Ella Groves

Senedd committees have begun meeting following the recent Welsh election, establishing chairs, members and early areas of focus for the seventh Senedd term. Key committees covering health, legislation, finance, public accounts, education and climate issues convened for initial sessions, with several holding multiple meetings. Committee chairs from various political parties outlined priorities ranging from budget scrutiny to children’s wellbeing and environmental policy. The business committee has met frequently to organise parliamentary operations, including committee structures and membership.

Senedd members debated the Welsh Government’s push to review Wales’ funding formula after a failed attempt to secure permission for change. Reform’s Cai Parry‑Jones criticised Plaid Cymru for the defeat and urged the government to abandon its plans, but Constitution Minister Dafydd Trystan Davies reaffirmed the need for a fair funding model that reflects Wales’ needs. He encouraged cross‑Senedd cooperation to improve public‑sector effectiveness and identify additional investment for key priorities including childcare, the economy and health services.