HL Deb 18 March 2003 vol 646 cc21-2WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are their plans to reduce the level of poverty in Hull. [HL2018]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)

Our commitment to tackling poverty and social exclusion throughout the United Kingdom is well known. In particular, we have made a clear pledge to abolish child poverty in a generation—and to halve it by 2010.

The fourth opportunity for all report (Cm 5598) set out the action we have taken to tackle poverty and social exclusion. Progress is monitored against a wide range of indicators.

In Hull and East Riding there is a comprehensive range of Sure Start programmes designed to give every child the best start in life by bringing early education, childcare, health and family support to young children living in disadvantaged areas. In addition, we have introduced a number of work focused initiatives, for example 19 training providers offering work based learning for adults and jobsearch programmes.