As I have outlined, social businesses and enterprises that are run by the community have been in the vanguard in terms of social, economic and environmental innovation in Wales. It is, therefore, surprising that they haven’t been prioritised, perhaps, in the innovation strategy for Wales put together by the Government. I would ask for the final version of the strategy to place much greater emphasis on this.

In conclusion, therefore, as the Local Government and Housing Committee at the Senedd has emphasised, at present, there is no process in Wales to guarantee that community assets remain in the hands of a community, despite the legal rights that exist in this field for communities in Scotland and England. I would, therefore, like to echo those constant calls for legislation for a community right to buy assets to reflect what happens in Scotland. All of this would provide the support that is very much needed by communities as they try to follow the inspiring example set by the numerous and dynamic co-operative enterprises that we have across Wales, which drive economic regeneration and development plans that are based on local need and are rooted in their communities. Thank you very much.