Citizens Assembly Shaping the Blaenau Gwent Deal
Working together to shape our future
The Blaenau Gwent Deal is helping to drive a wider conversation about how we work better together in the future.
This work focuses on listening to local people and making sure their views and involvement helps shape what happens next in their communities.
Why your voice matters
Blaenau Gwent faces challenges, including increasing demand for support and limited resources.
But one thing is clear — our communities are strong. People already look out for each other, get involved locally, and care about where they live.
That’s why it’s so important to build on this and make sure residents are part of the conversation. This means:
- Being asked for your views early on
- Having more chances to get involved
- Making sure decisions reflect what matters to you
Designed by residents, for Blaenau Gwent
A central part of the Deal (find out more at: Blaenau Gwent CBC) has been the Citizens Assembly – a group of randomly selected residents that reflects the diversity of Blaenau Gwent.
Assembly members:
- Met over three sessions
- Shared lived experience, priorities and ideas
- Explored how the Deal could work in practice
- Developed a set of guiding principles for the future
What came out of this were a set of priorities, created by residents, to help guide how things could be done differently going forward. This has been unanimously welcomed by councillors.
The 7 Principles shaping the Blaenau Gwent Deal
The Deal will be guided by seven resident‑designed principles:
More public involvement in shaping the place
Making sure residents are involved early, meaningfully and continuously.Fostering volunteering and community leadership
Supporting people to take part, lead and contribute locally.Community hubs
Creating welcoming spaces for connection, support and information.Shared power through joint effort
Strengthening cooperation between communities, the Council and partners.Pride and potential for the future
Celebrating what’s good about Blaenau Gwent and helping people thrive.Recreating thriving town centres
Revitalising town centres as vibrant, lived‑in community spaces.Learning and listening
Recognising that improvement is ongoing and built through collaboration.
An example of the Deal in action
In Cwm, local residents and the Council are already working together in new ways through the Cwm Flood Task Force.
After severe flooding, residents came together to support their community. They have been trained, set up a community emergency hub, shared equipment, and worked together with the council to prevent future flooding.
This shows what the Blaenau Gwent Deal is about – local people and the Council working as partners, sharing skills, responsibility and trust to make communities safer and stronger.
How you can get involved
The Deal only works if residents are involved. You can:
- Share your views
- Join local groups or volunteer
- Take part in future assemblies and consultations
- Help shape projects in your area
All of this can be found on our homepage.
Everyone has a part to play in Blaenau Gwent’s future.
Your Examples of 'The Deal' in Action
Share ideas - Ask questions - Get involved.
Across Blaenau Gwent, people are already working together in ways that reflect the Blaenau Gwent Deal.
This forum is a place to:
- Share inspiring examples of people working together
- Learn from what others are doing
- Ask questions
- Find out how you can get involved
See something you like? Comment, ask how it started, or find out how to take part.
What can I post about?
You can post about:
- A community group or local project
- Neighbours helping each other
- Volunteering or community leadership
- Working with services or the Council
- An idea that made your area better
Big or small — every example matters.
- There are no stories to display. Why don't you share one?
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"I hope The Deal will create stronger communities, drive improvements in the area, and provide a happier and friendlier place to live."
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"I hope the Deal achieves a new outlook on the future. Thinking differently of our communities and changing the industries we used to have into something new."
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"I hope the Deal regernerates communities pride and prospects, makes use of Gwent's natural environment for location job attracting from big companies and attracting events, healthier prospects and community pride."
