Ms Adeline O'Brien:

In summary, there have been a lot of asks today but what we are substantially looking at is valuing the infrastructure of local development that is in place. As has been outlined, there is an infrastructure in place, the tentacles of which reach into every single small area of the country. There is an infrastructure that is able to deliver at scale and there is a possibility to dial up and dial down. We have seen the breadth and range of local services we are providing in each and every community. We are well positioned to take on national issues that are affecting large numbers of people across the country, looking at national policy, deciphering that and addressing how it can be best delivered in each local community and area, based on the individual needs that are identified in local areas.

We spoke about agility in terms of the pandemic. The fact is that we are all governed by voluntary boards; we are a not-for-profit local and community-based organisation that has the potential for a national response to all issues affecting people in their community. It is about ensuring the sustainability of the sector and the infrastructure of the local development network.