§ Tom BrakeTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the role of transport in tackling social exclusion. [119455]
§ Yvette CooperGood transport provision that enables people to access the services they need when they need them is essential in promoting social inclusion.
This was highlighted in the recent Social Exclusion Unit report "Making the Connections: Final Report on Transport and Social Exclusion", which aims to tackle social exclusion by ensuring people can get to work and key services and to reduce the disproportionate impact of traffic on disadvantaged areas. This does not just involve improving transport but changing where and how services are delivered.
The report introduces a new framework—accessibility planning—to be led by transport authorities when preparing and implementing their second Local Transport Plans (due in 2005). This process aims to improve joint working between authorities and a range of other local partners in identifying and tackling accessibility problems.
This will be complemented by a comprehensive cross-Government programme to make it easier for people on low incomes to access work and key services.