FUNDING for a public services project is being increased by £4 million so it can expand to include the third sector, Minister for Local Government and Communities, Carl Sargeant has said.

The additional European funding will enable WCVA and county voluntary councils to strengthen the third sector's involvement in West Wales and the valleys with local service boards, Communities First Partnerships and Welsh Local Government Association.

A total of £17 million will now be available via the project, which is backed by the Welsh Government and more than £10 million from the European Social Fund (ESF).

Mr Sargeant said: "I welcome the financial boost for this project. It means that the third sector will be able to work with us even more closely to deliver effective and efficient public services that meet the needs of the people of Wales.

"There are 22 projects already delivering with and for the people of Wales, and by strengthening and focusing the involvement of the third sector I'm sure that we can take even bigger strides."