Closely linked to this are our continuing concerns that the lack of a dedicated tackling poverty strategy will hamper the Welsh Government’s intentions to deliver prosperity for all. Recommendation 1 in this report is a repeat of our recommendation from our Communities First report, calling for such a strategy. Reflecting on the evidence we heard throughout the course of this inquiry, we became even more convinced. We do not accept the Welsh Government’s view that it would prevent a holistic approach to tackling complex issues. It is within the Government’s gift to develop a strategy that takes such a holistic approach. We will continue to make the case.

In exploring the focus on regional economic development within the economic action plan, we acknowledged that communities across Wales face different challenges and opportunities, and that this needs to be reflected in economic development. What works in Carmarthen might not work in Caernarfon. One of the most direct levers available is the placing of good-quality public sector jobs in areas outside Cardiff. We have seen this to an extent, with Welsh Government offices opened in Merthyr Tydfil, Aberystwyth and Llandudno Junction, but we think more could and should be done. We therefore make recommendation 6 that the Welsh Government reviews its location strategy to ensure a better spread of public sector jobs across Wales, and in particular deprived areas. This was accepted in principle, but the accompanying narrative does not engage fully with the recommendation. I ask the Cabinet Secretary to what extent the location strategy will achieve its aims to relocate jobs to those areas in Wales that are set to lose EU structural funding, and whether there are any plans to review the strategy.  

Recommendation 17 called for the Welsh Government to publish the composition, terms of reference and details of meetings of the fair work board. The Government’s response accepted this in principle, stating that these could be made available. Can you please confirm, Cabinet Secretary, whether this information will be published? I have already touched on our recommendations around pay, which are to be considered by the fair work commission. However, there is one further recommendation on pay I would like to seek further clarity on today. Recommendation 19 called on the Welsh Government to develop a broad and wide-reaching campaign to encourage payment of the voluntary living wage. This was accepted in principle, but while details of the actions taken so far to encourage payment were provided, the response does not give a clear answer as to whether a broad-based campaign will be developed. We heard that such a campaign in Scotland had been very positive, and we believe this could be an effective way forward. I would like to seek clarity from the Cabinet Secretary as to whether the Welsh Government will be developing such a campaign.

Llywydd, I now look forward to hearing contributions from across the floor, and the Cabinet Secretary’s response.