The challenges facing our south Wales Valleys communities are considerable and huge. This is the latest of many initiatives to try to break and reverse the cycle of deprivation by addressing the problems of economic inactivity, educational outcomes and public health issues. The Cabinet Secretary has recognised that other programmes, in their words, have fallen by the wayside, so while I welcome the establishment of this task force, it is imperative that it is productive and yields results for this programme.

Everyone in this Chamber supports the aims set out in the 'Our Valleys, Our Future' strategy. It is clear that much of this strategy interlocks with existing Welsh Government programmes. It is vital therefore that the Welsh Government ensures there is cross co-ordination across all concerned departments to drive this strategy forward. Closing the employment gap between the Valleys and the rest of Wales is obviously a key point here. I welcome the Cabinet Secretary's commitment to creating sustainable jobs in the Valleys themselves, rather than simply assisting people to commute to work in Cardiff, Swansea or Newport.

So, with regard to this plan for new strategic hubs in specific areas, I would ask the Cabinet Secretary in his reply to provide more details on what incentives will be offered to attract the vital private sector investment required in the area. I know one of the strategic hubs is planned for Ebbw Vale, focusing on a new automotive technology business park. In February 2017, the Welsh Government announced it was expanding the existing enterprise zone in Ebbw Vale to include three new sites. So, could the Cabinet Secretary inform Members what impact this new strategic hub will have on the Ebbw Vale enterprise zone in future?

The strategy pledges to exploit the job creation potential of major infrastructure investments such as the M4 relief road and the south Wales metro project. The M4 relief road is currently bogged down in a public inquiry and one of his own backbenchers claims the south Wales metro project has been, in his words, set up to fail. It is vital again, therefore, that the Welsh Government delivers these projects. What happens if they do not proceed?

I have commented previously on the lack of people with business experience on this taskforce. It is important that the business community engages closely to provide the training necessary to upskill the workforce. I ask the Cabinet Secretary in his reply for an assurance that there'll be maximum possible engagement with businesses to ensure this strategy delivers the skilled workforce they require. 

The strategy mentions the expansion of tourism to the Valleys as a recognised tourist destination. It is difficult to see how this aim can be achieved, Deputy Presiding Officer, considering the Welsh Government plans to introduce a tourism tax. Perhaps the Cabinet Secretary could let us know if the proposed tourism tax will help or hinder his aim. 

Presiding Officer, we must learn lessons from the Communities First programme, another strategy with the best of intentions, but which failed to deliver significant benefits to our people in south-east Wales. The Welsh—. [Interruption.] No, it is true. You don't live in the area—I travel there for weeks and weeks. I know. It's one of the most beautiful parts we can improve in terms of tourism, and the drive along the A467 is virtually one of the most beautiful roads to drive on, but in the night-time there are not enough lights, there are not enough services there, and actually the uplift of the buildings, which the previous speaker mentioned—the buildings are still there, for hundreds of years, and they are beautiful, but the buildings haven't been uplifted and the place is still the same.

The Welsh Government must set and publish clear targets so that progress towards meeting the goals of 'Our Valleys, Our Future' can be monitored and scrutinised by the Assembly and by the public. I hope this strategy succeeds in delivering its aim and creates the vibrant and thriving Valleys communities we all wish to see. Thank you.