The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), the UK’s leading independent economics research institute, and Bangor University will hold a joint event ahead of the Welsh Senedd elections, exploring the fiscal, economic, and public policy choices facing Wales.
The event Welsh Elections 2026: Making Sense of the Parties’ Plans on Tax, Spending and the Economy will take place on Thursday, 30 April between 6.00pm to 7.30pm, at Eric Sunderland Lecture Theatre, Bangor University. Attendees can register by clicking on this link.
As Welsh voters prepare to head to the polls on Thursday 7 May 2026, this event will explore the parties’ plans on tax, spending and the economy, and the wider challenges and opportunities facing the next Welsh Government.
At this joint IFS and Bangor University event, chaired by Marian Wyn Jones, Chair of the University Council’s. Leading experts will set out the current fiscal landscape (the money the Welsh Government raises and spends). They will also analyse the proposals put forward by Wales’s political parties:
- David Phillips, Head of Devolved and Local Government Finance, IFS:
An overview of Welsh Government funding, public service spending and performance, and tax and benefit policy, followed by analysis of the parties’ tax and spending plans.
- Professor Michael Butler: Professor of Management, Bangor Business School
A discussion of the challenges and opportunities for the Welsh economy and labour market arising from decarbonisation and the shift to renewable energy, including impacts in north Wales.
- Dr Rhys ap Gwilym: Senior Lecturer in Economics, Bangor University
An assessment of recent changes and party proposals on local taxes and local government funding, with a focus on implications for councils in north Wales.
Photo: Marian Wyn Jones, Chair of the University Council
