A COMMITMENT to safeguard support for Torfaen’s most deprived communities has been made by Torfaen County Borough Council following a government announcement last week.

Since its 2001 launch, Welsh Government has invested £300 million into 52 Communities First ‘clusters’ in Wales - including two in Torfaen.

The scheme aims to support the most vulnerable people in Wales by promoting education, health and economic prosperity and working with communities to host events and outreach services.

Last Tuesday, Wales’ communities and children secretary, Carl Sergeant, announced the scheme would be phased out, and replaced with a focus on employment, childcare, education and improved transport links.

In response to this announcement, Torfaen CBC’s executive member for housing, Cllr Gwyneira Clark, stated that the council will meet with Welsh Government officials to seek clarity on the changes.

“I witness the impact made locally every day in those key areas of employment, health and learning and the difference it has made to many residents lives,” she said.

“I particularly welcome the cabinet secretary’s commitment to engage with partners, learn lessons and, in particular, to recognise the dedication, skills and knowledge of Communities First staff to ensure their experience informs and supports a new approach.”

Ms Clark added that she “wholeheartedly supported” the cabinet secretary’s desire to improve economic development and regeneration”.

Communities First services help run a wide variety of schemes, with categories including ‘learning communities’, ‘prosperous communities’ and ‘healthier communities’.

Between April 2015 and March 2016, Communities First provided £9,056,246 for people in Newport, Caerphilly, Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.

Torfaen CBC received £1,302,452 which was split between two clusters: North Torfaen and South Torfaen.

Working with deprived communities, staff help address issues ranging from employability and enterprise, to social learning / development, health advice and ICT training.

Ms Clark added: “We will do everything possible to maintain the delivery of key services, support staff and ensure Torfaen is well placed to take advantage of the opportunities from the type of flexibility and new approaches the minister is suggesting.

“While the name may change, our commitment to providing support for vulnerable people most certainly will not.”