In response to the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee report into the Communities First scheme, Kirsty Davies-Warner, Head of Oxfam Cymru said;
“Over the last decade headline poverty rates in Wales haven’t changed at all, far too many families in Wales are struggling with simple tasks like paying their bills and putting a hot meal on the dinner table.
“The Communities First programme did help a number of people, but its changing role and targets mean it was never likely to succeed in lowering poverty levels – we need to learn the lessons, take the best practice but devise a different approach.
“We agree with the Committee that part of that plan should be a renewed Tackling Poverty Action Plan highlighting where and how Welsh Government can act to reduce levels of poverty in Wales and providing clear political leadership.”
ENDS