10. How will the Minister evaluate the work of the Valleys Taskforce? OAQ53622

The work of the taskforce will be measured using a range of key indicators, such as employment data and those relating to impacts on health and well-being. Evaluation of key commitments taken forward by the taskforce and their impact on people across the Valleys will also contribute to evaluation.

I'm grateful to the Minister for his answer. Is he able to tell me whether the taskforce does or does not now include the Aman and the Gwendraeth valleys? The Minister will know, as well as I do, that there's a constant conversation, and sometimes those western valleys can fall off the edge. This is a real concern, obviously, because, while there may be some cultural differences, the social and economic problems at the top of the Aman valley are very similar to what you'd get at the top of the Rhymney valley, for example. So can the Minister tell me how the Amman and Gwendraeth will be included in the Valleys taskforce and how that work specifically will be evaluating and relating to those communities?

Well, by taking the approach that I just mentioned of taking a thematic approach and looking at how we can scale up existing best practice, and also focusing on the foundational economy as part of the Valleys taskforce, I hope we can spread the benefits beyond just the hubs, but right up into all tips of the Valleys and across the broadest breadth of the Valleys. So, for example, through the foundational economy work, it won't be simply limited to the current footprint of the Valleys taskforce. And it's important that the footprint is porous. So, to answer the specific question about the Amman and Gwendraeth Valleys, that is something that I recently asked officials to provide me with advice on. I have a constituency interest in this, so I won't be able to make a final decision on it, but it is something we're going to be clarifying very soon, I hope. 

Thank you, Minister and Deputy Minister.