§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to reduce poverty in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [3149]
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§ Mr. Win GriffithsThe Government are determined to tackle the underlying causes of poverty in Wales, working with local government, business and the voluntary sector. In addition to wider measures to reform the benefits system and our policies on welfare to work, which will address both youth and adult unemployment and target areas of high unemployment, developments will include encouragement of regeneration programmes for the communities in greatest need: a Bill to release capital receipts to allow the building of new houses and the rehabilitation of old ones; targeting areas of low educational achievement; new approaches to childcare; approaches to improving health which recognise the impact of poverty; and promoting the involvement of local communities in identifying their needs and developing strategies to address them.