HC Deb 10 April 2000 vol 348 cc5-6
3. Mr. Phil Hope (Corby)

If he will make a statement on the work of the active community unit. [116787]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Paul Boateng)

The active community unit, which works across Departments with the voluntary, statutory and business sectors, aims to encourage a step change and an increase in people's involvement in their communities. It focuses on three areas: raising people's awareness of the benefits of community activity and volunteering, making it easier for them to volunteer, and ensuring that the structures and opportunities are available to allow people to give their time as suits them best.

Mr. Hope

Does my right hon. Friend agree that community regeneration is not just about renewing the fabric of a community—its housing, schools and estates—but about actively involving people in those decisions and in how their community works? Will he visit my constituency in east Northamptonshire to see the work of the Corby volunteer bureau, the volunteer centre in Thrapston and volunteer action in Oundle? They have recruited people—young and old and from all walks of life—into voluntary activity in urban and rural areas. They actively take part in their communities. Will he come to Corby and see how we can make a difference if we promote these policies?

Mr. Boateng

I would be delighted to visit the volunteer bureau in Corby; my officials have already met the manager. It links people with local volunteering opportunities, making the link between rural and urban areas and, importantly, between the older and the younger generation. That is the way to revitalise and refurbish the sense of community that is vital to create successful communities.

Mr. Patrick McLoughlin (West Derbyshire)

How many people are employed in the unit?

Mr. Boateng

I shall drop the hon. Gentleman a line, but I can tell him that the 100 or so people employed in the unit—[Interruption.]—I shall give the hon. Gentleman the exact figure later. I can tell him that those people are all gainfully employed and doing a very good job, which is more than can sometimes be said for the hon. Gentleman.