Supporting Vulnerable Residents

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Finance and Local Government – in the Senedd at 2:00 pm on 14 June 2023.

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Photo of Rebecca Evans Rebecca Evans Labour 2:00, 14 June 2023

I would refer the Member to the previous question in terms of our approach to ring fencing of funding and that we're moving in a different direction, really, about having that relationship of trust with local authorities, understanding that they know their communities best and that we don't want to be taking officer time up with filling forms in when it's disproportionate to do so. So, we are moving away from that ring fencing where possible and where it is appropriate to do so—it won't be in all cases.

But the point that you make really is about how we support older people through the cost-of-living crisis. I think one of the important things that we did was introduce the grant funding to local authorities to set up warm hubs. I know they've been absolutely invaluable for older people in particular across the winter, but actually some of those hubs are now continuing as welcome spaces, and they're continuing right through the summer and potentially beyond, to provide that place for people to go—older people, of course, but others too, to try and alleviate some of that loneliness and isolation that people are feeling. Again, it's something that I know is a real priority for the Minister.