The Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, is preparing for significant expansion with plans to increase its membership from 60 to 96 members by the 2026 election. This change marks the most significant shift since the establishment of the Senedd in 1999. To accommodate this expansion, the Senedd Commission has proposed a budget increase of 16% for the 2025-26 fiscal year—raising the total budget to £84.3 million. This financial backing is deemed necessary to address the costs associated with welcoming 36 additional Members of the Senedd (MSs).
Originally, the commission estimated it would need £5.3 million to prepare for the expansion, but revised projections now indicate costs have risen to approximately £6.5 million. This increase reflects not only the expected challenges of space and infrastructure but also key operational expenses, including public sector wage commitments and required maintenance work on the Senedd estate, particularly Tŷ Hywel, which houses political offices.
The Senedd Commission, responsible for managing the day-to-day functions and facilities of the Welsh Parliament, concluded these financial adjustments after considering multiple factors, such as maintaining member offices and ensuring effective governance. A commission spokeswoman emphasized the necessity for this change, stating, "Over the next two years, the Senedd will undergo the biggest change since its establishment, growing to 96 MSs, which will empower them to hold the Welsh government accountable, advance new legislation, and improve representation for the people of Wales."
With this upcoming expansion, various logistics and logistical preparations must occur. The commission's draft budget outlines plans for modifications within the Senedd building itself to include additional office space and facilities to support the increased number of politicians. The decision to add more members aligns with the goals of greater parliamentary effectiveness, as highlighted by Caerphilly Labour MS Hefin David, who noted the current committee systems are often unable to function efficiently due to the absence of vote-quorum or too few members present.
Critics of this expansion, particularly from the Welsh Conservative party, have branded the financial demands as excessive and labeled the project as "vanity." According to Darren Millar, the party’s constitution spokesman, Wales should prioritize addressing pressing social needs instead, such as boosting the healthcare system, where many citizens are reportedly on extensive waiting lists. Millar argued, "We need more doctors, nurses, and dentists, not more politicians." He decried the funding of this project as misplaced during such challenging economic times.
Despite the criticism, the plan has support from various stakeholders, including members of Plaid Cymru who have expressed intent to closely examine the proposed budget. The discussions around the expansion are expected to intensify as the Senedd heads toward more scrutiny and debate during upcoming sessions.
Financial aspects aside, the transformation includes notable operational changes aimed at integrating the increased member count effectively. An additional £900,000 is allocated to renovating the debating chamber—also known as the Siambr—to make room for more MSs. For the duration of these renovations, MSs might temporarily convene at Tŷ Hywel, continuing efforts to maintain uninterrupted governance during the transition.
While preparations for the financial and structural adaptations of the Senedd are underway, these developments cumulatively represent more than just numbers on ledger sheets. They echo broader themes of democratic engagement and governance reform. Hefin David pointed out the global issues surrounding democracy, stressing how significant this milestone is for Wales. He stated, "There are many places worldwide where democracy is under siege, and this reform demonstrates our commitment to strengthening democratic values and representation here at home.,"
Looking forward, the requirements of adaptation and expansion signal underlying currents of change within Welsh governance. The notable shift from 60 to 96 members symbolizes not only a logistical challenge but also the aspiration for enhanced accountability and comprehensive representation—essential qualities as Wales navigates future legislative landscapes. The scrutiny over budget allocations and operational adaptations will continue as the 2026 elections approach, reflecting the tensions between effective governance and fiscal responsibility.
The planned changes within the Senedd present both opportunities and challenges for the Welsh Parliament as it prepares to welcome more members, and the anticipated budget increase of 16% reflects the associated needs. With support and criticism bubbling simultaneously, the path toward this significant political transformation seems set, but the outcome will hinge on effective management of these developments.
