The ‘Community safety in Wales’ report, conducted by the auditor general, underscored the complexities associated with improving community safety in Wales. I therefore thank the Cabinet Secretary for making this statement to the Chamber today, and welcome the establishment of the oversight group to review the recommendations made in the auditor general’s report. Whilst there is no universally agreed definition of community safety, I believe there are clear markers as to how the holistic approach of the Welsh Government continues to improve public safety and people’s well-being.

Significant progress has been made and, in the area of youth justice, the establishment of the Wales youth justice advisory panel is a prime example of the benefits of a collaborative approach between national and local government, health professionals and the police. As has been mentioned, the work and legislation undertaken around violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence has been groundbreaking in Wales. I wish to pay tribute to the Cabinet Secretary, Carl Sargeant, for his determination and drive in this critical regard. As a former member of the national probation board, I welcome a collaborative and integrated approach to dealing with adult offenders—vindicated in the Welsh Government’s work with the National Offender Management Service, NOMS.

Similarly, strengthening partnerships between relevant bodies lies at the centre of our radical approach to tackling modern slavery in Wales, and we are rightly proud of our record on this issue. Next month, I will be attending the Gwent anti-slavery seminar, organised by the Gwent police and crime commissioner, Jeff Cuthbert, a pertinent example of stakeholder events that facilitate productive discussion between those from the legal, political, and third sectors.

I welcome also the comments on fire service collaboration. Indeed, improved co-operation between Welsh Government and emergency authorities has facilitated a welcome increase in the recruitment of community support officers. I know that CSOs, like Susan in my own constituency, have a very positive impact on local community engagement. As such, will the Cabinet Secretary outline how the Welsh Labour manifesto pledge to increase the number of community support officers is benefitting people’s well-being in this important regard? Thank you.