I'd like to start by echoing the comments already made, and thanking John Griffiths for bringing this to debate and for all the work he does as Chair of the committee.

As someone who has spoken numerous times in this Chamber about how important it is to protect our natural heritage, to protect buildings of community importance even if they do not meet Cadw's overly strict criteria, and to protect our churches and repurpose buildings for community use, I can say that I wholeheartedly support the recommendations of this report. I believe that the effulgence of the nation comes from the pride that people have for where they live. The sad truth is that, in Wales, we have lost many significant cultural and community assets because of failure to recognise their value to the community and to the wider well-being of the nation. The Institute of Welsh Affairs has even said of Welsh communities that they appear to be some of the least empowered on this island, and this is a really sad state of affairs. As Members of this Chamber, we therefore owe it to the people of Wales to change this. 

Whilst the Government has accepted almost all of these recommendations, I do feel that there needs to be a greater emphasis on empowering communities to recognise what is of value to them, to think about what is part of their identity, and to encourage them to play a pivotal role in protecting those assets that they want to see handed down to future generations. We can talk forever about how community asset transfers are a fantastic way of helping communities come together and for developing social bonds and a sense of identity, but if communities aren't aware of what rights and mechanisms are available to them, then they can be easily put off from trying to save their community assets. 

Moreover, the Government needs to be encouraging local authorities and current asset owners to be sympathetic towards communities during the community asset transfer process. Likewise, we need to offer more protections to communities where privately and publicly owned community assets are in danger of being demolished. We have to be aware that many people who will be making asset transfer applications may have no experience whatsoever of dealing with the legal processes involved, and the whole process may be quite intimidating for them.  

We also need to make sure that communities have a much better idea of the due diligence that is needed when managing an asset, and that legal and professional help is available for them to have well-prepared business plans that lay out how they will manage the asset long term, financial and otherwise, and that communities understand fully their responsibilities. Whilst the Government has accepted in principle the setting up of a commission to help to do this, there is no current financial provision, and under these times of financial pressure, I'm not convinced that the Government will be able to find the money needed anytime soon. Therefore, in the meantime I think it's important that those looking to make community asset transfers should be able to access more funding from local authorities. 

I don't feel the need to expand on the recommendations in this report further because I feel that they speak for themselves, but I would like to emphasise that I'm glad to see that the Government has taken on the recommendations, and I look forward to seeing them actioned. Thank you.