The Commission's evidence base

In preparing the report, the Commission collected a wide range of evidence.

In preparation for the Commission's work - and continually throughout the process - the lead academic ensured that the Commission drew upon the latest relevant qualitative and quantitative information from various government, academic and other organisations. These reports are referenced throughout the final report.

Written evidence

Before its formal launch in October 2007, the Commission issued a consultation paper to key stakeholders and made it available on the web. Over 40 written responses were received. (The consultation paper is still available.)

Oral evidence

Between October 2007 and April 2008, the Commission held several evidence sessions across rural Wales, alongside a series of conference calls, ad hoc meetings and a site visit. Six evidence sessions (for invited stakeholders, but with parts of the day open to the general public) were held in:

Aberystwyth
Bangor
Cardiff
Carmarthen
Welshpool

Two public consultation sessions were held in:

Aberystwyth
Llanrwst

These public sessions were kindly organised and facilitated by Community Development Cymru and TPAS Cymru, who further helped recruit a wide range of participants.

All together, these sessions allowed the Commission to meet and converse with:

more than 60 organisations;
several individual housing policymakers or practitioners;
more than 60 members of the general public.

The Commission would like to express its thanks to all those who kindly contributed to its work by providing written and/or oral evidence - without which this report would not have been possible.