Area Based Initiative (ABI) Forum
NEWS RELEASE
| 7 November 2001 |
CAB 176/01
|
MAKING AREA BASED INITATIVES WORK FOR COMMUNITIES
A comprehensive Government review to improve the co-ordination of existing
area-based initiatives was announced today at a conference celebrating the
launch of the new Area Based Initiative Forum.
Speaking to representatives from central and local government, community and voluntary groups and business, Cabinet Office Minister Barbara Roche said:
"Area based initiatives are often necessary and can make a real impact.
They allow for the introduction of new ideas and for deep-seated problems
to be tackled. Yet they seldom represent a long-term solution. Too often a
lack of integration between Departments has contributed to the fragmentation
and separation of initiatives.
This review, by consulting widely across central and local Government, will
provide a major new opportunity to examine existing provision and improve
delivery on the ground."
The review and the Area Based Initiative Forum have been set up by the Regional Co-ordination Unit (RCU) based in the Cabinet Office following their Action Plan in October 2000. This recognised the need for new mechanisms to encourage the better co-ordination of area based initiatives. The new location of the RCU in Cabinet Office means that it is well placed to implement these recommendations.
Welcoming the launch of the Forum, the Minister said
"I want the ABI Forum to provide a number of benefits. To help the way that area based initiatives influence main programmes; to help local authorities and community and voluntary groups to exchange ideas and best practice about area based initiatives; to influence other agencies; to co-ordinate activity; and ultimately to share information.
"I hope that everyone will feel able to take advantage of this new opportunity for dialogue and that we hear all the voices in the debate."
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. The Minister was speaking at a conference at Church House, Westminster of delegates from central and local government, community and voluntary groups and business.
2. The Regional Co-ordination Unit (RCU) is responsible for managing the Forum,
which will include a seminar programme, other networking events and an electronic
network. Further details on the Forum and how to join are available at: www.rcu.gov.uk/abi/forum
3. The Regional Co-ordination Unit was established in April 2000 following a Performance and Innovation Unit report "Reaching Out" which had examined the role of central Government at regional and local level. The RCU is inter-departmental in scope, and is located in the Deputy Prime Minister's Office within the Cabinet Office.
4. The RCU Action Plan was published in October 2000. It is available, together
with the guidance on the co-ordination of areas based initiatives and the
Framework document for the review area based initiatives at: www.rcu.gov.uk
The plan put in place new mechanisms for the better co-ordination of area
based initiatives. This included the formation of an expert advisory panel
to provide an additional body of expertise to support the work of the RCU.
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