Senedd approves Welsh Budget

The Senedd has approved the Welsh Budget for 2025-26, seeing out £26 billion of spending.

More than £3 billion of capital funding will be allocated in 2025-26 to upgrade vital equipment in the NHS and schools, and to build new homes, modernise public transport and support economic growth.

More than £600 million extra is being invested in the NHS and social care, supporting efforts to reduce waiting times and improve mental health and women's health services.

There is an extra £50 million to expand Flying Start childcare for two-year-olds throughout Wales and increase the hourly rate to £6.40.

£81 million extra will be spent on social housing to tackle homelessness and there is more than £100 million for education.

In transport, £181.6 million has been allocated to improve rail services, £15 million is to be used to fund a £1 single bus fare scheme for people under 21, and there's£25m for a road improvement fund to improve the strategic road network which will enable us to improve 100km of the network and reduce and prevent potholes.

The budget will come into effect from April 2025.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance Mark Drakeford said: "Passing this budget is a significant moment for Wales - it unlocks a real uplift in funding for the services that matter most to people, after some very tough years.

"We have secured a financial package that will strengthen our NHS, reduce waiting times, support schools and help communities across Wales thrive, making a real difference to people’s lives."