Written Statement - Ministerial Taskforce for the South Wales Valleys

In July, I announced the establishment of a Ministerial Taskforce for the South Wales Valleys and this Statement is to update you on membership of the taskforce.

Members of the taskforce are:

Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language, Alun Davies AM (Chair)
Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, Ken Skates AM
Minister for Skills and Science, Julie James AM
Ann Beynon, Chair of the Cardiff City Region Board
Andrew Diplock, Director of Strategy and Governance, Inprova Energy
Judith Evans, Principal, Coleg Y Cymoedd
Dr Chris Jones, Chair of the Cwm Taf University Health Board
Martin Mansfield, General Secretary, TUC
Cllr Andrew Morgan, Council Leader, Rhondda Cynon Taf
Professor Brian Morgan, Cardiff University

The Ministerial Taskforce will meet for the first time on 22 September to discuss its forward work programme for the next five years. Thereafter, it will meet on a quarterly basis, although meetings may be more frequent during the first year. The minutes of taskforce meetings will be published on the Welsh Government website.

The first meeting of the taskforce will focus on what works to promote regeneration and economic growth; how the valleys can build on existing developments, including City Regions, City Deal and the Metro; current service provision, particularly in relation to health, education and housing; and community engagement. A range of experts, including representatives from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the What Works Centre for Wellbeing and the Bevan Foundation, have been invited to attend. They will provide evidence to inform the development of taskforce priorities and our programme of work.  

Using the strengths of the public, private and third sectors and the ability of
the Welsh Government to act as a catalyst the taskforce will work over the
lifetime of this Assembly to spearhead the regeneration and sustainable
growth of the valleys. The valleys are a wonderful part of our country and I
feel privileged to be chair of the taskforce. I want to deliver tangible
results which will focus on improving the quality of life for people living
throughout the valleys of south Wales.