WIREDGOV

Communities Secretary Carl Sargeant has today urged people across Wales to get involved in developing the Welsh Government’s new approach to building resilient communities.

Earlier this month, Mr Sargeant announced he was minded to phase out the Communities First programme while establishing a new approach focusing on three priority areas of employment, early years and empowerment and his intention to engage with communities to look afresh at how the Welsh Government can support them. 

Launching an online questionnaire on the subject today, the Cabinet Secretary said:

“The Welsh Government is determined to deliver more and better jobs through a stronger, fairer economy. We are committed to improving and reforming public services and building a united, connected and sustainable Wales. We want to create communities that offer children the best start in life, communities that are ready and able to work and communities where the voices of local people are heard clearly when decisions are made.

“We are keen to hear views from as many people as possible about a new approach to building resilient communities across Wales, supporting and enabling them to prosper.” 

As well as asking for views on how these priorities can support greater prosperity and resilience, we will also be seeking views on Communities First.  

Mr Sargeant added:

“Communities First was launched 15 years ago, and has supported many people in some of our most deprived communities. In that time, however, our economy and society have been through huge changes. Your views on how we engage, support and strengthen communities through our new approach, to promote opportunities for all, will be vital so I urge you all to have your say.”

The online questionnaire is the first step in a more comprehensive engagement process which will also include public events, meetings with communities groups and work with those delivering services.  

The questionnaire can be found at: www.gov.wales/talkcommunities.