Reform UK to Prioritise Welsh Residents for Social Housing
Reform UK has announced that if it wins the Senedd election in May, it will prioritise Welsh people for social housing.
The party is set to launch its manifesto on Thursday at an event in Newport, where it will also promise to abolish the 20mph speed limit and construct an M4 relief road.
Reform UK stated that a Welsh government led by the party would prioritise social housing allocations "based on long-term residence".
Reform's Welsh leader Dan Thomas described the manifesto as a comprehensive plan for significant change.
Reform is the second party to release its manifesto, outlining the commitments it intends to make to voters.
Under the leadership of Nigel Farage, polling data indicates Reform UK is competing closely with Plaid Cymru for the leading position in the 7 May election for Wales' parliament.
Dan Thomas, formerly a London council leader and appointed by Farage in February, stated prior to the manifesto launch:
"Armed with this blueprint, we have all the building blocks to end a generation of decline here in Wales."
Farage, who will attend the Newport event on Thursday, commented:
"In a Senedd election campaign that has been characterised by fantasy economics from the other parties, this document is a serious plan to deliver the real change Wales deserves."
Details of the manifesto were briefed overnight, including the commitment to prioritise "Welsh people for social housing".
When asked to clarify what defines someone as Welsh for this purpose, a Reform UK spokesperson explained it would be "based on long-term residence".
The party also pledges to "implement key road upgrades," including the construction of an M4 relief road in south Wales and improvements to the A55 in north Wales, echoing similar promises made by the Conservative Party.
Reform UK intends to abolish default 20mph speed limits. The Conservative Party has also proposed reversing the limit and adopting a more targeted approach.
Additionally, Reform UK promises to end international aid spending and instead allocate those funds to projects within Wales.
While international aid is typically managed by the UK government, the Welsh government budget for 2026/27 includes £1 million earmarked for "international sustainable development."
The manifesto launch will take place at the International Convention Centre on Newport's outskirts.
Party members, who will pay £5 each, and members of the press have been invited to attend the event.
Two Conservative Members of the Senedd (MSs), Laura Anne Jones and James Evans, have joined Reform UK within the past year. Former Welsh Secretary David Jones has also joined the party.
In March, BBC Wales will host a live debate in Wrexham featuring a panel of politicians ahead of the Senedd election. Interested individuals can apply to be part of the audience.
