Launch of Trading Standards Wales Manifesto 2026 and Impacts & Outcomes Report 2024/25
Trading Standards Wales has today launched its Manifesto 2026, setting out a bold, forward‑looking vision for a strong, effective, and well‑resourced Trading Standards service capable of meeting future challenges, protecting consumers, and strengthening communities across Wales.
Released alongside the ACTSO Wales Impacts and Outcomes Report 2024/25, the publication highlights both the positive difference made by local authority Trading Standards teams over the past year and the ambition to build on that success in the years ahead.
The Manifesto underlines the essential role of Trading Standards as a local authority public service and aims to inform discussion ahead of the 2026 Senedd Elections. It calls for sustained funding and support to ensure Trading Standards teams can respond to emerging legislation and policy, turning new commitments into real protection for consumers, businesses, and communities.
The document sets out key asks of candidates and parties ahead of the next Senedd elections, including sustainable investment, stronger national and regional partnerships, and renewed political recognition of the vital role Trading Standards plays in a modern, digital marketplace. It highlights that services are already operating at full stretch and that future success depends on matching growing expectations with the right tools, skills, and resources.
At the same time, the Impact & Outcomes Report and accompanying infographic capture the work of local authority Trading Standards teams across Wales in protecting consumers, tackling unsafe and counterfeit goods, supporting legitimate traders, and helping to build a fair and resilient Welsh economy.
Each figure in the report represents a real difference: families safer in their homes, businesses protected from unfair competition, and communities strengthened through effective enforcement and advice.
Jacqui Thomas, Chair of Trading Standards Wales, said:
“Trading Standards Wales is proud to present the Manifesto 2026, which looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities facing our service over the coming years. The Manifesto is both a call to action and a statement of ambition. As Wales approaches the next Senedd elections, this document serves as both a rallying call and a roadmap – showing how Trading Standards can continue to deliver meaningful outcomes for people and businesses in every community, if the profession is properly resourced to meet the challenges of a fast‑changing economy.
Trading Standards Wales represents the 20 local authority Trading Standards services across Wales, bringing together nearly 300 officers who protect consumers, safeguard fair business, and support honest traders. It provides a collective voice for local authority teams, sharing intelligence, tackling cross‑boundary issues, and offering strategic leadership for the profession. Working closely with the Welsh Local Government Association, Welsh Government, National Trading Standards, HMRC, and industry partners, it helps ensure fairness, safety, and trust remain at the heart of Welsh life.
Both the Trading Standards Wales Manifesto 2026 and the Impact & Outcomes Report 2024/25 are available at: https://tradingstandards.gov.wales/en/about/