PROJECT HAILED OVER BIG FALLS IN JOBLESS TOTALS (York Liberal Democrats)

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

PROJECT HAILED OVER BIG FALLS IN JOBLESS TOTALS

August 20, 2010 10:27 AM

Councillor Steve Galloway

A project aimed at helping increase employment in some of York's most deprived neighbourhoods is being hailed as a success after figures show a big fall in the number of people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance in the areas.

The Kingsway West Area Action Project was launched in 2008 as a pilot following the release of government statistics which put the Kingsway West area in the worst 10% for deprivation nationwide.

Earlier this year the project was expanded to the Foxwood and Chapelfields areas and work is ongoing to roll out the project in Clifton.

The project is run by City of York Council and involves a range of agencies working in partnership to provide support for people in the area including Future Prospects, the NHS, North Yorkshire Police, York Young People's Services and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Recent figures show that the multi-agency approach in the area is paying off as both the Kingsway West and Foxwood areas have beaten the city average for reducing the number of people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance.

Between April and July this year the Kingsway West area saw a fall of 21% in the number of claimants, while Chapelfields saw the number drop by 19%. This compares to a city average of 12%.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Steve Galloway welcomed the figures. He said, "This fall in the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance is a very welcome one. Clearly there are a number of factors that influence the unemployment figures but the Kingsway West Area Action Project is definitely having a big impact on the area."

"The project shows the difference that can be made to people's lives when agencies work closely together to provide an area with coordinated and targeted support."

"Whilst compared to other cities York has fewer inequalities than other areas, as a Council we are taking steps to make a difference in the parts of the city where according to national measures there are pockets of deprivation."

"This work is especially important given the economic climate and the difficulties many people are having getting through the recession."