11. Short Debate: Together stronger: Social enterprise and community-owned businesses in Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:47 pm on 23 November 2022.

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Photo of Carolyn Thomas Carolyn Thomas Labour 6:47, 23 November 2022

Thank you to Cefin for giving me a minute of his time. Community facilities are places of immeasurable friendship, kindness and confidence building that cannot be measured by GDP. They are community halls, pubs and playing fields. They are areas that should be protected for people and nature. Rhyl rugby club is an exemplar grass-roots facility, not only providing a place for hundreds of young people to train, but they're also fed at the same time. It's used by 26 community groups, and it employs 20 people, providing food, drink and entertainment for the wider community. Llandegla has a not-for-profit community shop, cafe and takeaway on Offa's Dyke footpath, run by volunteers for the community. Holywell Leisure Centre, including swimming baths, was under threat of closure due to UK Government austerity measures, but a group of locals got together to run it as a charity, and I hope that austerity 2.0 and rising costs will not bring it to an end. Community social enterprises are a place where wealth is shared, not stored in banks, and where happiness and well-being should be the measure of success. Diolch.