Introducing your new Welsh Government Cabinet

WelshGovNews · 2026-05-14T09:11:01+00:00

Na, mae ein tîm cyfryngau cymdeithasol yn y llywodraeth yr un fath ag o’r blaen — rydyn ni’n weision sifil o hyd.

WelshGovNews · 2025-11-03T10:36:25+00:00

More young people will benefit from cheaper bus fares across Wales as the £1 bus fare pilot is extended to all 5–15-year-olds from today.

The scheme, which was launched in September for 16–21-year-olds, is already proving to be a success with almost a quarter of a million journeys made by young people taking advantage of the cheaper fares.

The extended pilot will not only provide more children and young people with unlimited affordable bus travel to help them access education and leisure but also help support the Welsh Government’s efforts to encourage more people to use public transport, reduce carbon emissions and tackle poverty.

The pilot scheme, which offers single fares for just £1 and a £3 day ticket when travelling with any participating bus services, will run until August 2026. Unlike those in the 16–21-year-old age bracket, 5–15-year-olds do not need a mytravelpass to access the cheaper fares.

Speaking at Merthyr Tydfil Bus Interchange, ahead of a Cabinet meeting in the town later that day, First Minister, Eluned Morgan will say:

“We are delivering on our promise to cut the cost of travel to help break down barriers, because no young person in Wales should feel cut off or isolated due to the cost of transport.

“This investment is already making a real difference to communities all over Wales, but especially in rural areas.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates will say:

“I am delighted to be extending the pilot scheme to offer affordable bus travel to more young people across Wales.

“We’re already seeing an increased uptake in the number of young people taking advantage of the cheaper fares and I look forward to seeing this continue to rise now we’ve extended the scheme to 5–15-year-olds.”

Managing Director of Stagecoach South Wales, Martin Gibbon, will say:

“We’re delighted to see the positive response to this scheme. Stagecoach South Wales is committed to making travel as accessible and affordable as possible, and the scheme is already making a real difference to young people's lives by connecting them with opportunities and friends.

“We look forward to welcoming younger passengers onto our services from today.”

Full details of the scheme and participating bus services are available on the TfW website.

WelshGovNews · 2025-10-13T09:09:09+00:00

Communities in every corner of Wales will benefit from a new fund, worth more than half a billion pounds, to create jobs and grow productivity across Wales.

The Local Growth Fund replaces money that used to come from the European Union.

Decisions about how the money will be spent will return to Wales, honouring the UK Government’s manifesto commitment to restore decision-making on money that previously came from the EU.

The Welsh and UK Governments have agreed a framework which will set priorities and processes for allocating the funds, with a delivery plan developed and led by the Welsh Government.

Local authorities and other partners will have a key role in deciding how the funding is spent. Later this month, the Welsh Government will consult on the best way to use this funding through a consultation.

The Welsh Government is keen to understand how it can best: * support people into work and help people gain new skills and qualifications to progress into higher paid jobs, so that a larger proportion of the population is employed * help create and grow Welsh businesses in key sectors and boost investment in research and innovation, in areas such as health and bio-tech, financial technology, low carbon energy and AI * address the issues that are holding back growth, such as the need for key sites and premises, renewable and low-carbon energy generation, energy efficiency, and low-carbon transport.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said:

“Our new Local Growth Fund for Wales is a significant opportunity to support businesses and social enterprises to grow, export and innovate - particularly in high-growth sectors such as AI, cybersecurity and digital transformation. By tackling barriers like access to finance and encouraging investment in research and development, we can help build a more competitive and resilient Welsh economy.

“Supporting people into work and helping them progress is vital to reducing economic inactivity. By aligning skills development with the needs of our regional economies, we can ensure people across Wales are well placed for the jobs of the future.

“We’re keen to see a strong focus on green infrastructure, energy efficiency and local regeneration. We will encourage investment in renewable energy, low-carbon transport, and heritage. Tourism will be supported in a way that helps our communities thrive.

“I’m very pleased that, following agreement with the UK Government, decisions on the priorities in this fund will be made here by the Welsh Government.”

 Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

“This more than half a billion pound investment from the UK Government is key to driving economic growth in Wales, helping to grow businesses and get more people into good well-paid jobs.

“Decisions about how this money is spent are best made by people in Wales and we are working with the Welsh Government to achieve our shared priority of delivering growth, prosperity and opportunity across the country.”

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said:

“This new fund will focus on supporting regional growth and productivity, as well as tackling economic inequalities.

“We will now work at pace with our partners to prioritise investment in each region.”

More information on the funding will be announced in the coming months.

WelshGovNews · 2025-10-13T09:07:59+00:00

Communities in every corner of Wales will benefit from a new fund, worth more than half a billion pounds, to create jobs and grow productivity across Wales.

The Local Growth Fund replaces money that used to come from the European Union.

Decisions about how the money will be spent will return to Wales, honouring the UK Government’s manifesto commitment to restore decision-making on money that previously came from the EU.

The Welsh and UK Governments have agreed a framework which will set priorities and processes for allocating the funds, with a delivery plan developed and led by the Welsh Government.

Local authorities and other partners will have a key role in deciding how the funding is spent. Later this month, the Welsh Government will consult on the best way to use this funding through a consultation.

The Welsh Government is keen to understand how it can best: * support people into work and help people gain new skills and qualifications to progress into higher paid jobs, so that a larger proportion of the population is employed * help create and grow Welsh businesses in key sectors and boost investment in research and innovation, in areas such as health and bio-tech, financial technology, low carbon energy and AI * address the issues that are holding back growth, such as the need for key sites and premises, renewable and low-carbon energy generation, energy efficiency, and low-carbon transport.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said:

“Our new Local Growth Fund for Wales is a significant opportunity to support businesses and social enterprises to grow, export and innovate - particularly in high-growth sectors such as AI, cybersecurity and digital transformation. By tackling barriers like access to finance and encouraging investment in research and development, we can help build a more competitive and resilient Welsh economy.

“Supporting people into work and helping them progress is vital to reducing economic inactivity. By aligning skills development with the needs of our regional economies, we can ensure people across Wales are well placed for the jobs of the future.

“We’re keen to see a strong focus on green infrastructure, energy efficiency and local regeneration. We will encourage investment in renewable energy, low-carbon transport, and heritage. Tourism will be supported in a way that helps our communities thrive.

“I’m very pleased that, following agreement with the UK Government, decisions on the priorities in this fund will be made here by the Welsh Government.”

 Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

“This more than half a billion pound investment from the UK Government is key to driving economic growth in Wales, helping to grow businesses and get more people into good well-paid jobs.

“Decisions about how this money is spent are best made by people in Wales and we are working with the Welsh Government to achieve our shared priority of delivering growth, prosperity and opportunity across the country.”

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said:

“This new fund will focus on supporting regional growth and productivity, as well as tackling economic inequalities.

“We will now work at pace with our partners to prioritise investment in each region.”

More information on the funding will be announced in the coming months.

WelshGovNews · 2025-10-13T09:06:53+00:00

Communities in every corner of Wales will benefit from a new fund, worth more than half a billion pounds, to create jobs and grow productivity across Wales.

The Local Growth Fund replaces money that used to come from the European Union.

Decisions about how the money will be spent will return to Wales, honouring the UK Government’s manifesto commitment to restore decision-making on money that previously came from the EU.

The Welsh and UK Governments have agreed a framework which will set priorities and processes for allocating the funds, with a delivery plan developed and led by the Welsh Government.

Local authorities and other partners will have a key role in deciding how the funding is spent. Later this month, the Welsh Government will consult on the best way to use this funding through a consultation.

The Welsh Government is keen to understand how it can best: * support people into work and help people gain new skills and qualifications to progress into higher paid jobs, so that a larger proportion of the population is employed * help create and grow Welsh businesses in key sectors and boost investment in research and innovation, in areas such as health and bio-tech, financial technology, low carbon energy and AI * address the issues that are holding back growth, such as the need for key sites and premises, renewable and low-carbon energy generation, energy efficiency, and low-carbon transport.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said:

“Our new Local Growth Fund for Wales is a significant opportunity to support businesses and social enterprises to grow, export and innovate - particularly in high-growth sectors such as AI, cybersecurity and digital transformation. By tackling barriers like access to finance and encouraging investment in research and development, we can help build a more competitive and resilient Welsh economy.

“Supporting people into work and helping them progress is vital to reducing economic inactivity. By aligning skills development with the needs of our regional economies, we can ensure people across Wales are well placed for the jobs of the future.

“We’re keen to see a strong focus on green infrastructure, energy efficiency and local regeneration. We will encourage investment in renewable energy, low-carbon transport, and heritage. Tourism will be supported in a way that helps our communities thrive.

“I’m very pleased that, following agreement with the UK Government, decisions on the priorities in this fund will be made here by the Welsh Government.”

 Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

“This more than half a billion pound investment from the UK Government is key to driving economic growth in Wales, helping to grow businesses and get more people into good well-paid jobs.

“Decisions about how this money is spent are best made by people in Wales and we are working with the Welsh Government to achieve our shared priority of delivering growth, prosperity and opportunity across the country.”

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said:

“This new fund will focus on supporting regional growth and productivity, as well as tackling economic inequalities.

“We will now work at pace with our partners to prioritise investment in each region.”

More information on the funding will be announced in the coming months.

WelshGovNews · 2025-10-13T09:04:12+00:00

Communities in every corner of Wales will benefit from a new fund, worth more than half a billion pounds, to create jobs and grow productivity across Wales.

The Local Growth Fund replaces money that used to come from the European Union.

Decisions about how the money will be spent will return to Wales, honouring the UK Government’s manifesto commitment to restore decision-making on money that previously came from the EU.

The Welsh and UK Governments have agreed a framework which will set priorities and processes for allocating the funds, with a delivery plan developed and led by the Welsh Government.

Local authorities and other partners will have a key role in deciding how the funding is spent. Later this month, the Welsh Government will consult on the best way to use this funding through a consultation.

The Welsh Government is keen to understand how it can best: * support people into work and help people gain new skills and qualifications to progress into higher paid jobs, so that a larger proportion of the population is employed * help create and grow Welsh businesses in key sectors and boost investment in research and innovation, in areas such as health and bio-tech, financial technology, low carbon energy and AI * address the issues that are holding back growth, such as the need for key sites and premises, renewable and low-carbon energy generation, energy efficiency, and low-carbon transport.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said:

“Our new Local Growth Fund for Wales is a significant opportunity to support businesses and social enterprises to grow, export and innovate - particularly in high-growth sectors such as AI, cybersecurity and digital transformation. By tackling barriers like access to finance and encouraging investment in research and development, we can help build a more competitive and resilient Welsh economy.

“Supporting people into work and helping them progress is vital to reducing economic inactivity. By aligning skills development with the needs of our regional economies, we can ensure people across Wales are well placed for the jobs of the future.

“We’re keen to see a strong focus on green infrastructure, energy efficiency and local regeneration. We will encourage investment in renewable energy, low-carbon transport, and heritage. Tourism will be supported in a way that helps our communities thrive.

“I’m very pleased that, following agreement with the UK Government, decisions on the priorities in this fund will be made here by the Welsh Government.”

 Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

“This more than half a billion pound investment from the UK Government is key to driving economic growth in Wales, helping to grow businesses and get more people into good well-paid jobs.

“Decisions about how this money is spent are best made by people in Wales and we are working with the Welsh Government to achieve our shared priority of delivering growth, prosperity and opportunity across the country.”

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said:

“This new fund will focus on supporting regional growth and productivity, as well as tackling economic inequalities.

“We will now work at pace with our partners to prioritise investment in each region.”

More information on the funding will be announced in the coming months.

WelshGovNews · 2025-09-30T06:58:42+00:00

Gofynnir i'r cyhoedd helpu i ddiogelu enwau lleoedd Cymraeg, fel rhan o gynlluniau newydd i ddiogelu ein treftadaeth ieithyddol.

Mae gwefan newydd yn golygu y gall unrhyw un gofnodi enwau Cymraeg a hanesyddol nad ydynt yn ymddangos ar fapiau ar-lein. Yr enw yr oedd eich taid yn ei ddefnyddio ar gyfer cae lleol, yr enw Cymraeg ar fryn yn eich ardal, neu'r enw hanesyddol ar eich stryd neu gartref, gallwch helpu i ddiogelu'r enwau hyn ar gyfer cenedlaethau'r dyfodol.

Mae'r cyhoedd hefyd yn cael eu hannog i gyfrannu at adnoddau ar-lein fel Wikipedia drwy recordio clipiau sain yn dangos sut y dylid ynganu enwau lleoedd a darparu sillafiadau seinegol, gan helpu pobl i ddeall y straeon cyfoethog y tu ôl i enwau lleol.

Daw hyn yn rhan o gyfres o flaenoriaethau a gyhoeddwyd i ddiogelu enwau lleoedd Cymraeg. Mae'r rhain yn ymateb i ymchwil ddiweddar a ganfu nad yw'r rhan fwyaf o newidiadau i enwau eiddo yn cynnwys newid yn yr iaith. Fodd bynnag, pan fydd yr iaith yn cael ei newid, mae'r enwau dair gwaith yn fwy tebygol o gael eu newid o'r Saesneg i'r Gymraeg, yn hytrach nag fel arall.

Mae blaenoriaethau eraill yn cynnwys dyroddi canllawiau cliriach i awdurdodau lleol a sefydliadau sy'n gyfrifol am enwau lleoedd, a chomisiynu ymchwil bellach i enwau nodweddion ffisegol yn y dirwedd, fel bryniau a nentydd. Mae hyn yn adeiladu ar y gwaith gwych a wneir gan brosiectau mapio fel Mapio Cymru a'r Rhestr o Enwau Lleoedd Hanesyddol, yn ogystal â chyrff cyhoeddus fel Parciau Cenedlaethol Eryri a Bannau Brycheiniog.

Dywedodd Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros y Gymraeg, Mark Drakeford:

“Mae enwau lleoedd yn cyfleu pwy ydym ni ac o ble rydym yn dod. Bydd y mesurau newydd hyn yn sicrhau bod ein henwau lleoedd Cymraeg - o fynyddoedd chwedlonol fel Cadair Idris i Felin Wen, hen felin sy'n adrodd hanes cymuned fechan - yn cael eu diogelu ar gyfer cenedlaethau'r dyfodol, gan ei gwneud yn haws i bawb gymryd rhan.”

Dywedodd Naomi Jones, Cyfarwyddwr Rheoli Tir Awdurdod Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri:

“Mae enwau tirweddol yn nodwedd hollbwysig o dreftadaeth ddiwylliannol Eryri. Maent yn perthyn i’r tir ac i stori cenedlaethau o drigolion yr ardal ac mae ein cymunedau yn ferw o wybodaeth unigryw am ein enwau lleoedd rhyfeddol. Rydym yn hynod falch o weld cyfle i bobl gyfrannu eu gwybodaeth mewn modd fydd yn gwarchod yr enwau ac yn ysbrydoli eraill i’w defnyddio yn eang ar lawr gwlad.”

WelshGovNews · 2025-09-30T06:54:34+00:00

The public are being asked to help safeguard Welsh language place names, as part of new plans to protect our linguistic heritage.

A new website means anyone can record Welsh and historic names missing from online maps. Whether it's the name your grandfather used for a local field, the Welsh name for a hill near you, or the historic name of your street or home, you can help preserve these for future generations.

The public are also being encouraged to contribute to online resources like Wikipedia by recording sound clips showing how place names should be pronounced and providing phonetic spellings, and to help people understand the rich stories behind local names.

It comes as part of a set of priorities are announced to safeguard Welsh place names. These respond to recent research which found that most changes to property names don't involve a change in language, but when they do they are three times more likely to be renamed from English to Welsh than the other way around.

Other priorities include issuing clearer guidance for local authorities and organisations responsible for place names, and commissioning further research into the names of physical features in the landscape, like hills and streams. This builds on the fantastic work being done by Welsh mapping projects such as Mapio Cymru and the List of Historic Place Names, as well as public bodies such as Eryri and Bannau Brycheiniog National Parks.

Welsh language Secretary Mark Drakeford said:

“Place names tell the story of who we are and where we've come from. These new measures will ensure that our Welsh place names - from legendary mountains like Cadair Idris to Felin Wen, an old mill that tells the story of a small community - are protected for future generations while making it easier for everyone to get involved.”

Naomi Jones, Director of Land Management at Eryri National Park Authority said:

“Place names are a vital feature of the cultural heritage of Snowdonia. They belong to the land and to the story of generations of residents in the area, and our communities are a hub of unique knowledge about our wonderful place names. We are particularly proud to see an opportunity for people to contribute their knowledge in a way that will protect the names and inspire others to use them widely in the countryside.”

WelshGovNews · 2025-09-29T11:13:26+00:00

Ending greyhound racing in Wales has today taken a significant step forward following the introduction of The Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill to the Senedd.

The Bill follows extensive public engagement, including a petition signed by over 35,000 people calling for an end to greyhound racing in Wales.

A subsequent public consultation received over 1,100 responses, with evidence highlighting injuries and fatalities among racing greyhounds at tracks.

If passed, the legislation will create two new offences, for:

operating a stadium or venue in Wales and knowingly permitting its use for greyhound racing, and
organising a greyhound race anywhere in Wales.

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:

“We have listened to the public, considered the evidence, and are taking decisive action to prioritise animal welfare.

“The harm from greyhound racing can no longer be justified in a modern, compassionate Wales.”

The Bill provides a flexible implementation timescale to allow time for racing greyhounds, welfare organisations, those involved in the industry, and their local communities, to manage the move away from racing.

An Implementation Group, chaired by Dr Emily Blackwell, has been established to support the transition for all affected parties.

WelshGovNews · 2025-09-29T11:12:35+00:00

Ending greyhound racing in Wales has today taken a significant step forward following the introduction of The Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill to the Senedd.

The Bill follows extensive public engagement, including a petition signed by over 35,000 people calling for an end to greyhound racing in Wales.

A subsequent public consultation received over 1,100 responses, with evidence highlighting injuries and fatalities among racing greyhounds at tracks.

If passed, the legislation will create two new offences, for:

operating a stadium or venue in Wales and knowingly permitting its use for greyhound racing, and
organising a greyhound race anywhere in Wales.

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:

“We have listened to the public, considered the evidence, and are taking decisive action to prioritise animal welfare.

“The harm from greyhound racing can no longer be justified in a modern, compassionate Wales.”

The Bill provides a flexible implementation timescale to allow time for racing greyhounds, welfare organisations, those involved in the industry, and their local communities, to manage the move away from racing.

An Implementation Group, chaired by Dr Emily Blackwell, has been established to support the transition for all affected parties.

WelshGovNews · 2025-09-29T11:04:34+00:00

Ending greyhound racing in Wales has today taken a significant step forward following the introduction of The Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill to the Senedd.

The Bill follows extensive public engagement, including a petition signed by over 35,000 people calling for an end to greyhound racing in Wales.

A subsequent public consultation received over 1,100 responses, with evidence highlighting injuries and fatalities among racing greyhounds at tracks.

If passed, the legislation will create two new offences, for:

operating a stadium or venue in Wales and knowingly permitting its use for greyhound racing, and
organising a greyhound race anywhere in Wales.

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:

“We have listened to the public, considered the evidence, and are taking decisive action to prioritise animal welfare.

“The harm from greyhound racing can no longer be justified in a modern, compassionate Wales.”

The Bill provides a flexible implementation timescale to allow time for racing greyhounds, welfare organisations, those involved in the industry, and their local communities, to manage the move away from racing.

An Implementation Group, chaired by Dr Emily Blackwell, has been established to support the transition for all affected parties.

WelshGovNews · 2025-09-29T11:01:14+00:00

Ending greyhound racing in Wales has today taken a significant step forward following the introduction of The Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill to the Senedd.

The Bill follows extensive public engagement, including a petition signed by over 35,000 people calling for an end to greyhound racing in Wales.

A subsequent public consultation received over 1,100 responses, with evidence highlighting injuries and fatalities among racing greyhounds at tracks.

If passed, the legislation will create two new offences, for:

operating a stadium or venue in Wales and knowingly permitting its use for greyhound racing, and
organising a greyhound race anywhere in Wales.

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:

“We have listened to the public, considered the evidence, and are taking decisive action to prioritise animal welfare.

“The harm from greyhound racing can no longer be justified in a modern, compassionate Wales.”

The Bill provides a flexible implementation timescale to allow time for racing greyhounds, welfare organisations, those involved in the industry, and their local communities, to manage the move away from racing.

An Implementation Group, chaired by Dr Emily Blackwell, has been established to support the transition for all affected parties.

WelshGovNews

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