Overview

Miller Research was commissioned by the Welsh Government to evaluate the Repair and Reuse Activities funded through the Circular Economy Fund between 2019–20 and 2024–25. The evaluation explored the social, environmental and economic impacts of funded activities, alongside their cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

The programme supported a wide range of initiatives across Wales, including reuse hubs, repair cafés, Libraries of Things, and network organisations such as Repair Café Wales and Benthyg Cymru.

Approach

The evaluation followed HM Treasury Magenta Book guidance and used a mixed-methods design. This included a desk-based review of funding and monitoring data, development of a Theory of Change, interviews with local authorities, delivery partners, organisers, volunteers and users, surveys of service users and the general public, focus groups, spatial analysis, and in-depth case studies.

Given variations in delivery models and limitations in monitoring data, the research took a flexible and pragmatic approach to evidence gathering, combining qualitative insight with available quantitative data.

Key findings

The evaluation found that Repair and Reuse Activities deliver a range of emerging social benefits, including improved wellbeing, reduced isolation, skills development and increased community cohesion. Environmental benefits included waste diversion and avoided carbon emissions, while economic benefits included user cost savings, volunteering pathways and, in some cases, financially self-sustaining reuse operations.

The research also identified key factors influencing impact and sustainability, including location, business models, public awareness and the role of national networks.

Impact

The findings provide Welsh Government with an evidence base to inform future investment in repair and reuse, including recommendations to improve monitoring, clarify intended outcomes and strengthen the long-term resilience of the sector.