We are pleased to have this opportunity and, as the representative body for local authority Chief Executives in Wales, we hope to be involved in assisting the Committee going forward through the provision of evidence on key issues.

Having taken soundings amongst our membership, our suggested priorities are as follows:

· The potential for devolution from Welsh Government to local authorities with a view to strengthening local democracy and decision making. We believe that some study of such models in England might be interesting for the Committee. This could also encompass the role and value of town and community councils in community development, regeneration and resilience.

· National performance management and regulation of local government.

· A review of the impact of EU spending on the alleviation of poverty, work poverty and the consequences of welfare reform. Has the existing funding to date been effective, does it need to be replaced and if so how can the same outcomes be achieved without EU funding?

· An overarching review of the impact of not just Communities First, but also Families First, Flying Start,  and Supporting People. How can these funding steams be better aligned to allow flexibility, target more effectively and reduce the burden of bureaucracy on those delivering the programmes?

· A strategy for housing that recognises the absence of strong market drivers in some parts of Wales.

· The extent to which Wales has been successful in creating an inclusive society that genuinely makes people with protected characteristics feel welcome and engaged. What further steps does Wales need to take to deal with the increase in extremism and the growing tensions that this is causing with regard to immigration?

· Pre-legislative scrutiny of major pieces of legislation, particularly with a view to streamlining new legislation with existing legislation and ensuing that there is a consistent coherence with the principles of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.

I hope that this is helpful, we would be happy to be engaged in any further discussion on these topics if that would be of assistance to the Committee.