housing supply, making 17 recommendations to the Welsh Government. Key proposals include aiming for social housing to comprise at least 20% of Wales' housing stock in the near term and up to one-third long-term, establishing a national development corporation to lead on large-scale sites, increasing Social Housing Grant funding and improving data transparency on progress towards the 20,000 social homes target. The Committee also recommended strategies to address the need for one-bed homes, attract more workers to the construction industry, capture greater land value for public benefit and unlock the potential of smaller development sites. The report emphasizes the need for a more ambitious and comprehensive approach to expanding social housing supply in Wales.

The Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru) has been recalled during its summer recess to nominate a new First Minister of Wales after Vaughan Gething MS resigned. As the new leader of Welsh Labour, Eluned Morgan, is likely to be nominated for the role. The Senedd Cymru is expected to meet on Tuesday 6 August.

The Welsh Government has published a letter to Chief Planning Officers announcing the Town and Country Planning (Coal and Petroleum Development) (Notification) (Wales) Direction 2026, which replaces the Town and Country Planning (Notification) (Coal and Petroleum) (Wales) Direction 2018. The letter explains that, under the 2018 Direction, where a local planning authority (LPA) was minded not to refuse an application for coal or petroleum development, it was required to refer that application to the Welsh Ministers. The 2026 Direction updates and clarifies this regime by revising the definition of ‘coal and petroleum development’ to expressly include coal extracted from mineral-working deposits, including disused tips, confirming that such activities fall within scope. The new Direction applies to applications for planning permission registered as valid on or after 7 April 2026.

The Welsh Government has published a cabinet statement on the ongoing higher education reform programme in Wales, led by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, in collaboration with the First Minister, Vice Chancellors of Welsh universities, and Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (Medr). The reform aims to ensure the financial health of the sector, support learners, and promote economic growth. Key priorities include enhancing collaboration within the sector, assessing subject demand and provision, and ensuring sustainable funding for strategic priorities. The expansion of part-time higher education, particularly through the Open University in Wales, is highlighted, with plans to increase part-time fee loans. The Minister seeks clarity from the UK Government on fees policy and student loans budget rules, and explores future funding options post-EU structural funding. Medr plans to publish its first Strategic Plan and develop a new regulatory system for tertiary education, with consultations starting in April 2025.

The Welsh government has announced a £20m investment in schools to create inclusive learning environments for children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN). This funding will be used to upgrade facilities, improve accessibility, and purchase new equipment. The £20m will be distributed via local authorities, with over £80m already provided over the past three years to transform learning spaces for ALN learners. Additionally, the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme is investing £750m over the next nine years to further improve facilities and create new specialist provisions for ALN learners.

The Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales has launched a consultation regarding changes to minimum wage rates and allowances and other conditions of employment in the agricultural sector. The proposed amendments are to be reflected in the Agricultural Wages Order 2025. The consultation closes on 15 November 2024.

The Welsh Government has launched a consultation following a comprehensive review of council tax discounts, disregarded persons and exemptions in accordance with its Programme for Government commitment to a fairer council tax system. The consultation seeks input on proposed changes to categories and confirms the direction for reforms previously explored in 2023. The review, which assessed measures supporting individuals and families for over thirty years and ensuring the efficient operation of the system, highlighted the necessity for modernisation since most arrangements have remained unchanged since 1993. The recent approval of the Local Government Finance (Wales) Act 2024 by the Senedd has provided an opportunity to update these measures to better reflect contemporary societal needs. The revised categories will enhance accessibility, encourage eligible individuals to claim their entitlements, eliminate associated stigma and target support effectively, while also consolidating and simplifying the relevant legislation. The consultation closes on 15 August 2025.

The Welsh government has issued a response to its consultation on the making of modifications to the Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales (SASW) which set out four proposals for respondents to consider. The consultation closed on 6 June 2024 and received responses from 34 organisations and individuals including sector bodies, employers, training providers and educational establishments throughout Wales.