Thanks to the committee, its members, the clerking team and witnesses for this very important report. I've really enjoyed following the inquiry, and I agree with many of the points that it contains. As today's report reminds us, the purpose of asset transfers is, of course, to ensure that assets that are really important to a local community can remain within that community. Sometimes, this is a consequence of a decade of Tory austerity. Paddling pools in my constituency in Abercynon, Aberdare, Mountain Ash, Penrhiwceiber and Ynysybwl are now run by community groups, providing opportunities that would otherwise have been removed, but also serving as building blocks to create something bigger and better.

The Institute for Community Studies makes that point in its evidence that communities provided that extra factor. I was proud last year to officially open the new Aquadare Splashpad and to have supported Lee Gardens Pool group as they've embarked on developing their infrastructure after community asset transfer, and really adding value to their local communities.

I think it's this point about groups being able to take on an asset to the next stage that shines a spotlight on just why this is so important. Again, a few case studies from the Cynon Valley: St Mair's was a council-run day centre in Aberdare that was successfully asset transferred over to Age Connects Morgannwg. Now, as Cynon Linc, and thanks to Welsh Government funding, it serves as a community hub offering a whole range of services and facilities, housing a GP surgery, charities and an excellent cafe. Cylch Meithrin Seren Fach took over a disused building in Mountain Ash, transforming it into a welcoming space for children and families and expanding the Welsh-medium learning through play they can offer. And A.S.D. Rainbows have taken over a community centre in Perthcelyn to develop their vision to extend the support they provide to children and their families and to provide a much-needed asset being brought back for the local community.

The committee's report succinctly evidences why we need these with, for example, the Bevan Foundation noting that asset transfers can actually drive economic development. I was also struck by the evidence from Building Communities Trust that less wealthy areas that contain lots of these community assets, driven by community ownership, have, and I quote,

'better health and wellbeing outcomes, higher rates of employment and lower levels of child poverty' than those without. 

So, the social justice aspect of this question is undeniable. As the report makes clear, allied to the desire for a community to take over an asset must be processes and support so that the vision can be realised. In light of all the positive examples I've mentioned from my constituency, it's welcome but not a surprise to see the many references in the report to best practice, put in place by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. The WLGA notes RCT as one of the good examples of a council putting infrastructure and information in place that leads to, and I quote, 'the smooth transfer of assets'. A single point of contact, a comparatively large officer team, and readily available guidance are noted as elements of this. As paragraph 59 of the report makes clear, the transfer process must not become too bureaucratic. Appropriately robust mechanisms must be put in place, but they shouldn't become a deterrent, and I'm pleased to see that the Coalfields Regeneration Trust makes this point in their evidence, as I know that the group has been a key driver to supporting these transfers in my constituency.

Many of the examples I have cited have referred to transfers from the public sector but, as the report reminds us, there are distinct challenges when the asset is privately owned. I'm dealing with one case at the moment, working closely with the Cwmbach Community Wetlands group as they look to take over privately owned land. The group's dedicated volunteers are using a number of innovative solutions to drive the transfer forward, such as issuing very popular community shares. However, they are encountering difficulties around volunteer time and knowledge. In part, I think solutions could be provided by the development of a peer network—as both Cwmpas and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust noted in their evidence—to share ideas, to share expertise, and to share what works and what doesn't. The positive response from the Welsh Government to these recommendations is welcome. However—and this point was again cited in the report—such support must be ongoing and not just provided when an asset is initially transferred. Things can go wrong, but access to the right information can help communities to get things back on track. Diolch.