July 22, 2026 - 234 views
A consultation has opened on plans for a landmark new law aimed at ensuring the needs of rural communities in Wales are considered when decisions are made by the Welsh Government and public authorities.
The proposals, published as part of a wider White Paper, would require Ministers, councils, health boards and other public bodies to consider the challenges faced by rural areas from the very start of designing policies and delivering services.
Around a third of people in Wales live in rural communities, with many facing higher living costs, lower wages, poorer transport links, unreliable internet connections and unequal access to services including healthcare and education.
The Welsh Government says the changes are designed to help create stronger rural communities, support businesses and improve public services.
The consultation also includes proposals to strengthen environmental protections, encourage the sustainable use of natural resources and support the development of a Climate and Nature Action Plan.
Speaking at the Royal Welsh Show, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability Llyr Gruffydd said rural communities understand what works best for their areas and their voices should be heard when important decisions are made.
He said the proposed legislation would ensure rural needs are considered “not as an afterthought, but at the forefront of decision-making”.
The Minister also met with Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir to discuss lessons from the Rural Needs Act, which has been in place there since 2017.
The Welsh Government says the new proposals form part of its legislative programme and deliver on a commitment made during its first 100 days in office to create a government that works for the whole of Wales.
