This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Ministerial comment on deprivation indices
27/02/2003
A new report concerning the measurement of relative deprivation - Scottish Indices of Deprivation 2003 - was published today.
Deputy Social Justice Minister Des McNulty said:
"This research is important for many reasons, not least because it will inform our continued fight against poverty.
"It highlights what we already know - that there are still some communities that do not adequately share in our nation's prosperity. That is why the Executive has put closing the opportunity gap at the heart of everything we do. And our actions are making a difference.
"Working closely with communities and other key public service providers we have developed policies which are tackling poverty, creating safe, strong communities and helping all Scots, regardless of their background or postcode, realise their full potential.
"Work is the key to improving opportunities. I am particularly pleased that since 1999 the unemployment rate in Scotland's most deprived areas has dropped significantly - and local communities are feeling the benefits of the wide range of initiatives we have put in place to help people into work, to improve their qualifications and to increase levels of education attainment.
"Other indicators, such as health are showing improvement. Deaths from coronary heart disease are falling, as are deaths from cancer and stroke.
"The additional investment we have put into hospitals, more doctors and health care workers, and efforts to deal with issues such as diet, exercise, substance misuse and other health issues will pave the way to further progress.
"And in Glasgow, home to some of the country's most deprived wards, we have made significant investment in regeneration. Since 1999 the Executive has allocated around £110 million for Glasgow City Council to tackle deprivation. This includes money for Social Inclusion Partnerships (SIPs) and Better Neighbourhood Services Fund (BNSF).
"We recognise that the wards identified need the most help. This is why our expenditure is targeting those areas - and is making a difference for the people living in those communities."