HC Deb 12 July 2000 vol 353 c604W
15. Mr. Edwards

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement about the Government's strategy to combat social exclusion. [128663]

Marjorie Mowlam

I can confirm that good progress is being made towards achieving the Government's targets on the four reports from the Social Exclusion Unit that have been published. These are on School Truancy and Exclusion, Rough Sleeping, Teenage Pregnancy and Bridging the Gap, which is about 16–18 year olds not in education, training and employment.

The SEU launched a consultation framework version of the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal in April. Over 18,000 copies of the consultation framework were disseminated. The consultation ended on 30 June. The SEU are currently reviewing responses and will set out an action plan for the National Strategy later this year.