Empowering communities is an integral part of my vision for resilient communities, alongside a focus on early years and employability. Following the recent broad programme of engagement, I will be making a further statement on resilient communities in due course.

Under the Equality Act 2010, regulations were introduced in 2011 to help public bodies in Wales better fulfil the public sector equality duty. The specific duty on undertaking Equality impact assessments has significantly supported mainstreaming and improved decision making by ensuring equality and fairness are considered early in the process.

Youth work has great potential to enrich the lives of young people in Wales, whether it’s through the experiences it opens up for them or the support it offers. In addition to core funding from the Welsh Government to support the delivery of youth support services through the revenue settlement grant, we have provided an annual £2.756 million youth work strategy support grant to the statutory youth work sector. Cardiff’s allocation of this funding in 2016/17 was £313,134.

We are currently supporting credit unions in their drive to increase payroll membership, including working to attract private sector companies to join across Wales. This is a priority for credit unions on which they have asked for my support.

Following a Welsh Government investigation into the misuse of public funds, Welsh Government funding to NSA Afan has been terminated. Discussions are taking place with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council with a view to securing the ongoing provision of services to residents.

Improving access to high-quality, affordable childcare services across the whole of Wales, including west Wales remains a key Welsh Government priority.

All sectors must work together to ensure the well-being of communities. I have provided £4.4 million of funding this year for Third Sector Support Wales to work with partners, including local authorities, to ensure support is available to local third sector organisations. This includes help for good governance, volunteering and fundraising.