Written question WQ99045

The Welsh Government values the role of local government in providing local leadership to communities and delivering crucial services to people across Wales. Positive and regular engagement with local authorities is a key priority for this Government.

The Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language and the Trefnydd, Chief Whip and Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport, separately met the Leader of the Isle of Anglesey County Council during the Urdd Eisteddfod at the end of May 2026.

The Deputy Minister for Transport plans to meet the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee on 8 July 2026, the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee on 16 July, and the Mid Wales Corporate Joint Committee and the South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee on 5 August 2026.

The Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language met the Leader of Vale of Glamorgan Council in her capacity as WLGA Education Spokesperson on 1 June 2026.

I hosted an introductory meeting with all 22 local authority Leaders on 10 June 2026. I met with the outgoing WLGA Leader on 11 June 2026. I also spoke at the

WLGA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 18 June 2026, which is attended by 73 members of the WLGA Council, including all 22 local authority Leaders. I also gave a keynote address to local authority Chief Executives and senior local government officers at the SOLACE Conference on 18 June 2026.

The Cabinet Minister for Finance met the Leader of Torfaen County Borough Council in his capacity as WLGA Finance Spokesperson on 17 June 2026.

The Deputy First Minister, the Cabinet Minister for Government Effectiveness and the Constitution and I will meet the WLGA Spokesperson for Social Justice on 23 June 2026 to discuss policing matters.

I confirmed to Leaders when I met them collectively on 10 June 2026, and at the WLGA AGM on 18 June 2026, that I am committed to meeting them all individually over the coming months and over the Summer, in person where possible, and online where not. I have also committed to an early meeting with the new WLGA Leader, Cllr Anthony Hunt, as soon as possible.