The Welsh Government will today publish its Draft Budget for 2026-27, setting out more than £27 billion of spending plans for public services across Wales.
This marks the first stage of the budget process, where high-level allocations for each government department will be revealed.
The Draft Budget outlines how funding will be distributed across Main Expenditure Groups (MEGs), which represent key areas such as Health and Social Care, Education, and Transport. Each MEG includes both day-to-day spending and capital investment in long-term projects and infrastructure.
More detailed departmental spending plans will follow next month when the Welsh Government publishes the second stage of the Draft Budget. This will include Budget Expenditure Line (BEL) details showing how money is allocated within each department.
The Senedd is expected to vote on the Final Budget in January 2026.
Budget timeline
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14 October 2025: Draft Budget (Stage 1) published – outlines high-level allocations by department
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3 November 2025: Detailed Draft Budget (Stage 2) published – includes BEL details
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26 November 2025: UK Autumn Budget
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Late November 2025: Draft local government settlement published (date to be confirmed)
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20 January 2026: Final Budget and local government settlement published
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27 January 2026: Final Budget debate and vote, including tax motions
The Draft Budget will reflect the Welsh Government’s commitment to supporting key public services, investing in communities, and maintaining financial stability in the face of ongoing economic pressures.
