§ John RobertsonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the future work programme of the social exclusion unit. [33734]
The Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of StateTackling social exclusion is a priority for this Government. We have put in place a twin track strategy to tackle low incomes and improve public services. The social exclusion unit was set up in 1997 to co-ordinate policy-making on specific crosscutting projects focusing190W on some of the most intractable social problems. The unit has completed five major projects on tackling rough sleeping, teenage pregnancy, truancy and school exclusions, neighbourhood renewal and 16 to 18-year-olds not in education. These have resulted in a total of 27 reports, of which six set out a full policy response from Government.
Over the next 12 months the social exclusion unit is planning to complete four projects on areas of cross cutting work. These areas are: reducing the rates of re-offending among ex-prisoners; developing a more effective system to prevent young people from running away and to help those that do; improving the educational achievement of children in care; and removing the transport barriers that prevent people accessing work and critical services.
The Prime Minister and I will take a view on any new project as the work programme develops.
The unit will also be working closely with the implementation units in other Government Departments to ensure that there is effective implementation of previous work carried out by the unit.
To support this work the social exclusion unit will communicate and consult with members of the public, the voluntary and the business sector, local government and key professionals regarding the Government's policies on social exclusion, and ensure that they receive accurate, up-to-date information about the work of the unit.