Eluned Morgan’s fortieth session as first minister comes to a close.

Image source, Senedd Cymru

Plaid Cymru MS Mabon ap Gwynfor asks what plans does the government have to address neurodiversity waiting lists.

Eluned Morgan replies, "we've already ended all four-year waits for children's neurodevelopmental assessments, and every health board now has a clear plan in place to eliminate three-year waits by March 2026. In north Wales, we've given Betsi Cadwaladr an extra £2.7 million to deliver around 1,700 additional assessments this year and they're on track to do just that."

However, Mabon ap Gwynfor says "I have seen parents coming into surgeries and into the office in their tears because they have children of 11 years old who are self-harming, and some trying to take their own lives, because they have not had the necessary diagnosis and support.

"Unlike the data that you have just quoted, the data that I have received through an FOI shows that there are over 7,000 children and young people in north Wales waiting for an assessment. With around 40 assessments done every month in north Wales, that means that it will take around 15 years to get through that waiting list for autism and neurodiversity in north Wales".

Image source, Senedd Cymru

Image source, Getty Images

Labour MS for Wrexham, Lesley Griffiths, says "along with many of my constituents, I am extremely concerned about a recent report by Audit Wales relating to Wrexham County Borough Council's conduct".

She adds, "the people of Wrexham deserve better. I would be grateful for your views on the report and whether you could outline what discussions Welsh government have had with senior officials at Wrexham council, and how serious does the situation have to get before the Welsh government is forced to intervene and maybe put Wrexham council into special measures?"

The report found that "poor behaviour" and "fractured relationships" have dogged the council and "urgent changes" are needed.

Eluned Morgan replies "I was very concerned also by the most recent report from Audit Wales, and recognise the need for these findings to be addressed. Now, it's up to Wrexham council to consider their response. I can assure you my officials have held initial discussions, both with the WLGA [Welsh Local Government Association] and Audit Wales, to identify suitable support. I think it's probably worth noting, from a peer panel assessment published in September, that Wrexham council is generally delivering its services."

Regarding possible intervention, Eluned Morgan adds, "the threshold to intervene is actually very high. So, the council must be assessed as not meeting the performance requirements, and that's not where we're at. So, despite the uncomfortable findings, I don't think that threshold has been met."

It is the second time in two years that watchdog Audit Wales has looked into the behaviour of paid officers and elected councillors at Wrexham council.

Audit Wales said it was concerned that not enough progress was being made and changes are needed to avoid undermining the work of the council.

Investigators found ongoing tensions between councillors and paid officers, with some elected officials not trusting the officers or their advice and publicly criticising them in meetings or the media.

Councillors often did not attend training sessions, but officers would sometimes cancel them at short notice.

Auditor general for Wales Adrian Crompton said in the report that poor behaviour made it harder for the council to be sure it was giving the people of Wrexham value for money.

Image source, Senedd Cymru

Image source, Senedd Cymru

Labour's Jenny Rathbone asks what discussions has the first minister had with the UK government about the impact on Wales of its proposed changes to pub opening hours.

Eluned Morgan replies, "Wales has a proud and vibrant hospitality sector. From our pubs to our live music venues, they're at the heart of our communities and our culture. That's why this Welsh Labour government is backing the sector with £73 million in rates relief this year, and long-term investment through our Transforming Towns programme."

But she warns, "we want these places to thrive but any attempt to override local planning powers would be a serious step backwards for devolution".

Jenny Rathbone adds, "I agree that pubs are great places for people to meet and socialise and make new friends, but excessive amounts of alcohol we know has really serious consequences. One study showed that men are seven times more likely to be involved in gender-based violence if they are alcohol or drug-dependent, and there are obviously clear links with cancer and liver disease, which all raises the demand for NHS services."

Pubs and bars in England and Wales could see extended opening hours as the UK Labour government launches a fast-track review on "outdated" licensing rules.

The plans could make it easier for venues to serve food outside and host more live music, in a bid to "remove unnecessary barriers".

Pub landlords and local communities will be able to have their say in a four-week call for evidence.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Senedd Cymru

Julie Morgan, Labour MS for Cardiff North, points out that this is Baby Loss Awareness Week (9–15 October), and that bereaved parents have launched a petition with Sands calling on the next Welsh government to adopt bold targets, to commit to reduce baby deaths and improve bereavement care for people following pregnancy or baby loss.

Eluned Morgan replies "I'm pleased to see that still birth rates in Wales have declined by 17 per cent, so we're heading in the right direction, but boy, we've got more to do, and we will never stop pushing towards clearer and better outcomes. I'm very pleased that now we have the certificates available if a pregnancy ends before 24 weeks, and that's optional and it's free".

Independent MS Rhys ab Owen talks of his loss of two nephews, Steffan, who was an hour old, and Emrys, at the age of eight days.

He says, "the tragedy and the feeling of loss does continue, and at every stage in the life of a child, you feel that loss again; Steffan should have started primary school this year".

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The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act is 10 years old this year, an Act that sets seven well-being goals that public bodies have to work towards.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth says the Wellbeing of Wales 2025 report reflects unfavourably on the Labour Welsh government.

He says "the latest evidence suggests that we are moving far too slow at best, but on many measures that we're moving backwards."

He quotes chief statistician Stephanie Howarth from the 2025 report: "4 milestones showed a deterioration and 6 showed little or no change".

Rhun ap Iorwerth adds, "Labour has had 26 years to make a real impression and to change the lives of the people of Wales for the better, but with this report reflecting so poorly on the social, economic, environmental and cultural markers, what measures is the first minister taking to put that right?"

Eluned Morgan replies "I think we should be very proud of the fact that the Well-being of Future Generations Act is the only Act in the world that has taken the UN sustainability goals and transposed them into law. It is important that we deliver and that we consider every time we make a policy the needs of future generations. Just to give you an example of the kind of thing that I think that the future generations commissioner is concerned with - it's a question that has come up earlier - he is particularly interested in food and what we do in relation to food. And that's why I'm very pleased that we are working on things like the 'Healthy Weight, Healthy Wales' delivery plan, that we do have things like the placement and price promotion approach, which is very different, and that will be coming in soon, and it's responding directly to some of the concerns of the future generations commissioner."

The 7 wellbeing goals are:

• a prosperous Wales
• a resilient Wales
• a healthier Wales
• a more equal Wales
• a Wales of cohesive communities
• a Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language
• a globally responsible Wales.

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Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, calls for action to boost the Welsh economy.

He says, "economic figures released today show that the Welsh economy is really struggling. Unemployment is up by a third in Wales since the UK Labour government was elected back in July 2024. There are 12,000 fewer jobs, and pay packets here are still the lowest in Britain. It's very clear that the national insurance hikes, along with the anti-farming, anti-business agenda and environment across the UK, are now taking their toll. What action are you and is your government going to take to boost the Welsh economy?"

Eluned Morgan replies, "let's just be clear that there are a lot of people suffering today. They are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. The way to get out of that is to make sure we can provide them with quality jobs. I am pleased to see that the unemployment rate in Wales was lower in March compared to the UK average, and that we in the Welsh government have supported 43,000 jobs across Wales this Senedd term [since 2021]. The figures that you quote today - even the ONS [Office for National Statistics] have rejected those figures. I think it is important for us to recognise that there are opportunities for us to build a stronger economy, in particular now that we have the local growth fund, £547 million, being injected into the Welsh economy to help us deliver precisely what you're suggesting: quality jobs, training, opportunities, and a means for people to address the cost-of-living crisis that they are struggling with."

Darren Millar describes the Labour Welsh government's record on house building as "appalling" - "in the year to March 2025, just 4,600 new homes were created in Wales... The demand for housing and the lack of supply on Labour's watch has led to higher property prices, and the collapse in the housing market has been absolutely catastrophic for people, especially those who aspire to own their own home."

He says the Welsh Conservatives have offered to hold talks on a budget deal that would scrap a tax paid when buying a home.

Eluned Morgan replies, "housing is critical when it comes to people being able to feel comfortable, to have a base from which they can participate in communities and societies. But on top of that it is a good mechanism for economic growth, and that is why, where we have the absolute control over this, we are very proud of the fact that we have the highest annual delivery rates since 2008. So, we've had 9,000 new social homes. When we're talking about the private sector, since 2021, up to 16,000 private sector homes have been built. But, in fact, the figures are likely to be much higher than that, because of the under counting by private approved inspectors. So, there are opportunities. We are delivering, in particular where we have the absolute control within our hands. We are very proud, in fact, of the fact that we are really pushing hard to meet those 20,000 new low-carbon social homes by the end of this Senedd term [May 2026]."

On the offer regarding the budget, she tells Darren Millar, "when it comes to public services, I am very much open to a conversation. I am very pleased that you have written to me today. I think this demonstrates grown-up politics. This demonstrates the fact that what we need is to pass a budget."

The Labour Welsh government began publishing next year's £27bn budget on Tuesday, outlining how much could be spent on services from hospitals to bin collections. But it cannot pass a budget alone because it does not have enough Senedd members to win crucial votes.

Image source, Senedd Cymru

Image source, Senedd Cymru

Conservative Altaf Hussain asks what action is the Welsh government taking to tackle childhood obesity.

Eluned Morgan replies, "helping every child in Wales grow up healthy and active is a national mission for Welsh Labour. Our new 'Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales' delivery plan has a laser focus on children, from pregnancy to school age. We know that deprivation is a key driver, and we're targeting support where it's needed most. We've launched the new PIPYN [pwysau iach plant yng Nghymru - healthy children, healthy weight] programme in Merthyr, Ynys Môn and Cardiff, helping families eat well and stay active, and our plan is to roll this programme out nationwide."

Altaf Hussain warns "sadly, we could have a generation of Welsh children who will be outlived by their parents. A quarter of Welsh children are overweight or obese by the time they start school, and it is estimated that this could cost the NHS almost £0.5 billion by 2050. We have to act now."

The Senedd's Health and Social Care Committee published its report, external on obesity on 8 October 2025. Mr Hussain attended as a substitute during this inquiry.

The report states, "In Wales as a whole, the proportion of children with overweight or with obesity was 13.7 per cent and 11.8 per cent respectively. The Child Measurement Programme 2023-2024 report states that the previous year’s data of children living with overweight and with obesity were 13.4 per cent and 11.4 per cent respectively."

"Children residing in the most deprived ‘deprivation fifth’ were more likely to be living with overweight or obesity compared with the least deprived fifth, next least deprived fifth, middle deprived fifth and next most deprived fifth."

New rules will come into force in March 2026 banning supermarkets from displaying unhealthy snacks near tills or on their website homepages.

The Senedd narrowly approved the plans in March.

The new rules mean junk foods including pizza, chocolate, and cereal will have to be removed from shop entrances and the end of aisles, while sugary drink refills and some buy-one-get-one-free deals will also end.

The restrictions are aimed at stopping impulse buys at key selling spots in businesses with 50 or more employees, with shops found breaching them to face a fine.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Senedd Cymru

Llywydd Elin Jones conducts a ballot to determine the names of members who may table questions to the first minister.

Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds asks "how is the Welsh government addressing the needs of people who require social care?"

First Minister Eluned Morgan replies, "We want everyone in Wales to receive the right care, close to home - care that's given with dignity and compassion. But, in order to provide care, we need to ensure that carers are given the support that they need. Every care worker in Wales now earns at least the real living wage, and, with your support, we've invested an extra £30 million this year to cut hospital delays and help more people recover at home faster. We are also putting money into supporting the vast army of unpaid carers, who are the real heroes in our families and communities."

Jane Dodds adds "we can see, though, despite those initiatives, that our health and care system is really under unbearable pressure. And that without urgent investment our NHS will remain at breaking point. According to the latest figures, as we’ve all heard, every day, more than 1,300 people who are ready to leave hospital are unable to do so. That costs the NHS nearly £0.75 million each night, but the real cost is to people and communities."

Jane Dodds also refers to her party’s annual conference in Wrexham over the weekend at which she pledged to fund 5,000 new social care beds to relieve pressure on Wales’ health system.

Image source, Senedd Cymru

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Eluned Morgan’s fortieth session of First Minister's Questions.

The Siambr (Senedd chamber) has closed for renovations until March 2026, as work is underway on altering it to accommodate the 96 Members who will be chosen in the next Senedd election in May 2026.

So the 60 MSs are meeting in Siambr Hywel, the original debating chamber that housed the then National Assembly for Wales from 1999 to 2006.

The meeting is held in a hybrid format, with some members in Siambr Hywel and others joining by video-conference.

You can click on the play button above to watch the proceedings from 1.30pm.