National Assembly for Wales

Supporting learners to understand the democratic process and their democratic rights is a mandatory part of the curriculum. We are working with a range of organisations to make sure schools and colleges get access to the right resources and support to deliver high-quality democratic education for learners in Wales.

Universities play a key role in Wales’s economy. I work closely with Ministers on matters relating to the economy, skills and tertiary education. I recently met Wrexham University’s vice-chancellor and had a very positive discussion about the university’s ongoing work to support economic development in the North Wales region.

We will publish a strategic direction for vocational education and training in Wales prior to the pre-election period. It will reflect the conclusions of a reference group of key stakeholders convened to consider how best to strengthen vocational education and training in Wales. 

We continue to provide our progressive and generous system of grants and loans, including increased living‑cost support and upfront tuition fee support for the 2026/27 academic year. Ensuring all learners can access higher education, regardless of background, remains a core priority for this Government.

Through our focus on quality installations and customer support, our Warm Homes Nest scheme is transforming lives across Wales. The impacts are clear: hundreds of pounds off annual energy bills, healthier and happier families and a cleaner environment now and for future generations.

Following the budget agreement with Plaid Cymru, the final local government settlement for 2026-27 will provide £6.56 billion to spend on delivering key services. This is an increase of 4.5 per cent or £282 million on a like-for-like basis compared to the current year, and all councils will receive increases above 4 per cent.

I welcome the UK Government’s Warm Homes plan and its ambition to reduce bills, create jobs and business opportunities, and improve our energy security. I met with the UK Minister for Energy Consumers on Monday and we agreed to ensure that people in Wales feel the benefit from the plan’s investment.

Since 2020 Welsh Government has awarded Newport City Council over £17 million, through the Transforming Towns programme, to deliver significant improvements to the city centre and its offering. It also co-funded the recently published placemaking plan and has agreed to take a seat on the newly established Newport placemaking board.