PRESS RELEASE

COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

2 March 2009

SD 02/08/09

DEPARTMENT MUST DO BETTER WITH NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL

The Committee for Social Development has published a report which is critical of the Department’s implementation of the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy.

Committee Chairperson, Mr. David Simpson, MP MLA said, “The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy offers real opportunities to impact on people’s lives. If implemented effectively, the strategy will target deprivation and work to improve some of the poorest wards in Northern Ireland.

“The Department for Social Development has had the lead role in implementing Neighbourhood Renewal since 2003. Our report highlights that despite years of enabling work, the strategy has yet to deliver on all the promises made and expectations raised by Direct Rule Ministers.

“The Committee recognizes that significant work has been carried out by Neighbourhood Renewal Partnerships working in the heart of deprived communities. The report sets out that more and targeted support is desperately needed from the Department and other statutory partners to make a real difference”.

Mr. Simpson continued, “The Committee wants to see focused additional public service provision. That must mean effective support for social, economic, educational, health and physical resources for Neighbourhood Renewal Areas.

The report’s recommendations also include ring-fenced funding and the commitment of all stakeholders to work within new governance arrangements to achieve meaningful area-specific targets.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

An Executive Summary giving fuller details of the Committee’s findings is attached.

Committee Information:

Committee Membership: Mr David Simpson MP (DUP) (Chairperson); Mr David Hilditch (DUP) (Deputy Chairperson); Mr Billy Armstrong (UUP); Mr Mickey Brady (SF); Mr Thomas Burns (SDLP); Mr Jonathan Craig (DUP); Ms Anna Lo (ALL); Mr Alban Maginness (SDLP); Mr Fra McCann (SF); Ms Caral Ni Chuilin (SF); Miss Michelle McIlveen (DUP).

Media enquiries to:
Debra Savage ,
Press Office, Parliament Buildings, Belfast. BT4 3XX
Tel. 028 90521405 Mobile 07920 864221
Email: debra.savage@niassembly.gov.uk

Website archive.niassembly.gov.uk