November 02, 2026 - 229 views
Welsh Ministers are set to ask the Senedd to approve an additional £354 million in public spending, with extra funding planned for the NHS, childcare, free school meals and support for pupils with additional learning needs.
The Welsh Government's Supplementary Budget will be debated and voted on by Members of the Senedd on Tuesday.
A supplementary budget is used to update the government's existing spending plans during the financial year. It can allow ministers to allocate additional funding or make changes to budgets as circumstances and priorities develop, rather than waiting for the next full annual budget.
The latest package follows an agreement with Welsh Labour and is intended to support a number of areas ministers say are priorities for people across Wales.
The largest single investment is £145 million for the NHS, aimed at helping patients receive treatment and appointments more quickly as the health service continues to face pressure over waiting times.
A further £55 million will support the expansion of funded childcare for two-year-olds, while £15 million has been allocated to extend free school meals to more secondary school pupils from families receiving Universal Credit.
The package also includes an additional £60 million for Additional Learning Needs, which provides support for children and young people who need extra help with their education.
Cabinet Secretary for Finance Elin Jones said the spending plans reflected the issues raised by people across Wales.
“The people of Wales have told us what matters most, and this Supplementary Budget delivers on those priorities,” she said.
“We are investing carefully so that every pound makes the greatest difference: shorter NHS waiting times, more childcare for families and better public services.
“We are also providing an extra £60 million for Additional Learning Needs, so that every child gets the support they need to thrive.”
If approved, the supplementary budget will update the Welsh Government's current spending plans.
It also comes ahead of the publication of the Welsh Government's Draft Budget on November 17, which will set out broader spending and tax plans for the coming financial years.
The vote will give Members of the Senedd the opportunity to debate the additional investment and decide whether the changes to the government's budget should go ahead.
