1. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the support that is in place for Communities First employees? (OAQ51205)

I thank the Member for her question. The Communities First transition team was established to support Communities First lead delivery bodies in planning and advising staff. There have been ongoing conversations with local authority staff, third sector staff and unions. Lead delivery bodies have transition plans in place to inform the delivery of the programme during 2017-18.

Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. I raise this both as an Assembly Member who serves employees of the Communities First programme and as a trade unionist—with both hats. I’m sure you’ll understand that the workforce should get the support and consideration that they are deserving of. You said that it is currently going through a transition period, and that is obviously happening in Flintshire, as elsewhere in the country. Many of the staff in Flintshire have worked on these Communities First projects since they were established in 2002, serving across our communities on a number and variety of projects that enable people to be work ready, and to support them into work. Having met with the Communities First team in Flintshire, I know that they continue to work hard, as you will do, Cabinet Secretary, and under a lot of pressure to provide a smooth transition for all employees. I think they are now keen to focus on moving forward. So, I hope that the Communities for Work projects supported by the legacy fund will provide new opportunities for existing employees to move into, and during this transition period that the well-being of the committed workforce and their families will be given priority. So, Cabinet Secretary, do you agree with me that supporting our Communities First employees and providing certainty on their future should be a priority through this transition period, and what message of reassurance you can send to them today?

I’m grateful to the Member for raising this, and many other Members have also done that. Thank you for that. I agree that one of the priorities is ensuring Communities First staff are supported through this transition period, and it’s an important one. I am aware that my officials have been working with lead delivery bodies to ensure correct procedures are being followed, including liaison with union representatives as necessary. I know many of the Communities First staff in Flintshire and across Wales will want to continue to work to support our communities in other important programmes, and I wish them luck in doing that too.

Cabinet Secretary, such is the confusion now over the winding up of Communities First in our communities that a number of permanent vacancies are still being advertised online. What steps are you taking to ensure that taxpayers’ money is not being wasted on further recruitment processes for a scheme that you are technically winding down?

Well, the only person that’s confused here, it appears, is you. The lead delivery bodies are in regular contact and are encouraged to talk to my officials. If there are any questions or queries around the transition period or associated staffing issues, they’re more than happy to talk to my team in that process, but the Member has been misled in terms of her views today.