Social Inclusion: Rural Areas

Miss McIntosh
10. To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what recent representations he has received on social inclusion in rural areas; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Byrne
Ministers receive representations on social inclusion in rural areas as part of their day to day work.

The Government's Strong Rural Communities Programme supports people living in rural areas to achieve the same kinds of outcomes we want for all citizens—good health, decent homes, high quality education, and access to work.

In addition, every local authority in both rural and urban locations will report on outcomes for disadvantaged groups, as part of our public service agreement for socially excluded adults.