§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how people from all minority groups will be encouraged to play an active role in the New Deal for Communities; [124383]
(2) how the New Deal for Communities is affecting (a) Irish, (b) Jewish and (c) traveller communities. [124382]
§ Ms Beverley HughesOur guidance for the New Deal for Communities (NDC) places a particular emphasis on involving all elements of the local community from the outset.
We have issued specific guidance on race equality to NDC partnerships, which highlights the needs of 'White' minority groups such as gypsies (and other travellers), Jewish communities and others. It underlines the importance of including groups within a local community which are seen as different; and offers practical advice on how to ensure inclusion and celebrate diversity.
We assess proposals from NDC partnerships for evidence of capacity to work with, and involve, ethnic minority and other minority groups in the neighbourhood renewal process. For the early stages of Round 2 of the NDC programme, we have appointed 'community 67W mentors'—independent organisations whose role is to ensure a wide range of community involvement in the process from the start, and allocated funding to support that role. We also encourage partnerships to adopt approaches which build the capacity of different groups within the community to participate actively in the programme. Throughout the lifetime of the NDC, we will offer partnerships a range of support and advice, including help on maintaining the partnership of all sections of the local community.