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The government’s policy for tackling social exclusion has made a significant contribution towards improving the lives of vulnerable people, according to a report published by the Social Exclusion Unit, writes Clare Jerrom.

‘Breaking the Cycle’ highlights that 1.8 million people have been brought into work since 1997 and there has been a 70 per cent reduction in rough sleeping.

The government has also increased financial support for children by £10 billion since it came to power in 1997, in a bid to invest in children to break the cycle of disadvantage.

Minister for social exclusion Jeff Rooker said the government was proud of its record to date, but recognised that more work was needed, particularly to target the hardest to reach.

“The Social Exclusion Unit’s new work programme will consider how public services, in areas like education, health and housing, could deliver more effectively for the people currently missing out,” he added.

The Unit has been asked to focus on disadvantaged adults, including people from some disadvantaged ethnic minority groups, people with poor basic skills and those with mental health problems.

In addition, the SEU will target young adults with troubled lives, excluded older people and the people and communities affected by frequently moving home.

A 12-month programme will also be carried out in a bid to prevent technology worsening social exclusion.

‘Breaking the Cycle’ from www.socialexclusion.gov.uk