'Fair share' cash targets tensions

THE Government will today promise 20m for working class neighbourhoods next year and pledge a “fair share” in a bid to tackle grievances fuelling support for the BNP.

Communities Secretary John Denham will promise money to another 49 neighbourhoods – on top of more than 100 areas which have already benefited – on a visit to Barnsley.

The Connecting Communities fund is part of Labour’s drive to show they are “on people’s side” and particularly targets traditional working class areas hit by the recession with high unemployment and anti-social behaviour but low skills and community tensions.

The money will fund action plans to tackle problems in the area and training for members of the community to speak up for their neighbourhood.

Mr Denham said: “The over-riding principle of Connecting Communities is fairness – giving people a fair say, have a fair share of Government investment, and receive a fair deal from Government policy. It is all about making sure that people know that the Government is on their side, wherever they live. No favours, no privileges. No special interest groups. Just fairness.”