Oral Statement - Regeneration Framework Areas

Yesterday, I launched the regeneration investment fund for Wales. Today, I want to update Members on a further important development in the field of regeneration, namely the framework for regeneration areas. Regeneration is about people and places, and itaims to make sustainable places over the long term in order to improve the quality of life of the people who live and work in and around those places. The term 'regeneration’ covers a variety of activities, from the physical renewal of urban spaces to improve economic viability, sustain distinctiveness and address market failures, to working with people in their communities to tackle underlying causes of deprivation. Such activities take place all over Wales through different organisations and partnerships.

The publication of a framework for regeneration areas is intended to provide clarity on our regeneration areas approach and on how we will approach future investment. It is set within the context of wider Government action, but looks specifically at the regeneration areas approach that is led by my department. It has been developed after having listened carefully to different groups involved in regeneration across Wales, and the continued collaboration between this Government and the wider sector is a key principle of the framework.

In line with our 'One Wales’ commitments, we first announced a model for regeneration areas three years ago. Regeneration areas aim to address inequalities experienced across geographic areas in Wales by investing in places that are currently underperforming, both economically and in terms of wellbeing, in order to raise their performance. By investing in areas that are currently underperforming, we aim to improve levels of prosperity and wellbeing in Wales as a whole. We aim to take advantage of investment opportunities that will lead to sustainable development in urban and rural hubs across Wales.

There are now seven regeneration areas, delivering significant benefits for some of our most disadvantaged areas. They are in places in which extra, co-ordinated effort can make a real difference in renewing places and the communities that live in them. We are investing in areas in which market forces alone will not support regeneration, particularly where there are concentrations of deprivation.

It is now time to take stock. We need to ensure that we are learning from the best practice in regeneration and building on innovative practices that have been developed in Wales. The document does not alter our policy, but it sets out a clearer framework for delivery for all those involved in regeneration activity. I am committed to open, transparent and inclusive Government. That is one of the reasons why I am publishing this framework for regeneration areas. I want this document to provide a framework to guide practical action so that these principles are translated into practice.

Over the past three months, my officials have worked closely with partners to identify where we are succeeding through the regeneration area approach, but also where we need to do things better. The framework sets out a collaborative approach to making future investment decisions in regeneration areas. It also sets out the principles that should drive the new approach and which should form a basis for future investment decisions. One of the principles that will guide investment going forward is that activity in these areas should support wider Government policies and programmes. A message that we have received loud and clear from partners is that national, as well as local, policies should be integrated as much as possible. I want to see a clear and simple policy drive for regeneration at a national level, supporting effective delivery at a local level.

Beyond our regeneration area approach, there is now a wider piece of work to be done to co-ordinate regeneration-led activity across Government. I am establishing a national regeneration panel to provide expert advice and oversee this work. I will make a further announcement about the composition of the panel before the end of the year. I commend this framework to Members, and I welcome comments now and over the coming months.