The new Government and the future of Thriving Welsh Communities

A new government and Senedd brings a real opportunity- in the next 100 days, we can secure sustainable support for community-led action so communities can thrive, not just survive.

In these early post-election days, we reflect on the election campaign and outline how the new Welsh Government and Senedd can help to create an environment which appreciates and values community action, provides sustainable resourcing and supportive policies, and trusts people in communities to know and to do what is right for them.

How communities shaped the campaign

The words “community” or “communities” appeared in the manifestos of the six main political parties in Wales almost 400 times, suggesting clear and cross-party interest in this work. There was a welcome focus on enhancing the roles and rights of communities and their organisations, most notably in relation to community ownership rights.  In most cases, political parties made commitments to introducing specific legislation to strengthen this policy area.   

More importantly, issues like community ownership, funding and support for community organisations and the Cost-of-Living crisis were being discussed between local people and prospective politicians across Wales.  For example, two of our North Wales Community Anchor Development Programme organisations, Brighter Futures Rhyl and Cwmni Bro Ffestiniog, hosted local hustings.  

Nick Maher, Event Coordinator from Brighter Futures Rhyl, said: we were inspired to organise a local event targeted at voluntary organisations, charities and community groups. “We ran a 1 hour ‘Question Time’ format chaired by ITV correspondent Carol Green. Recognising that young people can sometimes feel disconnected from politics, we invited a small group to a side event where they grilled candidates on issues that matter most to them. The hustings were held bilingually to allow candidates and audience to contribute to the debate in their first language and was a remarkable success. With approximately 50 attendees, and 9 probing questions, candidates shared their vision for Wales in a lively and varied debate.”

Meanwhile in South Wales Invest Local Caerau and Gwynfi Miners teamed up to host a joint community hustings with FAN and Invest Local Ynysowen also holding community hustings. Liz Randall, from NPT CVS described the joint Afan/ Llynfi Valley hustings as “an excellent event that gave local residents the opportunity to question the candidates on key topics that impact everyday life in our valleys, such as transport, education, health, community and the Third Sector.”

What the parties promised

The majority of the six main political parties made clear commitments in their manifestos and in their conversations with community groups in support of strengthening community action in Wales. These included pledges from Welsh Labour, Plaid Cymru, the Wales Green Party and the Welsh Liberal Democrats to introduce a Community Right to Buy, with the Welsh Conservatives committing to introducing a Community Right to Bid, backed by a community ownership fund.  

Key steps to enhance community action

As the new Senedd and Welsh Government take shape, we believe there is a huge opportunity for both Government and members to work cross-party to realise the common ambitions and commitments made during the election. 

As a starting point we have identified three key steps they should take towards realising our vision of Wales where the indispensable work of community groups is recognised, respected and supported.

·       Embed the work of community organisations in all relevant policy areas, by developing a Communities Policy.

·       Introduce a Community Right to Buy assets, land or buildings at risk of loss, backed by a right of first refusal for assets coming on to the market.

·       Committing that all funding from the Welsh Government (and arms-length bodies) to the voluntary and community sector is payable in advance, ending a payment in arrears approach.

The Thriving Welsh Communities manifesto provides detailed recommendations as to how these steps can be achieved. The manifesto was built by communities, for communities. It’s the result of months of conversations, workshops, and collaboration with hundreds of people involved in community action across Wales, from Llanhilleth to Llangefni and Narberth to Shotton. What emerged is a powerful vision for a Wales where community-led action is recognised, respected, and supported.

Now it’s time for the new Senedd and Welsh Government to help us turn these proposals into reality. With the right support, community-led action can flourish, strengthening the social fabric of Wales and delivering lasting improvements in health, wellbeing, and economic resilience.