Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what criteria was used to select the five areas in Wales set to receive funding through the Plan for Neighbourhoods.

These areas were identified based on a clear and transparent methodology, which considered a range of socio-economic factors, including:

• Indices of multiple deprivation
• Population size
• Healthy life expectancy
• Gross Value Added (GVA) per hour worked
• Skill levels

A detailed methodology note outlining the selection criteria is publicly available on the GOV.UK website.

The long-term Plan for Towns programme was not fully funded by the previous government. As part of its Plan for Neighbourhoods, this Government is committed to ensuring that each of the five selected towns in Wales will receive up to £20 million in funding and support over the next decade.

We will work in partnership with the Welsh Government on the Plan for Neighbourhoods to make sure it aligns with the Welsh Governments work to regenerate neighbourhoods. This funding will be used to revitalise high streets, enhance local parks, support libraries, cultural venues, and youth clubs, and invest in essential community services to create thriving, well-connected neighbourhoods.