11. What are the Minister’s priorities for promoting regeneration within the Cynon Valley? OAQ(5)0044(CC)

I thank the Member for her question. We are supporting a range of regeneration programmes across the Valleys. This includes funding for the Aberdare town centre partnership to promote the town centre and support activities that increase vibrancy and viability.

Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. The town centre partnership fund has brought lots of benefits, including to Aberdare in my constituency. When I speak to people in many other town and village centres, they feel that they too could also benefit from support. Would Welsh Government have any plans for looking at what lessons can be drawn from the partnership fund, to develop targeted support so that towns and villages such as Hirwaun, Mountain Ash, Penrhiwceiber and Abercynon in my constituency can also benefit and thrive?

I’m grateful for the Member’s question. We’re never short of regeneration programmes that people wish to be developed for their communities, and I’m grateful for the recognition of the work that’s going on in her community directly. We will be looking to evaluate and learn lessons from this programme, and the findings will be considered for future policies and will be shared with our stakeholders. I’m pleased to hear of the improvements being made in Aberdare and welcome her comments today.