Finance Secretary has today set out the Welsh
Government's approach to the 2026-27 Budget – the last before the
Senedd election.
A one-year budget will be published in October, which will
increase departmental budgets by inflation. A pool of unallocated
funding will be created for the next Welsh Government.
Setting out the approach in a statement to Plenary, said:
“I want to ensure we provide a stable and reliable outcome for
our public services and all who rely on them.
“I also want to ensure the new Senedd we have worked so hard to
create has the best possible platform from which to carry out its
work, to make an early start on aligning budgets with its
priorities and the development of a new Programme for Government.
“This approach to the 2026-27 Budget is a responsible one. It
will provide for the next government to deliver on the promises
it makes during the election from the outset while also providing
certainty to public services in an election year.”
The Welsh Government will publish the outline Draft Budget, which
sets out high-level allocations for each Cabinet Secretary, on 14
October. The detailed Draft Budget with budget expenditure lines
will follow on 3 November. The Final Budget will be published on
20 January 2026, with a debate and vote scheduled for 27 January.
confirmed the Welsh
Government's priorities remain unchanged – focusing on a
healthier Wales, green jobs and growth, connecting communities,
and opportunity for every family.
The 2026-27 Budget will not introduce major new spending
commitments.
Notes to editors
The 2026-27 budget is the final budget before the May 2026 Senedd
election
Key budget dates:
- 14 October 2025: Outline Draft Budget published.
- 3 November 2025: Detailed Draft Budget published.
- 20 January 2026: Final Budget published.
- 27 January 2026: Final Budget debate and vote.
