A Resilient Wales, Ready for the Future
Local government is the foundation of public life in Wales. Every day, councils deliver the essential services that keep our communities safe, supported and thriving. Yet the pressures facing those services have never been greater. As this manifesto makes clear, Welsh councils need the next Welsh Government to “properly and fairly resource our current demand pressures, which are an immediate threat to the well-being of our communities”. Without long term, sustainable funding, councils cannot move from firefighting to the forward planning our residents deserve.
This manifesto sets out a clear and constructive vision for the next Senedd term: one built on partnership, prevention and place. We are calling for a renewed commitment to multi year, fair and flexible funding; for a shared approach to tackling the exceptional pressures in social care, education and housing; and for a Programme for Government that recognises the vital role councils play in supporting people through the cost-of-living crisis, improving life chances, and strengthening community resilience.
We also set out how a modern, confident Wales can embrace new opportunities. Councils stand ready to help deliver a digitally enabled nation, where services are designed around user need and where investment in digital skills and infrastructure benefits every community.
To deliver this, the WLGA is clear: local government must be treated as an equal partner. The Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Welsh Government has shown what can be achieved when we work collaboratively, and we are calling for it to be renewed and strengthened. Councils bring deep expertise, local insight and a commitment to public service that is essential to shaping effective policy and legislation. We want to be involved earlier, more consistently, and with the resources needed to contribute fully.
This manifesto also looks ahead to the future of local government itself. Through our joint work with the Wales Centre for Public Policy, we are exploring how councils can remain sustainable, empowered and fit for the decades ahead. We are clear that decisions should be made as close to communities as possible, and that any reform must strengthen—not dilute—local democracy.
We offer this manifesto in a spirit of partnership and optimism, reflecting the shared ambition of our 22 Welsh Councils. With the right powers, the right resources and a renewed commitment to working together, local government can help build a fairer, greener and more prosperous Wales for all.