Move to cut number claiming jobseekers' allowance hailed

A PROJECT aimed at helping increase employment in some of York's most deprived neighbourhoods is being hailed as a success after figures showed substantial reduction in the number of people claiming jobseekers' allowances.

The Kingsway West area action project began in 2008 as a pilot scheme following the release of government statistics which put the area in the country's worst 10 per cent for deprivation nationwide.

Earlier this year the project was expanded to the Foxwood and Chapelfields areas and work is continuing to roll out the project in Clifton.

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Between April and July, Kingsway West saw a fall of 21 per cent in the number of claimants, while Chapelfields saw the number drop by 19 per cent. This compares with a city average of 12 per cent

The project is run by York Council and involves a range of agencies working in partnership to provide support for people in the area including Future Prospects, the NHS, North Yorkshire Police, York Young People's Services and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Recent figures show the multi-agency approach in the area is paying off as both the Kingsway West and Foxwood areas have beaten the city average for reducing the number of people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Steve Galloway welcomed the figures. He said: "This fall in the number of people claiming jobseekers' allowance is a very welcome one. Clearly there are a number of factors that influence the unemployment figures but the Kingsway West area action project is definitely having a big impact on the area.

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"The project shows the difference that can be made to people's lives when agencies work closely together to provide an area with co-ordinated and targeted support."

"While compared to other cities York has fewer inequalities than other areas, as a council we are taking steps to make a difference in the parts of the city where according to national measures there are pockets of deprivation.

"This work is especially important given the economic climate and the difficulties many people are having getting through the recession."

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