The Valleys Taskforce, 2016-2021

The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report

@TalkValleys #OurValleys The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Contents

Foreword Facts and figures 3 15

What is the Valleys Taskforce? Case studies 4 16

How did the Taskforce choose its What lessons have priorities? been learned? 5 28

What were the Taskforce’s Independent feedback objectives? 29 6 Reflections How did the Taskforce operate? 31 8 The future What has the Taskforce 33 achieved? 9

As the Valleys Taskforce reaches its conclusion, it is timely to take stock of what has been achieved and what we can carry forward to support future work with Valleys towns and communities.

We have worked with the independent agency OB3 Research to compile this report, which aims to tell the story of the Valleys Taskforce programme. It draws upon a wealth of information and knowledge, including ministerial announcements, progress reports and communication campaigns, as well as commissioned independent research.

These insights into the achievements of the Valleys Taskforce have been used to inform our recommendations for the future.

Mae’r ddogfen yma hefyd ar gael yn Gymraeg. This document is also available in Welsh.

We decided to focus on areas where we knew we could make a real difference, and which could be delivered quickly. You will see more information on the progress made on those actions throughout this report, and I am extremely proud of the impact those actions have made within communities within a relatively short space of time.

As we have approached the end of this Senedd term, I have been conscious of the need for the outputs of the Taskforce to go well beyond this term of government. We have worked hard As the Valleys Taskforce to embed our work in the long-term comes to a close, it is timely plans for the Welsh Government and via to reflect on the progress partnership working. made over the last five years. The Taskforce has discussed what we believe the strategic priorities should There was understandable scepticism be for any future delivery programme to when the Taskforce was first set up in focus on, and set them out clearly for an 2016. People had seen initiatives come incoming government to consider. and go, and this would be another well- There is no denying that more needs to meaning programme that was surely be done, and the challenges faced by doomed to fail. This report is an honest the Valleys have only been exacerbated story of the progress made so far, and by the COVID-19 pandemic. while there are many positives to be taken, there are certainly lessons that This work cannot end here. we can learn from. The solutions lie within, and require all of us to work closely together with My first initiative on becoming the chair continued dedication to make a positive of the Valleys Taskforce two years difference to every person living and ago was to look across the Valleys for working in the south Wales Valleys. existing good practice to share. I am looking forward to seeing what Building on the extensive programme comes next. of open meetings and consultation that my colleague Alun Davies MS and other Lee Waters MS Ministers undertook, I met with every Deputy Minister for Economy local authority leader in the Taskforce and Transport

area to ask them to identify successful initiatives that had originated in their areas, which we could spread across neighbouring authorities.

3 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report What is the Valleys Taskforce?

The Taskforce is a cross-governmental body that was set up to coordinate policy and interventions in the south Wales Valleys, increasing the impact of current resources. It piloted new approaches to tackle a unique set of deep-rooted challenges – many of them connected to the decline of heavy industry and the end of coal mining across the area.

It was established in 2016 by Alun Alongside elected members of the Davies MS, then Minister for Lifelong Senedd, the Taskforce has included Learning and Welsh Language, in independent experts, representatives response to significant concerns from key sectors and other individuals expressed within the communities about with a background in the Valleys. insecurity and lack of prospects. As the Taskforce’s first chair, When first established, the Valleys Alun Davies strongly believed that Taskforce area ranged across nine local the programme should be driven by authorities: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, the views of Valleys communities, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port and set out to engage in a meaningful Talbot, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, conversation with local people. Swansea and Torfaen. Its boundary was extended in 2019 to include the The Deputy Minister for Economy and Gwendraeth and Amman Valleys in Transport, Lee Waters MS, took over Carmarthenshire, recognising that the role of Taskforce chair in 2018. they are also part of the south Wales He sought to build upon this initial coalfields. momentum by identifying successful local initiatives that could be replicated or scaled up across the Valleys. Using the strengths of the public, private and third The overall aim of the Taskforce has sectors, and the ability of the been to improve the prosperity of people living and working in the Valleys. Welsh Government to act as It intended to: a catalyst, the Taskforce will work over the lifetime of this • take a long-term approach to Assembly to spearhead the addressing the issues facing the regeneration and sustainable Valleys. It was not intended as a quick fix or a short-term delivery growth of the Valleys. programme. Alun Davies MS, Minister for Lifelong • provide a voice for the Valleys and Learning and Welsh Language advocate on their behalf. It was (September 2016) intended to increase focus on the Valleys and give them status as a geographical entity. • be informed and driven by the needs of local communities.

4 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report How did the Taskforce choose its priorities?

The Taskforce set out to identify the community priorities and needs that would inform its programme of work. Led by Alun Davies MS, it spent its first year listening to people who lived and worked in the Valleys. This research and engagement – supported by the social-media tag #TalkValleys – found community members wanted the Taskforce to address three issues:

• create more quality job opportunities or school, or to access training and locally, and address temporary and leisure facilities. zero-hours work. • improving education outcomes for • improve public services, particularly children, closing the attainment gap. transport and affordable housing. • establishing a Valleys Landscape • maintain and make greater use of the Park, later renamed Valleys Regional local natural environment and cultural Park, to maximise use of the natural heritage. environment and heritage.

In response to these findings, the • creating vibrant and attractive town Taskforce published its first plan of centres. action, Our Valleys, Our Future, in July • making the Valleys a recognised 2017. This set out three overarching tourist destination. priorities – ‘Good quality jobs and the skills to do them’, ‘Better public services’ and ‘My local community’ – and Our Valleys, Our Future is presented a vision for the Valleys by not simply a plan for the 2021, including: Valleys. It is a plan from the • closing the employment gap between Valleys. This taskforce will the Valleys and the rest of Wales by not be another case of the helping an additional 7,000 people government deciding what is into work. right for the Valleys. If we are • giving local people access to the right to succeed, local communities skills to gain work. and local people must be at the heart of our work. • supporting businesses to grow and thrive. Alun Davies MS, Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language • ensuring that public services respond (July 2017) to people’s needs. • supporting people to lead healthier lifestyles. • providing joined-up, affordable public transport to help people get to work

5 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report What were the Taskforce’s objectives?

Work programmes to achieve the Taskforce’s three priorities were set out in annual delivery plans published for 2017 and 2018. Its initial actions were focused on influencing and shaping mainstream policy and provision to better address the needs of Valleys communities. The emphasis was on developing effective links between different policy areas, making better use of existing resources and funds.

As the programme gathered The Taskforce concentrated on projects momentum, the Taskforce adopted a and activities through which it could greater delivery remit by funding specific make the greatest difference over its interventions across the Valleys. duration.

To find these initiatives, such as As such, some initial plans, such as the Empty Homes Scheme led by community hubs, were drawn to an Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough early close. Council, extensive engagement took place between Lee Waters MS, other The shift in focus was reinforced by the Members of the Senedd and leaders of introduction of seven priority themes, the local authorities. underpinning the Taskforce’s three overarching priorities. The objective was to identify successful interventions that were already in place within the Valleys, and that could be replicated or scaled up to benefit the wider Valleys area.

6 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report What were the Taskforce’s objectives?

While the Taskforce will I am keen that the solutions continue to work to deliver all we support to regenerate our the actions included in Our Valleys communities draw on Valleys, Our Future: Delivery good practice from within our Plan, our efforts will focus in communities. particular on seven priority areas. Lee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport (July 2019)

7 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report How did the Taskforce operate?

The Taskforce’s governance and delivery arrangements included a ministerial taskforce to oversee the programme, seven working groups to correspond with each of the priority themes, a programme board with responsibility for delivery, and a small Welsh Government team to drive and monitor implementation.

Building upon its initial outreach work, the Taskforce continued to engage with Valleys communities to shape its priorities, and with stakeholder organisations to inform and co-develop policy. From the outset, it worked in partnership with stakeholders from across the region to identify the areas where intervention from the Taskforce could have the greatest impact.

The Taskforce listened and responded to the views of stakeholders, using the evidence to influence existing and emerging Welsh Government policy. While genuine partnership work can be time-intensive and take longer to reach a consensus, this was seen as a necessity to achieve a truly regional approach.

The Taskforce and its key partners A communications report has also been co-hosted a number of well-attended published along with a short film on the engagement events. These focused progress of the Taskforce. on specific policy proposals, such as strategic hubs, the Valleys Regional The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic Park, business surgeries and transport. had a significant impact upon planned engagement activities during 2020. A successful social media and branding Face-to-face networking events and campaign was developed, focusing on business surgeries had to be postponed community engagement and pride in the because of the government restrictions Valleys as a place to live and work. that had been imposed. New social media channels and a dedicated website were established, developing ‘The Valleys, Heart and Soul of Wales’ as a brand and engaging with all primary schools through the Sing Loud, Sing Proud project.

8 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report What has the Taskforce achieved?

Strategic Hubs The Taskforce designated seven Local authorities in each of the strategic strategic hub areas: Ebbw Vale, Merthyr hub areas progressed a range of Tydfil, Pontypridd/Taffs Well, Cwmbran, priority projects, all with different Northern Bridgend, Neath, and funding packages, delivery models and Caerphilly/Ystrad Mynach. These were timescales. intended to serve as a focus for scaling up and spreading good quality projects Revenue funding of £600,000 was and initiatives designed in the Valleys. provided via the Taskforce to three local authorities (Caerphilly, Merthyr These areas benefited from focused Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf) to public investment – which, in turn, develop strategic masterplans for future attracted private sector capital regeneration activity. These plans set investment, creating jobs and out how new bus and rail investments opportunities for people living in and would help provide integrated around the south Wales Valleys. In transport solutions, contributing to the October 2018, the Taskforce was regeneration of town centres and their provided with £25m over two financial wider communities. The Taskforce years to support the development of the also contributed £650,000 towards the strategic hubs. redevelopment of Maesteg Town Hall, helping to transform it into a multi-use The Taskforce worked to maximise facility for learning and training as well the benefits to the Valleys from as culture and the arts. infrastructure projects, such as those relating to housing, transport, the South This was part of a larger funding Wales Metro and improvements to the package, including European funding, A465 Heads of the Valleys road. Heritage Lottery Funding and contributions from the local authority and Awen Leisure Trust, which managed the property.

Supporting 7,000 jobs The ultimate vision was to close the Better Jobs Closer to Home pilots were employment gap between the Valleys also rolled out, creating 132 new jobs and the rest of Wales by 2021, through that still exist today. helping an additional 7,000 people into work and creating thousands of new, Valleys enterprises, supported through fair, secure and sustainable jobs. Business Wales, have helped to create The Taskforce also wanted to ensure more than 3,000 jobs in the area since people living in the Valleys would have April 2018. The service has also helped access to the right skills to gain work, support the creation of more than 700 and that businesses would be fully new enterprises during the same period. supported to grow and thrive. Although Business Wales operates The activity undertaken through these on a national level, it has been a core employability programmes has resulted enabler of the wider Taskforce delivery in more than 7,000 people in the Valleys programme. being supported into work.

9 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report What has the Taskforce achieved?

This was in tune with the ethos that Across Wales, the employment rate has the Valleys Taskforce should not be increased to 73%, from 72% in 2017. about replicating what was already available, but should apply policies Work is ongoing to understand the and programmes in an effective, cross- widening of the gap, and the impact government way to generate better of COVID-19 on employment rates outcomes. in the Valleys compared with the rest of Wales – as it is known that Valleys There is still work to be done. Between communities have been hardest hit by 2017 and the year ending September the pandemic. 2020, the employment rate in the Valleys Taskforce area has remained * Source: Annual Population Survey at 71%*.

The Foundational Economy The Taskforce recognised the This resulted in an approximate GVA importance of supporting the (gross value added) to the Welsh foundational economy – organisations economy of £34m, giving Wales the and businesses that provide basic opportunity to become a world leader services and products within their in challenge-led innovation. communities. These operate in sectors including health and care services, food, • United Welsh Housing Association, housing, energy, construction, tourism which received a grant to work and high street retail. with partner housing associations in Blaenau Gwent. This enabled The Taskforce provided a contribution them to map their work plans and of £2.4m to the Welsh Government’s supply chains to explore how the Foundational Economy Challenge Fund. power of their collective spend could This is an all-Wales initiative that has better benefit local suppliers and supported a series of experimental communities. The project allowed projects, trialling new approaches to them to engage with businesses strengthen the foundational economy. to tackle future needs, and work Funding was allocated to 27 Valleys to remove previously unidentified projects through the fund. A Community problems of ‘boom and bust’ demand. of Practice was also established to bring More significantly, the collaborative likeminded projects together, sharing work practices enabled by the grant experiences and helping to inform are now influencing wider policy, future policy. thanks to the insight that pooling budgets and work programmes can Organisations supported through the guarantee a steady pipeline of work Challenge Fund included: for smaller local suppliers. • Simply Do Ideas, which used its grant to test their digital platform that The Taskforce has also supported the supports challenge-led innovation – foundational economy by working with allowing SMEs to respond quickly and Public Services Boards and the Centre securely to real-time client briefs. for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) Working with Life Sciences Hub to explore how spending by public Wales, the project reported that more sector bodies could be adjusted to than £6m of PPE products were better benefit local economies. procured by the NHS from suppliers All Valleys-based Public Services engaged on the platform. Boards have signed up to this work. 10 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report What has the Taskforce achieved?

Entrepreneurship and business support The focus of this priority was These were intended to target new making more effective use of audiences and better meet the needs of Welsh Government resources, Valleys-based businesses. including Business Wales, to support entrepreneurs and the business Between April 2018 and October 2020, community across the Valleys. 4,082 Valleys-based entrepreneurs and businesses engaged with Business This activity was seen by those involved Wales. with the Valleys Taskforce as one of the most successful examples of They reported: cross-government working within the • the creation of 722 new enterprises programme. • the generation of 3,310 It involved adapting existing provision additional jobs to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and businesses more effectively – such as • exports of £83.4m in overseas trade. through delivering a Pitch It session for new start-ups and drop-in surgery An independent evaluation of Business sessions for local businesses. Wales in 2019 found that since the current service was introduced in A small number of pilot projects were 2015, new jobs created by supported also funded and delivered, such as the businesses in the area had created Peer-to-Peer Entrepreneurs Network gross value added (GVA) of almost and support for care businesses. £60m to the Valleys economy.

11 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report What has the Taskforce achieved?

Housing The Taskforce’s main achievement The Empty Homes Scheme has under this priority was the roll-out of resulted in direct benefits for those who the Rhondda Cynon Taf Empty Homes accessed grant funding to purchase and Scheme across the Valleys, bringing refurbish empty homes, as well as for vacant homes back into use. During the local suppliers who had the opportunity Talk Valleys Engagement programme, to obtain 2,000 hours of work per grant feedback from one focus group was: awarded. ‘There are empty buildings all over the place that aren’t being refurbished, Local communities have benefited while there are new houses being built from having fewer derelict properties, all the time.’ improving the appearance of the built environment. This represents a good example of how the Taskforce identified a successful The success of the scheme led to an project that addressed the needs of additional allocation of £2m in funding. local communities, and proved able to replicate it across the Valleys region. One successful grant applicant in The scheme brought together key Carmarthenshire says: partners from local authorities, the Welsh Government, registered social landlords and the Development Bank I was awarded £10,000 from of Wales to establish and implement the Empty Homes Scheme, roll-out. which was a huge help – I was able to get a new kitchen, and The Taskforce contributed £10m to the plaster the outside of my scheme, enabling each applicant to house, preventing damp. apply for a grant of up to £20,000, and by September 2020 it had received Without the grant I would more than 600 applications. never have been able to Under phase two of the grant, do this. applicants were able to apply for an additional £5,000 to support energy efficiency measures and the decarbonisation agenda.

12 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report What has the Taskforce achieved?

The Innovation Fund The main achievement of the To support the initiative, the charity Innovation Fund was to establish a Future First – which has more than new alumni scheme. Initially working 10 years’ experience of delivering with 10 secondary schools across the alumni schemes – has developed a Valleys, this initiative will develop a toolkit of guidance and resources that network of alumni volunteers to serve all secondary schools will be able as relatable role models for current to access. An important element of pupils – and by helping their former the project will be to explore how the schools, these alumni can contribute to scheme can be sustained beyond the their communities and share valuable lifespan of the Valleys Taskforce and experiences. rolled out across Wales.

Careers Wales was appointed to deliver Another initiative supported by the the project, and was allocated almost Innovation Fund is the Crucible project £70,000 to recruit at least 20 alumni for in Merthyr Tydfil, which aims to draw in each of the schools involved. Planning half a million visitors a year and create commenced during 2019, and, due to hundreds of new jobs. The Taskforce the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus has allocated £1.28m of funding shifted towards digital engagement with towards activity, including the production pupils, rather than face-to-face. of an archival study that will help create the blueprint for this landmark project in the north of the Valleys.

Transport This priority aimed to identify and drive A Valleys to Work pilot project was forward innovative transport solutions launched, providing two community that addressed community needs. minibuses so that people from the They included developing active travel Upper Rhondda Fach could travel to options, integrating public transport work in areas outside their immediate collaborating with Transport for Wales, locality, including Treforest and and maximising the economic benefits Llantrisant. of investments to improve the A465 Heads of the Valleys road. While this Take-up of the service was good. theme was well informed by community The first service was fully utilised views, delivery of these objectives was during its initial month of operation, as impeded by the effects of the COVID-19 it allowed people to travel to and from pandemic. work at a time when public transport was unavailable.

13 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report What has the Taskforce achieved?

Valleys Regional Park The idea behind the Valleys Regional The Valleys Regional Park team has Park was to unlock and maximise the gone on to secure European Social potential of the natural and cultural Fund (ESF) and Rural Development heritage of the Valleys, generating Programme (RDP) funding to support its social, economic and environmental future work. benefits. A key consideration in the next phase A delivery team was put in place, hosted of work will be the development of a by Bridgend County Borough Council, permanent operating model, ensuring to establish the Regional Park. Its initial the concept is sustained. tasks included developing a network of Discovery Gateway sites, starting the A Valleys Regional Park partnership Guardians scheme, and instigating pilot has been established, involving schemes – including one to introduce collaboration across 13 local authorities, co-working spaces. Most importantly, and an executive group, including it took steps to secure future funding members of both the Cardiff Capital for the Valleys Regional Park, so that Region and Swansea Bay City Deal. it could be sustained over a long-term An independent evaluation is being period. undertaken on the work of the Regional Park to assess the impact it has made The Valleys Taskforce provided £7m in so far. funding to enhance capital infrastructure across the 12 Discovery Gateway sites.

14 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Facts and figures

15 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Case Studies

The Foundational Economy Challenge Fund

This fund has supported a wide range of innovative projects. For example, Elite Paper Solutions showed how social enterprises could play an increasing role within the foundational economy, and how the fund could help to upskill disadvantaged individuals, developing a more diverse workforce.

Elite Paper Solutions is a social Another example, led by Rhondda enterprise based in Merthyr Tydfil, Housing Association with partners which helps individuals furthest from including Welcome to Our Woods and the labour market to gain employability the Treorchy Chamber of Trade, helped experiences and skills. It received a revitalise local high streets in Treorchy, Foundational Economy Challenge Fund Treherbert and Tonypandy. grant, enabling it to deliver larger-scale contracts in its area of work around A development officer was appointed document management storage and to support the work during what proved data shredding. to be a very difficult time for high- street retailers during the COVID-19 The grant was invested in capital pandemic. and revenue items, including the engagement of an employment advisor The project involved research with to help more people benefit from staff and contractors, followed by the the new opportunities that became implementation of new procurement available. policies and practices.

The enterprise increased its revenue by A key lesson from the project was that £90,000 through new contracts, leading the term ‘foundational economy’ did not to the recruitment of nine new staff resonate with individuals or businesses: members. Elite was also able to provide phrases such as ‘working with us’ and greater training and work experience ‘supporting local businesses’ were opportunities for disabled people, pupils better understood. with additional learning needs and long- term unemployed people.

16 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Case Studies

Peer-to-Peer Support Network

Business Wales delivered a peer-to-peer support network programme, including a series of monthly one-day network meetings, to 10 business leaders based within the Valleys. The meetings included guest speakers, action learning sessions and peer-to-peer clinics.

An independent evaluation found The evaluation concluded that the that participants rated the sessions network had effectively helped to positively. The network helped provide develop leadership capacity across the them with fresh perspectives, built their Taskforce area. confidence as leaders and made them more resilient in the face of business Positive effects on the businesses challenges. included the introduction of more professional structures and practices, The network was forced to meet tackling long-standing problems, virtually, due to the COVID-19 pandemic improving approaches to marketing and – something that hindered the delivery customer relations, and putting in place of interactive presentations and arrangements to facilitate grow. spontaneous discussions between participants.

The Access Programme

A £2.2m Welsh Government employability scheme has been delivered across the Taskforce region since October 2017, helping people to improve their employability skills and to secure work. By August 2020, the Access Programme had supported 2,969 unemployed adults.

The support, delivered in conjunction An independent report, Evaluation of with Career Wales, has included: the Access Programme: 2017 to 2019, found that the programme had been • a vocational training grant of up to delivered successfully, and that its multi- £1,500 to help individuals update agency approach worked effectively. their skills. A quarter of participants were found • support to remove barriers to to have secured good employment vocational training. outcomes, and the availability of • a contribution towards wages and vocational training grants played an help with training costs for recruiting important role in helping participants employers. find work.

17 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Case Studies

The Pitch It initiative

Be the Spark, Business Wales, the Development Bank for Wales, and Angels Invest Wales collaborated to arrange a Pitch It event for the Valleys area, drawing upon the successful delivery of a similar event in Cardiff.

The initiative provided an opportunity Businesses that did not secure for businesses to pitch for loan investment received feedback from funding from angel investors and the entrepreneurs and business investors. Development Bank. DogFuriendly was one of the successful A call to businesses in need of businesses, securing a £75,000 investment resulted in 80 expressions of investment to expand its online travel interest. After shortlisting, 15 businesses platform which helps owners find dog- were invited to a semi-final stage, with friendly places to visit across the UK. five progressing to the final. Support from a committed board of Two businesses secured loan funding, investors has proved a lifeline for while others took up the offer of the business during the COVID-19 mentoring support. pandemic, helping it to increase its community of users and work strategically with a greater range of partners.

18 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Case Studies

Better Jobs Closer to Home Pilots

The Taskforce launched four commercial pilots in response to the TUC Wales Better Jobs Closer to Home campaign. These used procurement legislation to help existing and new factories provide employment and training opportunities for disadvantaged people in the most deprived areas of Wales.

The four pilots, which resulted in the • establishing a paint re-engineering creation of 132 jobs, involved: plant in Rhondda Cynon Taf. This created new jobs and reduced • creating new jobs in Ebbw Vale, in embodied carbon in the construction the garment manufacturing sector. supply chain in Wales. This pilot appointed a social enterprise partner to operate a • increasing waste paper demand manufacturing unit. for Elite Paper Solutions in Pentre- Bach, Merthyr Tydfil. This created • providing full-time employment opportunities for people to gain vital for existing part-time staff at EBO work experience. Signs in Ebbw Vale – an existing social enterprise that employs disadvantaged people.

19 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Case Studies

Big Bocs Bwyd

Five schools across the Valleys area have been given access to a Big Bocs Bwyd – a converted shipping container where they can learn about food and grow their own produce. The initiative was funded via £100,000 from the Taskforce in partnership with the Valleys Regional Park, and was trialled in two schools in Barry before being extended across the Valleys.

Each container offers secure storage, The schools to benefit from the a shop facility, raised beds for growing Big Bocs Bwyd containers are: plants and a small group meeting space. Schools have been supported to • Cyfarthfa Park Primary School in maintain the facility, and are able to sell Merthyr any surplus goods on a ‘pay as you feel’ • St Margaret’s Catholic Primary School basis. in Aberdare Pupils involved with the scheme • Cwmfelin Primary School and Garth benefit from improved knowledge Primary School in Maesteg about growing and preparing food, and develop enterprise skills through • Ammanford Nursery School, Ysgol selling the products they have grown. Bro Banw and Ysgol Gymraeg Local families are able to access free or Rhydaman in Ammanford. cheap healthy food. Lee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, says: The benefits of the innovative Big Bocs Bwyd Project are clear to see. Developing greater food literacy among children is absolutely key to building confidence around how to process and cook different foods, and the learning resources on offer will help them to understand and appreciate the connections between food, nature and the economy. The project is also important in offering good produce to local families for free or at affordable prices, which will benefit their people’s health and wellbeing.

20 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Case Studies

Collaboration with the care sector

Through the Valleys Taskforce, the Welsh Government Health and Social Services Department and Business Wales collaborated to deliver a pilot project for social care providers based in the Valleys.

This aimed to support and improve Following the successful delivery of engagement with care homes and the pilot project, it was extended to two domiciliary care providers across other authority areas: Neath Port Talbot three local authority areas (Bridgend, and Cardiff. Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil). It has led to greater appreciation within The pilot, which also involved local Business Wales of the issues facing the authority social care commissioning social care sector, and helped further teams, the NHS and Care Inspectorate its understanding of how to successfully Wales, began with engagement events engage with social care businesses. to recruit care sector businesses.

There were follow-up diagnostic sessions involving these businesses and Business Wales advisors, and then a series of workshops on topics that had been identified as areas of concern, such as finance, budgets, tendering and human resource management.

The Integrated Responsive Transport (IRT) pilot project

This collaboration between Transport for Wales and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council will introduce a more flexible bus service across two routes within the county.

The project is intended to address Transport for Wales will fund the concerns about public transport that had initiative from its existing funds, and has been raised by community members recently awarded a contract for delivery during the Taskforce’s engagement of the service. exercise. This will allow passengers to request a service at virtual bus stops, allowing for pick-up or drop-off at places other than dedicated bus stops.

21 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Case Studies

Community Hubs

The Taskforce explored how to bring together a range of public services under one roof in community hubs. It worked with local authorities, the NHS and third sector organisations to identify where existing hub services had gaps in their provision.

Opportunities for supporting the One such community hub was community hub approach were mapped established in Ferndale, across Welsh Government departments. Rhondda Cynon Taf.

A series of networking events were The concept is also being taken up by held, enabling public sector and third Transport for Wales and the Valleys sector partners in the Valleys to share Regional Park, to provide places where good practice and to develop guidance members of the local community can for those wishing to develop new hubs. meet, access services or organise community events.

22 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Case Studies

Discovery Gateways

As part of the Valleys Regional Park, 12 country parks and heritage sites have been identified as Discovery Gateways. These have been provided with funding to maximise the potential of the area’s natural and cultural assets.

Improvements to the sites have included As well as becoming play areas and visitor centres, as well destinations in their own right, as walking and cycling trails. Examples Discovery Gateways have a include a £612,000 investment at Parc Bryn Bach, Tredegar. great opportunity to tell the stories of the Valleys and This has brought improvements to encourage local people the bunkhouse and visitor centre, the and visitors to explore the development of a new wooden play surrounding areas – including area, and better active travel routes to local towns and villages and link the park with local communities. the wider landscape. The sites are expected to work together, encouraging users of each Discovery Many local people reported that being Gateway to visit others. able to access local green spaces was important to their mental health Mark Drakeford MS, and resilience during the COVID-19 First Minister of Wales, says: lockdowns. The investment has also been used to develop a remote working hub with undercover outdoor meeting facilities, helping people benefit from the natural environment during the working day.

23 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Case Studies

Valleys Regional Park Guardians scheme

This scheme, delivered by a team of seven Guardians employed by Groundwork, aims to connect people with their local landscapes. The Guardians work with children, families, elderly people and other groups to get them involved in environmental volunteering, conservation work, wellbeing walks, bushcraft activities and the creation of community gardens.

A range of partner organisations She says: refer people to the scheme, including I’ve come to really enjoy my schools, GP clusters, housing time as part of the eco-group, associations, Jobcentre Plus, family meeting people and making centres, local councils for volunteer services and hospitals. new friends, getting out in the fresh air and gaining new Participants benefit from improved experiences. I have learned mental and physical health, greater many new skills – I can now confidence, increased pride in their local confidently use a drill, hand area and the chance to learn new skills saw and hammer. I love to see and qualifications. Local communities the community making full use benefit from the conservation and reparation work carried out by local of its new eco-garden, which teams. I’ve helped create’.

One participant became a volunteer after being furloughed from her job during the COVID-19 pandemic. She became involved with a local eco-project, and gained experience of growing vegetables and fruit, rearing chickens, making bird boxes and creating raised bed areas for bee- friendly plants and flowers.

24 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Case Studies

Transforming Towns

The Targeted Regeneration Investment (TRI) programme is a Welsh Government fund that provides investment to support strategic Welsh towns.

The Taskforce worked closely with local Of the 20 towns cited as suffering the authorities and Welsh Government worst effects of absolute deprivation, regeneration colleagues to develop 10 were in Wales and seven within the further projects that could be funded Valleys Taskforce area. across smaller Valleys town centres, complementing TRI investments. Examples of projects supported by this funding include: These additional projects across south- east Valleys authorities were funded via • grant support for businesses TRI underspend, with £2m allocated to across the region to undertake the developments. enhancements to their premises, such as in Clydach and Pontarddulais The Taskforce provided £700,000 in the Swansea local authority. across the small town centre projects identified in Carmarthenshire, Neath • provision of outdoor seating and Port Talbot and Swansea. meeting facilities at Nantymoel, Bridgend. The Taskforce was able to reallocate funding originally set aside to extend the • purchase of heavy-duty gazebos to TRI programme. It supplemented this host outdoor events and festivals, with funds that had been allocated to a such as across Neath Port Talbot. western Valleys transport pilot that had been unable to go ahead because of • development of accessible natural the impact of COVID-19. environment spaces, such as at Ogmore Vale Washery, Bridgend. As a result, £3m was allocated to Valleys town centres bearing the • digital infrastructure developments in greatest economic risk from the town centres, such as free access to pandemic. town centre wifi in Blaenau Gwent. This is in direct response to a recent study by the Centre for Towns, which identified the places across the UK at greatest risk of economic threat from COVID-19.

25 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Case Studies

Remote working hub pilot projects

The Taskforce has provided £344,494 to support the development of four remote working hub pilot projects across the Valleys region.

Two of these will be based in Rhondda The focus of these hubs is on the Cynon Taf and two in Caerphilly. benefits of incorporating nature into They will be located at: daily routines and wellbeing.

• Rhondda Housing Association, These facilities will be developed into Tonypandy spaces that can accommodate the • Llwynypia Courthouse, Tonypandy needs of professionals and small- business owners. In most cases, access • The Winding House, New Tredegar to private meeting rooms and café facilities will be available. • Ty Penallta, Ystrad Mynach The outcomes of this pilot will help A further £170,000 was provided to inform the approach to the Welsh develop remote working hubs at two Government’s long-term ambition to see of the Discovery Gateways, Parc Bryn around 30% of Welsh workers working Bach and Llyn Llech Owain. from or near home.

26 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Case Studies

Data Map Wales

The Taskforce collaborated successfully with other Welsh Government departments on the development of a digital map profile for the Valleys, using the data mapping tool Lle. It brought together disparate information from across the Valleys area on a variety of themes, helping the Taskforce visualise the differing needs of local communities on a single data-driven map.

The information mapped by the tool The map helped to build momentum included local authority areas, schools, for the development of Lle into a more medical practices, transport routes, comprehensive geo-portal, named Data enterprise zones and regionally Map Wales (DMW). important companies. This aims to provide a shared platform It also incorporated a wide range that will benefit a wider range of public of statistics such as unemployment bodies, helping them to publish, rates, school attainment levels and maintain and provide better public community safety. This data has access to the data they keep. Data Map helped the Taskforce understand where Wales has the potential to strengthen interventions were needed, where the services provided by the public they would have the most impact, and sector to communities all across Wales. how to identify and engage the right stakeholders.

27 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report What lessons have been learned?

The main lessons learned by the Valleys Taskforce from its own experiences will provide valuable help in informing future approaches:

• It is important to have strong political • Any cross-government programme leadership driving the programme must allocate time for engagement forward – internally within the with Welsh Government staff to raise Welsh Government, externally from its profile and improve understanding stakeholder organisations, and more of its objectives. This internal broadly from communities and people audience is as important as the within the Valleys. external one in ensuring commitment to common outcomes. • Having the right people on the Taskforce is key, and it is vital to have • Communicating the achievements the right balance between political of a cross-government programme members and individuals from a wide can be challenging. Distributing range of sectors. Members need to regular newsletters to stakeholders have the right expertise, and to be is an effective way of keeping people clear about the contribution they informed of the progress being made. can make. • An ambitious programme delivery • Initial engagement with (and plan needs to be appropriately commitment from) senior financially resourced. This relies on representatives across stakeholder engaging finance leads at an early organisations is critical. This needs stage of development. A pooled to be supported by meaningful budget for future cross-government collaboration with officers from these delivery would be worth exploring. stakeholder organisations, building on networks and relationships that already exist. • Successful public engagement must utilise existing networks effectively, and draw upon local authority representation at public meetings. It needs to be coordinated via a central unit to avoid duplicating effort.

28 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Independent feedback

Members of the Valleys Taskforce thought it important that any lessons gleaned from its experience should be captured and used to inform future approaches. As such, an independent review led by OB3 Research was commissioned by the Welsh Government. An online survey of stakeholders was also administered directly by the Welsh Government.

The review by OB3 concluded that In terms of the way of working, the there was a strong case for establishing review found that stakeholders a mechanism to address the long- thought: term socioeconomic issues facing the • governance arrangements had been Valleys, and that the Taskforce had the appropriate. The main strengths potential to deliver a different, tailored were identified as commitment from approach to improve the prosperity of strategic players, effective leadership these communities. from the chair and a transparent Having a region-wide remit helped to way of working. The programme provide a strong advocacy voice for could have benefited from a Valleys communities, in keeping with an simpler structure and greater formal increasingly location-based and regional community input to the ministerial approach to policy development and taskforce. programme delivery across Wales. • the programme board had functioned effectively, and had undertaken an The review also found that the Valleys effective monitoring role. Taskforce priorities and delivery plan were well informed by initial community • the working sub-groups that had engagement activities and feedback. functioned most effectively were those that were well attended by Stakeholders thought the Taskforce engaged members, and driven by had made good progress in bringing committed chairs. representatives from different organisations and policy strands • the lack of substantial capital and together, resulting in effective revenue funding had hampered the collaboration and co-production efforts. Taskforce’s efforts, and the Welsh Government’s operational team could Many of these collaborations were have been better resourced. found to involve cross-governmental working between different Welsh • the Taskforce had engaged effectively Government departments. Multiple with key stakeholder organisations examples were identified where from across a wide range of sectors Taskforce-led discussions had been and geographical areas, and able to influence existing mainstream strengthened connections between policies, approaches and funding them. decisions. • two sectors, health and education, and some existing regional structures (notably City Deals) had been less engaged with the Valleys Taskforce.

29 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Independent feedback

In terms of achievements, the • the Taskforce had a fairly limited review found that stakeholders direct impact upon the Valleys thought: communities. Positive impacts were thought to be mostly associated with • it was difficult to come to a firm view initiatives such as the Empty Homes about the progress made by the Scheme, Foundational Economy Taskforce, partly because it did not Challenge Fund projects and the have specific indicators in place to Valleys Regional Park. assess performance. • progress had been hampered by the The Welsh Government’s online impact of COVID-19 during 2020. survey of 37 stakeholders who This particularly affected Taskforce had been involved with the Valleys projects or ideas that were in their Taskforce* found that: infancy or under development at the • 46% thought the Taskforce had outset of the pandemic. targeted the right things, while 22% • the Taskforce had brought thought it had not. organisations together effectively, • 76% thought the work of the resulting in increased collaboration Taskforce had changed over the and co-production. This included course of their involvement, while cross-governmental working 24% thought it had not. between different Welsh Government departments. • 60% thought the Taskforce had led to better communication with others in • the Taskforce had acted effectively their priority area, while 5% thought it as a champion and advocate for the had not done so. Valleys. Several examples were cited where Taskforce-led discussions • 65% thought the Taskforce had had influenced existing mainstream led to increased opportunities for policies, approaches and funding partnership working, while 8% thought decisions. it had not. • initiatives supported by the Taskforce • 65% thought the Taskforce had sped had predominantly been small-scale up the things they had been involved and low impact, reflecting the limited with, while 8% did not think this had funding and capacity available. been the case. • the Empty Homes Grant Scheme and • 49% thought the projects they had the Valleys Regional Park were two of been involved with would not have the Taskforce’s most noteworthy and gone ahead without the Taskforce, successful projects being associated while 24% thought they would still with the Valleys Taskforce offered have gone ahead. existing initiatives and community groups increased traction and status. • 42% thought the Taskforce had This in turn led to increased interest made a difference to the Valleys and support from other organisations. communities, while 14% thought it had made no difference. * A proportion of respondents neither agreed nor disagreed with these statements.

30 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Reflections

Very few would argue against the need for additional intervention and support to address the issues facing the Valleys.

The Taskforce had this objective at its Not all of these were expected to heart. It set out to place the needs of succeed. Several potential pilot projects Valleys communities at the forefront of could not be turned into deliverables. policy development, using a new, cross- Others, such as the Empty Homes governmental approach. Individuals Grant Scheme and the Valleys Regional were committed to making the Taskforce Park, enjoyed greater success: they work, and ensuring it did not encounter were of sufficient scale to make a the same issues faced by previous difference to communities, and were short-term delivery programmes. highly regarded by stakeholders.

People have mixed views about the They will continue to exist independently success of the Valleys Taskforce. of the Valleys Taskforce, providing Many members of the public were further evidence of their value. simply unaware of its existence. This is perhaps not surprising, as the Taskforce The Taskforce has sought to influence focused much of its resources and and gain leverage over policies and effort on changing ways of working – interventions that were already in something that should lead to real and place, accelerating and amplifying sustainable changes in the future. The improvements for the Valleys. It has progress made during the final year, served as an important advocacy body, when the delivery of funded projects providing the Valleys with a sharper should have been at its highest, was focus on mainstream policy and service severely hampered by the effects of the delivery. COVID-19 pandemic.

The Valleys Taskforce has had an important role to play in piloting new approaches and ideas.

31 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report Reflections

It has helped with relationship These include: development, encouraging collaboration • ensuring the community is better and co-production, and it has helped represented within formal governance to reduce silo working across different structures. policy areas – particularly within the Welsh Government. • making sure the operational team is appropriately resourced to meet the There have been many strengths to programme’s objectives. the approach taken by the Valleys Taskforce. It was successful at eliciting • simplifying the governance structures community feedback about the priorities for overseeing delivery. it should take – responses that were then used effectively to inform the • making funding available from programme’s development. This the outset that is sufficient for the approach distinguished the Taskforce programme’s level of ambition. from its predecessor programmes. Nobody is denying that the There are many changes and south Wales Valleys continue improvements that could be taken on board to inform any similar programme to face many challenges, but in the future. the Taskforce has shown at least that the solutions to their problems lie within.

Lee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport (December 2020)

32 The Valleys Taskforce, 2016 – 2021: a final report The future

The current Valleys Taskforce programme ends in March 2021.

Options for the future regeneration Whatever is put in place after March and longer-term sustainability of the 2021, it is imperative that it builds on our south Wales Valleys are being actively commitment to the development of more discussed by Welsh Government economically resilient communities in ministers. the Valleys.

A provisional recommendation for future The Valleys Regional Park will delivery options to be considered by the continue after 2021, as it has secured incoming administration, with regard to European Social Fund (ESF) and affordability and alignment, has been Rural Development Programme (RDP) agreed. funding until 2023.

On meeting to consider this, members This will allow it to explore long- of the Taskforce felt strongly that term governance and find the most there must be a continued focus on appropriate operating model for a regeneration of the Valleys, with a Regional Park entity – including specific emphasis on the Northern consideration of whether the land (Heads of the Valleys) and Western should receive any special designation. Valleys areas.

The agreed recommendation is to retain a cross-government ministerial group to oversee the continuing regeneration of the Valleys for a transitional period, with the aim of greater responsibility being devolved to local delivery partners.