Government claims success in tackling social exclusion

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