Study shows progress in tackling deprivation

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A Scottish Executive study has shown progress in tackling deprivation in Renfrewshire.

The survey revealed that Renfrewshire's position had improved compared to other areas since the last survey in 2004. While an area of a few streets in Ferguslie housing 600 people was named as the most deprived in Scotland, Renfrewshire Council pointed out that significant investment and partnership working was already bringing progress in Ferguslie and other parts of Renfrewshire.

Councillor Iain McMillan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council's Housing, Environment and Community Safety Policy Board, said, "Overall, the study shows that Renfrewshire's position has improved comparative to other areas in recent years, particularly in relation to health. Regarding Ferguslie, the Council along with other agencies and community organisations have teamed up to make significant investment and bring in new approaches in the last couple of years to address the issues that matter to the community - employment, education, training, community safety, improving the environment and tackling deprivation.
"Our message to the community is that we're committed to bringing real and lasting improvements in the years ahead and that we're already starting to deliver. The practical results of those programmes to tackle current concerns and improve people's prospects aren't yet fully reflected in the statistics under discussion which date back to 2004/05.

"For example, in the last year, 349 people in Ferguslie have been helped into employment, education and training. £22million is going on community regeneration over the next three years. Other Renfrewshire programmes include £900,000 to promote financial inclusion, £1.7 million on an anti-social behaviour agreement including neighbourhood wardens. A new primary school will open in August 2007. Ferguslie has been the first area in Renfrewshire to have an estate management agreement where public agencies have agreed standards of service with the local community across a range of services. The physical appearance of the area has also been significantly improved through a number of environmental schemes.

"The benefits of those are already becoming apparent but it'll take several years for the full impact of those new programmes to fully work through. The causes of deprivation are deep-rooted and we're putting in place joint programmes to address all the complex issues involved."

Press release: Wednesday 18 October 2006