Shifting Priorities for the UK and Welsh Senedd Elections: NHS and Economy Remain Key Concerns but Housing Gaining Attention

With the 2026 Welsh Senedd election just over a year away and the next UK General Election scheduled for 2029, our new polling highlights the top issues shaping voter sentiment. Despite Labour’s recent announcement for major reforms, the NHS and the economy remain dominant concerns in both Wales and the UK as a whole, but this concern has decreased since the last poll with voters shifting their attention to housing.

#### The NHS: The Leading Concern Across the UK and Wales but Slightly Declining in Wales

The NHS remains the most important issue for voters, with 59% of UK-wide respondents selecting it as one of their top concerns. In Wales, 63% of voters prioritised the NHS, a slight decrease from 65% in previous polling. This suggests that while healthcare remains the dominant issue, other concerns are starting to gain traction.

Older voters continue to be the most concerned, with 70% of over-65s in Wales ranking the NHS as a top issue. Plaid Cymru (71%), Conservatives (70%) and Labour voters (69%) are the most engaged with the issue, while Reform UK supporters are among the least likely to prioritise it (50%). The persistent concerns over long wait times, staffing shortages and funding pressures highlight the continued strain on the health service, both in Wales and across the UK.

To tackle these issues, the Labour government has recently announced sweeping NHS reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy and streamlining services. The government claims this will free up resources for frontline care and cut waiting times and whilst these reforms could improve efficiency, there are concerns over whether bureaucracy will just be shifted elsewhere. The challenge for both the UK and Welsh governments will be translating policy changes into meaningful outcomes, particularly as the NHS faces record-high waiting lists and ongoing workforce challenges.

#### The Economy: A Top Issue But Less Dominant in Wales Than in the UK

The economy remains a key election issue across the UK, with 54% of voters ranking it among their top concerns. In Wales, 48% of voters identified it as a priority, down from 55% in the last poll. While still a major concern, this decline suggests that Welsh voters may be shifting their focus toward issues like housing, immigration and the environment.

Among UK voters, 62% of Conservative supporters and 66% of Reform UK voters rank the economy as their primary concern, reflecting dissatisfaction with economic stagnation and taxation policies. In Wales, 59% of Conservative and Reform voters also see the economy as a top issue but it resonates less with Labour and Green (both 44%).

Fixing the economy remains a key challenge for the Labour government and with a recent surprise shrink of 0.1%, Rachel Reeve’s still has a lot to do in order to stimulate growth across both Wales and the wider UK. However, the slight decline in economic concern in Wales suggests that frustration with broader government policies may now be spilling over into other areas of concern.

#### Immigration: A Rising Concern Across the UK and Wales

Immigration has emerged as a growing concern, with 40% of UK voters identifying it as a top issue. In Wales, 32% of voters now prioritise immigration, down from 37% in previous polling. This shift suggests that whilst there are anxieties over immigration, the concern is not as stable as expected.

Support for tougher immigration policies is strongest among Reform UK voters, with 67% of their UK supporters and 67% of their Welsh supporters ranking it as their top issue. By contrast, only 24% of Labour and 22% of Plaid Cymru supporters in Wales see immigration as a major concern.

Gender differences in attitudes toward immigration are also apparent, with 34% of men in Wales listing it as a concern compared to 30% of women. The issue remains deeply divisive, with right-leaning voters strongly prioritising it while left-leaning place far less emphasis on it. However, across all age groups it is seen as important.

#### Housing: Increasingly Important, Especially Among Younger Voters

Housing has risen in priority among voters, particularly in Wales, where 22% now see it as a key issue, up from 18% in the last poll and 3% more than the concern of UK voters (19%).

Unsurprisingly, among younger voters, the issue is particularly pressing: 36% of 18-24s in Wales list housing as a key concern, however this is down from 41% in the last poll. Labour and Green supporters show the highest concern for housing in Wales (36% and 37%, respectively), indicating that affordability and availability remain major challenges, particularly for those looking to get onto the property ladder.

The rising cost of rent, lack of affordable housing and increased pressure on social housing stock have all contributed to growing frustration. If this trend continues, housing policies will likely play a critical role in shaping voter decisions in both the 2026 Welsh Senedd election and the 2029 UK General Election.

The NHS and the economy remain the dominant concerns for voters in both Wales and the UK but there are clear signs of shifting priorities. While economic concerns have slightly declined in Wales, immigration and housing are gaining traction, particularly among right-leaning and younger voters.

Compared to previous polling, Welsh voters appear to be broadening their focus beyond healthcare and economic issues, signaling a more competitive and volatile political landscape ahead of the 2026 Senedd election. As parties prepare for upcoming elections, their ability to address these evolving voter concerns will be critical in shaping electoral outcomes.

Download the data tables for this poll.