Even where poverty is on the decrease as it is in the United Kingdom, there can be areas of deprivation where people are excluded from the benefits of that economic growth. This is unfair and divisive. It also represents a huge waste of economic and human potential. The issues are complex. Within each region we can often see prosperity alongside areas of poverty.
Different communities face different local problems.
The challenges facing inner cities, our rural communities and areas of industrial decline are shared between regions and not exclusively within one or a number of regions. We are tackling these problems through targeted schemes, to improve health, education, housing and employment in areas with particular need. We are taking a co-ordinated approach. That's why last week John Prescott published an Urban White Paper which sets out a strategy for revitalising our cities and towns. And why the Government will shortly be publishing a Rural White paper, setting out a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges faced by rural communities across the country.