I RECENTLY had the opportunity of speaking on the Annual Report on Equality which outlines progress made in meeting the equalities objectives set by the Welsh Government.

Although some progress has been made, there inevitably remains much more to do and I wish to highlight some of the areas where we need to take action to address serious problems of inequality.

Education, as we know, can be a route out of poverty for many disadvantaged groups.

Reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training is a key priority for the Welsh Government.

I welcome the fact that the proportion of pupils achieving five or more GCSEs at Grades A to C including maths and English or Welsh has increased from 47% in 2009 to 53% in 2013.

However, the attainment gap between groups of pupils has either remained pretty static or has, in some cases, increased.

Only 13 per cent of Gypsy/Roma children achieved the above qualifications and only 17 per cent of looked-after children or children with Special Educational Needs.

This Report states the Welsh Government is committed to supporting disabled people and to enable them to participate in society.

Disability Wales is doing great work in helping the Welsh Government meet this aim.

Indeed, speaking at its annual conference the Health Minister praised Disability Wales for its work on the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act.

It is surprising therefore that Disability Wales faces closure next year due to a cut of 68 per cent in its core funding.

I believe the Welsh Government should provide the necessary funding to enable to Disability Wales to continue to do its vital work in proving information and support to disabled people’s organisations and to influence policy on issues such as independent living and hate crime.

One of the key aims of this Government is to create a fair society, free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation, with cohesive and inclusive communities.

The draft budget cuts the communities and tackling poverty budget by £3 million in cash terms at a time of increasing hate crime and rising tension among the communities in Wales.

The minister must guarantee that cuts to this budget will not impact on efforts to build stronger and more cohesive communities in Wales.