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Communities First Programme

Communities First is a long-term strategy for improving the living conditions and prospects for people in the most disadvantaged communities in Wales.

The scheme

The programme ensures that the funds and support available from the Welsh Assembly Government and other publicly funded agencies are targeted at the poorest areas.

Eligibility Criteria

The Assembly Government receive nominations from local authorities (in consultation with other groups) and select, on the basis of evidence of deprivation, communities to receive help and support under the programme. These include:

  • The 100 most deprived electoral divisions as identified by the Welsh Index of
    Multiple Deprivation 2000;
  • 32 pockets of deprivation at sub ward level throughout Wales;
  • 10 communities of interest/imaginative proposals; and
  • the 46 Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) invited to join the programme following Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2005.

Eligible areas have established Communities First Partnerships to drive forward their
regeneration priorities and Partnerships can access funding for Capacity Building.

Assembly Government Contacts:

E-mail: communities.first@wales.gsi.gov.uk

There are currently five Communities First Regional Teams:

The Carmarthen team is responsible for Communities First areas in Ceredigion;
Carmarthenshire; Pembrokeshire; Swansea; Neath and Port Talbot; and South Powys:

Communities First Unit
The Welsh Assembly Government Buildings
Picton Terrace
Carmarthen
SA31 3BT

Sian Thomas
Tel: (01267) 225352

The Caernarfon team is responsible for all Communities First areas in Anglesey;
Conwy; Gwynedd; Wrexham; Denbighshire; Flintshire and North Powys:

Communities First Unit
The Welsh Assembly Government Buildings
Penrallt
Caernarfon
LL55 1EP

Carys Thomas
Tel: (01286) 662330

There are three teams based at Communities First Unit, Welsh Assembly Government, Rhydycar, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ:

Team A is responsible for the local authority areas Caerphilly, Cardiff and Newport:

Glyn Howell
Tel: (01685) 729288

Team B is responsible for the local authority areas Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Torfaen:

Dawn Mould
Tel: (01685) 729304

Team C is responsible for the local authority areas Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire and Vale of Glamorgan:

Sonia Hancock
Tel: (01685) 729280