Diolch. Thank you. Amendment 111 places a requirement on the Welsh Government to develop and issue guidance to local authorities to support them in achieving improved involvement, or 'participation' as currently drafted in the Bill. The term 'involvement' was proposed to us by external expert bodies working in the field of community engagement, empowerment and regeneration on asset-based and strength-based rather than deficit-based approaches. It's a commonly used term, widely accepted in the UK and beyond.

During Stage 1 proceedings, Electoral Reform Society Cymru stated that the Bill as drafted may lead to a patchwork of effectiveness at local authority level in enhancing participation or involvement. They also noted that the provision as drafted does not demonstrate the type of engagement or involvement the Welsh Government expects to see from local authorities.