Preface by the Secretary of State

Last year the Partnership for Equality White Paper set out our vision for a vigorous and effective New Targeting Social Need policy. Like my predecessor, Mo Mowlam, I am firmly committed to New TSN. Together with my Ministers, I am determined to ensure that it is implemented successfully.

This first Annual Report summarises progress on New TSN since last year. It includes draft Action Plans showing how we propose to turn our vision into practice, improving the lives of people in Northern Ireland in practical ways. This means:

• increasing job opportunities where they are most needed
  
  
• helping people gain the knowledge and skills to make the best of their opportunities for employment
  
  
• regenerating disadvantaged communities
  
  
• helping disadvantaged children and young people so that they have the best possible start in life.

To be effective, New TSN must be informed by the views and experience of those who are disadvantaged and of the many organisations in Northern Ireland which defend their interests. The Plans will not be finalised until people and groups outside the Government have had a chance to comment on them. We want to know people’s views on how effective the draft Plans would be in tackling disadvantage – and how they might be improved.

This report shows how future progress will be tracked to ensure that the actions and targets set out in the Plans are met. In implementing New TSN, there will be transparency and accountability.

I look forward to next year’s Report which will show the advances made towards realising the New TSN vision.

RT HON PETER MANDELSON MP
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND