Senedd Cymru Welsh Parliament Pwyllgor yr Economi, Masnach a Materion Gwledig Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee Cyllid datblygu rhanbarthol wedi’r UE Post-EU regional development funding RDF04 Ymateb gan: Cymdeithas Mudiadau Gwirfoddol Gwent Evidence from: Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations

Helo / Hello,

I'm emailing to share my views in my capacity as a Community development officer at GAVO and also outside of this role in previous roles, including with BRG Community Cluster and South Riverside Community Development Center in Cardiff also.

How effective were EU Structural Funds at transforming the Welsh economy?

While working in and for South Riverside Community Development Center communities, First funding money was what helped keep me as a young person in Cardiff and then for several years after my return from Bristol and a short time in Canada. Most of my Welsh-born, highly educated, and driven friends have left Wales for England (largely London and Bristol) and others for Greece and The Netherlands. I believe that in my case, I may have left Wales earlier for somewhere like London or not returned here as often without those community programmes backed by EU funds running.

How effectively the different levels of governance in Wales are working together in relation to these (Levelling UP) funds?

In Newport, in my current role in GAVO, the Newport council has not communicated anything meaningful or opened up the Levelling Up funds to community organisations yet.

I have received communications from RCT Council about the funds at that regional level, but nothing of any meaning yet from Newport Council.

Regards

David Berry