Dawn Bowden MS, Minister for Children and Social Care
I am pleased to announce that the National Health Service (Direct Payments) (Wales) Regulations 2026 will come into force on 1 April 2026.
These Regulations give practical effect to provisions in the Health and Social Care (Wales) Act 2025 enabling adults who are eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) to request a direct payment. This represents a significant step forward in strengthening person‑centred approaches for people with complex health needs and aligns to our Programme for Government Commitment to improve the interface between CHC and direct payments.
From 1 April 2026, Local Health Boards, exercising functions on behalf of the Welsh Ministers, can offer direct payments in lieu of the services that would otherwise be arranged or commissioned by the NHS, allowing adults eligible for CHC greater choice and control over how their care is delivered.
Direct payments are already well established within social care in Wales. Extending this approach to CHC responds to long‑standing calls from stakeholders and reflects the Welsh Government’s commitment to increased voice and control.
Statutory guidance to support understanding and implementation of the Regulations has been finalised and will be published today. The guidance is intended to support Local Health Boards, partner organisations and individuals by explaining how the Regulations operate in practice.
The coming into force of these Regulations marks an important milestone in implementation of the aspirations underpinning the Health and Social Care (Wales) Act 2025. The Welsh Government will work closely with Local Health Boards and partners to support effective implementation of the Regulations and will monitor their operation as part of the wider delivery of the Act.