Wales First Minister unveils new government programme

Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has unveiled a four-year Programme for Government titled ‘New Ambition for Wales,’ outlining a series of strategic priorities aimed at addressing cost-of-living and social issues.

A central pillar of the plan is a commitment to build at least 20,000 additional social homes by 2030. To support the private rented sector, the First Minister hinted at the potential introduction of rent controls, noting that the government is exploring measures used in Scotland and Catalonia to regulate rent increases.

Other key promises in the blueprint include a progressive expansion of childcare for children aged 9 months to 4 years, and the extension of free school meals to all secondary pupils on Universal Credit. The administration’s six primary focus areas are NHS waiting lists, the cost of living, employment, school standards, child poverty, and ‘standing up for Wales’ through cross-departmental collaboration.