8. How does the Welsh Government intend to strengthen the economy of the south Wales Valleys during this Senedd term? OQ56537

Thank you for the question. We are currently considering how best to further develop economic, social and environmental action within this area, particularly in the Heads of the Valleys area. Over £19 million has already been approved for projects benefiting our south Wales Valleys towns through the Transforming Towns programme, which includes an allocation of over £1.5 million for each local authority.

Thank you, Minister, and welcome to your new role. 

The Valleys taskforce was a very welcome intervention by the Welsh Government during the fifth Senedd term, and delivered many tangible benefits to my constituency of Cynon Valley, including £1.5 million for the Dare Valley Country Park, the creation of a remote-working hub in Mountain Ash, and a very exciting zero-waste food project in Aberdare. What plans do you have, Minister, to build on the work of the Valleys taskforce across the area? And will you commit to working closely with those Members of the Senedd who represent Valleys communities so that you can best shape your response? 

Yes, I'm happy to say that we're very positive about a range of areas in the Valleys taskforce work. I've recently spoken with the leader of RCT about continuing our work on the empty homes scheme, where bringing those homes back into beneficial use has proven to be more effective and cheaper than building new properties. So, we're looking to see what's worked already in the legacy report and the programme for action as the Valleys taskforce was wound up, and I'm happy to confirm and agree to the commitment to meet with Valleys representatives to have a conversation about how we are taking that forward to make sure we continue to invest in the future of the Valleys.

I thank the Minister. We will now suspend proceedings briefly to allow for some changeovers in the Siambr. 

Plenary was suspended at 14:19.

The Senedd reconvened at 14:28, with the Llywydd in the Chair.