SCRAPPING an anti-poverty programme supporting 14 areas of Gwent is “pulling the rug out from under the poorest communities”, it has been claimed.

Today, the Welsh Government’s communities and children secretary Carl Sargeant confirmed plans to abolish Communities First announced in October would go ahead.

Although the Labour secretary said the scheme had not been as effective as it was hoped, Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said it was the poorest communities which would suffer.

Mr Sargeant said: “While it is clear that Communities First was successful in its impact on many individuals, it has not had an impact on overall poverty levels in these communities, which remain stubbornly high.”

But Ms Wood slammed the plan, calling the lack of a replacement scheme “absolutely scandalous”.

“What he is doing is pulling the rug out from under the poorest communities,” she said.

Mr Sargeant refuted her claims, saying local authorities and residents would be given greater control.

He said the programme, which was launched in 2001 and focused on 52 ‘clusters’, including four each in Newport, Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly, and two in Torfaen, would be funded at 70 per cent of previous levels until March 2018, when a fund of £6 million a year would be set up to allow some elements of it to continue.

He added £12 million a year would also be offered to support job seekers.

“Change is never easy,” he said.

“But we cannot ignore the combination of new and deep-rooted challenges we face.

“We must have the courage to find fresh ways to respond.”

Also speaking during the debate Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle said it was important progress carried out as part of Communities First was not lost, saying: “It is absolutely crucial we do not throw the baby out with the bathwater.”