§ Harry CohenTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he intends to take to enhance the delivery of Government measures to tackle social exclusion in deprived and low-income areas; and if he will make a statement. [31255]
§ Ms KeebleI have been asked to reply.
The Prime Minister launched "A New Commitment to Neighbourhood Renewal National Strategy Action Plan" in January 2001. The national strategy is a long-term initiative which aims to deliver neighbourhood renewal—the process of delivering real change to England's most deprived neighbourhoods. The Government's vision is reflected in their long-term goal: to narrow the gap between deprived neighbourhoods and the rest, so that within 10 to 20 years, no-one should be seriously disadvantaged by where they live. It aims to deliver this by enhancing the delivery of economic prosperity, safe communities, high quality schools, decent housing, and better health to the poorest parts of the country.
533WThe national strategy requires a change in the way we approach main Government programmes to ensure they focus on deprived areas. The strategy is being spearheaded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit, a cross-cutting unit based in DTLR and staffed by officials from across Whitehall and the public sector, with secondees from the private and voluntary sectors.