First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has published a detailed account of his 30 October meetings with Prime Minister Andy Burnham and other UK ministers.
The statement confirms that he pressed for increased Welsh borrowing powers, removal of restrictions on the Wales Reserve, devolution of policing and justice, and progress towards transferring rail infrastructure responsibilities.
He also requested urgent resolution of the tax and benefits treatment of the proposed Cynnal child payment pilot.
A further issue was the position of Welsh steel producers. The First Minister called for the UK Government’s steel trade measures to be reviewed earlier than the planned July 2027 review.
Why it matters: These matters affect the Welsh Government’s financial flexibility, industrial policy, constitutional responsibilities and ability to implement anti-poverty measures.
Status: The First Minister reports encouraging discussions and a UK Government commitment to greater fiscal flexibility. No specific new borrowing limit, transfer of powers or Cynnal tax exemption has been confirmed. The meetings took place on 30 October; yesterday’s development was publication of the formal account.
