What is Communities First?
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The Welsh Assembly Governments Communities First Programme is aimed at tackling poverty and disadvantage in the 100 most
deprived communities in Wales, as stated in the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (2000). The Electoral Divisions (wards)
of Onllwyn and Seven Sisters sit in this index at 34th and 97th respectively. They are subsequently known as the Communities
First area of the Upper Dulais Valley. During 2001/02, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council (NPTCBC) implemented preliminary
work around Communities First in the Upper Dulais Valley, in conjunction with local voluntary organisations. This work involved
engaging with local residents to raise awareness of the Communities First Programme, forming ward Steering Groups and discussing
with people how they would like to see the process developed.
During the formation of the Partnership, several organisations across Neath Port Talbot, including NPTCBC, NPTCVS, NPTLHB
and Dulais Valley Partnership (DVP), met to discuss the Grant Recipient Bodys role and how, if possible, it could be provided
locally. The Grant Recipient Body is an organisation that receives the Communities First funding on behalf of the local Communities
First Partnership. These organisations need to have structures and records that comply in accordance to Welsh Assembly Government
Guidelines. After several meetings and discussions, it was agreed by all that the Dulais Valley Partnership would act as Grant
Recipient Body for Cwmdulais Uchaf Communities First Partnership. Throughout the past two years, the Partnership has passed
many developmental milestones including each partner signing up to a Partnership Agreement and protocol, and the endorsement
of a service level agreement, or relationship document if you like, between Cwmdulais Uchaf Communities First Partnership
and Dulais Valley Partnership as Grant Recipient Body. The relationship remains the same today.
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To visit the Communities First Home Page Click here |
