§ 23. Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the urban aid programme in tackling deprivation in Scotland.
§ Mr. AncramAssessement of the effectiveness of the urban programme is an ongoing exercise. A review of the criteria and priorities of the programme was undertaken in 1984. This did not alter the basic concept of the programme but led to improved effectiveness, including the tighter targeting of eligible areas to ensure that available resources are directed to the worst urban areas of multiple deprivation in Scotland.
The Scottish Development Department also undertakes an evaluation of a random sample of projects on an annual basis.