The WLGA has today unveiled “For a Resilient Wales”, its Phase 1 manifesto for the 2026 Senedd elections.
The programme, developed and agreed by the Leaders of all 22 Welsh local authorities, sets out six key themes for the next Welsh Government, highlighting how local government and the Senedd could work together more effectively in partnership.
The WLGA’s themes are designed to move councils and communities from short-term crisis management to planning for the long term.
The six themes are:
- A sustainable funding plan for services, including social care, so that councils can move from “firefighting” pressure points towards long-term planning for the future.
- A council-led way of working together across regions that’s flexible and focused on saving money, strengthening services, and helping people.
- Working together for Wales by strengthening the Partnership Agreement between local and Welsh Government, with fair funding for any new duties.
- Adopting a new Prevention focus to tackle ill-health, climate change adaptation, nature recovery, as well as leisure and recreation.
- Prioritising a digital Wales by fully resourcing a digital strategy for Wales, using data and technology to transform public services
- New freedoms and flexibilities for Welsh Councils to deliver urban renewal and rural resilience, focusing on the sustainable growth of our communities.
“For a Resilient Wales” calls on political parties to consider these themes in their own manifestos, emphasising the role of councils as the closest tier of government to communities.
The WLGA will follow up the six themes with a more detailed Phase 2 document which will seek to positively inform the next programme for government and the wider debate around the vital 2026 elections.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, WLGA Leader, said:
“This manifesto is about ambition and partnership. Local councils are on the frontline of delivering the services that matter most to people, from schools to social care, housing to the environment. We want to work with the next Welsh Government not just to cope with pressures, but to seize opportunities.
“For a resilient Wales, we need sustainable funding for services such as social care, fair responsibilities, and the freedom to innovate locally. Councils are ready to rise to that challenge, but resilience can only be built if we act together. The constructive partnership between local and Welsh governments has been a hallmark of the last term. It is vital for that close cooperation to continue if we are to deliver together for our people and places.”
Click here to view WLGA’s Phase 1 Manifesto: For a Resilient Wales