This could be a historic year for Wales. The 2026 Senedd election offers the opportunity for a change of government here for the first time ever.
This election comes at a time when local government is particularly struggling following years of underfunding at the hands of the Labour Welsh government, and similarly at the hands of Westminster governments, both red and blue, who have failed to deliver the fair funding Wales needs.
What’s clear is that Plaid Cymru is serious about delivering for our communities – meaning stronger public services by supporting local government.
It is in that context that we prevented double digit council tax rises or thousands of job cuts in the upcoming financial year – having negotiated a fairer local government settlement for 2026/27 following very stark warnings from the Welsh LGA.
It was Labour’s budget to own, but Plaid Cymru stepped in to protect services, council tax bills, and create a more sustainable position for a new government after May’s election.
It is also in that context that we look towards what we could achieve in government to build on just that.
During our final party conference ahead of this crucial election, we set out our priorities for the first 100 days in government if we’re elected by the people of Wales on 7 May.
A Plaid Cymru government will always stand up for Wales to demand the fair funding we need – that is something we’ll begin negotiating immediately.
We’re also committed to reforming the local government funding formula to better reflect local needs in different parts of Wales.
We know that because the comparative needs of our population are higher, relative to the rest of the UK, the demands on local authorities are considerable. This is something we won’t delay on addressing.
This year offers Wales, and crucially our councils, the opportunity for change and stronger public services – which only Plaid Cymru can deliver.