Liberal Democrats launch pilot to tackle deprivation (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

Liberal Democrats launch pilot to tackle deprivation

September 3, 2008 2:00 AM

The Liberal Democrats are instigating a project aimed at reducing deprivation in the Westfield Ward, with the aim of rolling out similar projects to tackle deprivation in other areas of York.

The pilot will tackle deprivation in the Kingsway West and Windsor Garth area of Westfield Ward, which is deemed "deprived" by the Government's Index of Multiple Deprivation which assesses income, employment, health, disability and education deprivation, and levels of crime, amongst other factors.

The pilot project will be led by City of York Council and involve a practical approach to tackling deprivation. A working group has been established to bring together agencies in the Westfield Ward, such as the Ward Committee, the police, North Yorkshire and York PCT, Future Prospects, and the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).

The pilot is expected to

- Implement campaigns for the take-up of benefits and free school meals

- Support people in debt and increase debt recovery services

- Help people find employment

- Increase healthy lifestyles through skills such as cooking on a budget

- Increase police visibility and awareness of the Capable Guardian scheme

- Improve the local environment

- Increase the presence of Future Prospects by recruiting an advisor to provide support for stress management, self development, training and skills and financial management

- Strengthen the work of the CAB in advising on finances and housing

- Set up a residents group trained in community development

- Distribute a quarterly local newsletter with details of the pilot's activities

The Liberal Democrats have also completed a doorstep survey across York, including in the Kingsway West area, in order to assess levels of deprivation and identify actions to tackle deprivation.

Westfield Councillor Steve Galloway said: "Westfield Ward is by no means a run down area, and the Government's assessment of this pilot area is based on outdated statistics from 2005, since when the Council has increased the take-up of benefits, modernised homes in the area and reduced crime. However, it is important to recognise that, whilst York is generally a relatively affluent city, there are areas with problems which it is important we tackle. Hopefully, through a range of agencies working together, this pilot will be successful in dealing with such problems."

Cllr Andrew Waller, Leader of City of York Council and Councillor for Westfield, added: "The Liberal Democrats want to improve the economic prosperity, lifestyle and skills of residents in York, and increase the opportunities of the most disadvantaged. This pilot is intended to help us do this, by tackling inequalities in the Westfield Ward and using this template to improve residents' quality of life across the city."

The first event of this pilot project will be held next Thursday, 11th September, at the Acomb Hotel, between 11am and 2pm. It will give local residents the opportunity to speak about any issues they may be facing regarding employment, finances and housing, to the organisations involved in the project - local councillors, council officers, the police, the PCT, Future Prospects and the Citizens Advice Bureau.