Site breadcrumb trail...
THE POLICY FRAMEWORK
Policy Context for Local Authorities and Social Inclusion
The term "Social Inclusion" is a relatively new one; however the process of social inclusion is not new to local authorities. In fact, in its broadest definition, social inclusion is a central part of what local authorities are all about; local authorities play a key role in delivering programmes and services which contribute to the social, economic, cultural and political development of our society. In areas such as housing, waste management, democratic participation, planning, recreation and transport, local authorities deliver programmes which, on a daily basis, affect the quality of the lives of the people in their jurisdiction.
National policy initiatives clearly identifies a role for local authorities in the elimination of poverty at local level.
In recent years, there have been several national commitments to social inclusion/anti-poverty issues. This commitment is reflected among others in the publication of the National Anti-Poverty Strategy (NAPS), the subsequent Review of NAPS and the adoption of social inclusion as one of the four key objectives in the National Development Plan 2000-2006. Local government has an important role to play in the role out of NAPS at local level.
