Wales opens commissioning consultation with fees and fair work in focus

Welsh care providers have until 1 February 2027 to respond to proposed revisions to the National Framework for Commissioning Care and Support. The consultation opened on 9 November 2026 and covers the code used by councils, local health boards and NHS trusts in Wales. The existing code came into effect in September 2024.

The Welsh Government is seeking views on how clearer expectations could improve commissioning, including the practical and financial effects on organisations and people receiving support. The proposals are open for consultation, with responses intended to inform the final code and impact assessments. Read the ministerial statement of 9 November 2026.

What providers should read closely

The consultation document proposes stronger provisions on understanding care costs, fair work and transparent, sustainable fee setting. It also includes more joint working between statutory partners, greater use of evidence and lived experience, and annual self-assessments and improvement plans for those partners. Further proposed changes cover Welsh language provision, accessible communication, neuroinclusive commissioning and resilience planning. Read the consultation’s summary of proposed changes and questions.

Build a response around an operational example

A provider response will be easier to assess if it connects a commissioning decision with its consequences. Choose an anonymised example, explain what happened and identify the wording or process that would have helped. For a fee review, that might mean showing when staffing costs changed, when the review began and how long the decision took.

Separate costs that arise once from those that recur. If a proposal would require additional reporting, describe who would prepare it, how often and whether the information is already collected. Providers can also explain what evidence they could share to help commissioners understand capacity and the support people need.

Where to respond

The consultation page links to the draft code, response routes and accessible versions, including Easy Read and British Sign Language material. Comments are due by 1 February 2027. View the documents and response options.

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