Part of 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services – in the Senedd at 2:00 pm on 28 February 2018.
I do agree with the point you make about recognition and understanding the nature of the community, where that community lives and how it lives, and the nature of that community. I think we do need greater understanding of that, and I do accept that point in full. I hesitate before giving a definitive answer to that question. I will provide a more holistic response to the whole of the report when I have the opportunity to do so. But let me say this: one of my priorities is to ensure that we are able to put resources where those resources are needed, where we deliver services to those people. Fundamental to that approach is understanding where those people are and what their needs are. So, I think we do need a greater understanding of the characteristics and the nature of the family and of the community. I think we do need to improve our understanding of those issues. How we do that I'm giving consideration to at the moment. I think the investment in liaison officers for local authorities, for example, has made a huge difference to our understanding of the community and its needs. So, I think there's more than one way to answer that particular question, and I'm certainly seeking to ensure that we will be able to respond in full in due course.