Wales allocates more than £600m extra funding for the NHS and social care

The Welsh Government has approved the Welsh Budget 2025-26, releasing £1.6 billion of extra funding for the NHS, councils, social care and public transport, benefitting people and communities throughout Wales.

In total, the budget sets out £26 billion of spending commitments with substantial increases across all government departments.

More than £3 billion of capital funding will be allocated in 2025-26 to upgrade vital equipment in the NHS and schools and to build new homes, modernise public transport, and support economic growth.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance Mark Drakeford said: “Passing this budget is a significant moment for Wales – it unlocks a real uplift in funding for the services that matter most to people, after some very tough years.

“We have secured a financial package that will strengthen our NHS, reduce waiting times, support schools and help communities across Wales thrive, making a real difference to people’s lives.”

Key investments include more than £600 million extra for the NHS and social care, supporting efforts to reduce waiting times.

The budget will come into effect from April 2025.

The 50-day winter challenge in Wales, launched to ensure the NHS and local councils worked together to ensure the right support is available to help people stay well or to recover at home, has shown promising results.