RESEARCH into how leaving the European Union could impact on community services in Wales is to be carried out.

The Welsh Government's local government and public services secretary Alun Davies has announced £150,000 is to be used to fund the research and plan for all possible eventualities.

The cash is being made available from the Welsh Government's European Transition Fund, which is intended to ensure Wales is fully prepared for Brexit.

The Welsh Government will work with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) to carry out the research.

Mr Davies said: “Whatever form of Brexit we end up with, leaving the EU will cause disruption. That is why we have been working hard to plan for all possible outcomes.

“As we approach Brexit, third sector bodies will also need to think carefully about how they respond to emerging changes and deliver vital services to our communities. We all want to ensure public services in Wales continue to deliver the highest possible standards to the people of Wales after we leave the EU and this funding can go some way towards that end.”

WCVA chief executive Ruth Marks said: "We’re really pleased to have secured this funding.

"There are lots of uncertainties around Brexit and the potential implications it presents for Wales’ most vulnerable groups and communities. This funding will help us better understand Wales’ reliance on the third sector to deliver essential community services and how withdrawing from the EU may impact on the services delivered to those communities most in need.”