The five-year investment period from April 2022 will ensure that longer-term investment plans can be established and delivered against a framework of set outcomes. To truly demonstrate a partnership approach to integration, the Welsh Government and regional partnership boards have co-produced a tapered approach to investment, with partners expected to sustainably source match resources throughout the life cycle of the fund. That will lead to ongoing support at the end for the integrated national models of care.

I have been clear that this new fund is not a continuation of the previous funds. Regional partnership boards will need to demonstrate that the money is being used for integrated services that will help to develop the six stated national models of care. This will help us achieve the ambition set out in 'A Healthier Wales', namely for people to be able to access the right care and the right support in the right place at the right time, and for people to take control of their own health and well-being to prevent the escalation of needs.

The regional partnership boards bring together health, social services, housing, the third sector, citizens and carer representatives and other partners to take forward the effective delivery of integrated services here in Wales. Under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, their purpose is to improve the outcomes and well-being of people with care and support needs, as well as their carers. The regional integration fund will support those people in Wales who would most benefit from integrated models of care. Priority population groups will include older people, including people with dementia, children and young people with complex needs, people with learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism, unpaid carers and people with emotional and mental health well-being needs.

To ensure that the objectives of the new fund are being met, a clear framework of outcomes will be implemented, with key outcomes and measures. Communities of practice will be established that will play an essential role in sharing learning and supporting partners with the development of the national models of integrated care. Our response to the pandemic has shown what we can achieve by working together. With the launch of the regional integration fund, I am determined that we will build on these experiences as we deal with the ongoing challenges ahead of us.