Social deprivation must be tackled at every level of government

Social deprivation must be tackled head on by all parts of Government Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said today.

The Minister was speaking during a visit to the West Belfast Partnership Board in Belfast. The visit included meetings with community representatives and a tour of community facilities.

Emphasising the need for a partnership approach to regeneration Margaret Ritchie said: “Improving the lives of people who live in deprived areas is not the sole preserve of one government department or Minister. It is a critical task that must be undertaken across government and in partnership with communities. This is a message I will continue to carry to my Executive colleagues.”

The Minister encouraged all those involved in regeneration to focus on improving the lives of people who live in deprived communities and not to be distracted by the frustrations associated with processes and systems.

Continuing Margaret Ritchie said: “The work currently being carried out jointly by my Department and the West Belfast Partnership Board clearly demonstrates that co-operation between government and communities can deliver great benefits and make a real difference to peoples’ lives. We need to foster this relationship to ensure that such good work can continue.

“The West Belfast Partnership Board are in a unique position to draw together the many strands that are necessary for the successful regeneration of this part of the City. I hope, and expect they will continue to show leadership within their community to support the development and delivery of regeneration in West Belfast.”

Notes to Editors:

1. DSD, through its Belfast Regeneration Office, provides core funding for the West Belfast Partnership Board as one of the five Belfast Area Partnerships charged with supporting government at a strategic level in the regeneration of Belfast. Core funding has been provided since 1996 and has recently been renewed until April 2009; the West Belfast Partnership will receive approximately £215,000 per year. The WBPB was established through an open consultation exercise in late 1996 and since then has been developing its own ideas and structure, through extensive consultation, as well as its strategy for regeneration of the area. Membership of the Board is composed of representatives from the political, community and private sectors as well as four government departments/Agencies who attend in observer capacity.
2. The Board’s aim is to deliver a successful strategy, widely accepted in the broader community, which improves the quality of life for West Belfast residents and which also contributes positively to the development of the city as a whole.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.