18 January 2002
Addressing a conference on poverty organised by the Fabian Society and the New Policy Institute in London on January 15, Prescott said it was unacceptable that the poorest areas were often served by the worst public transport and schools and had the longest GP waiting lists.
Attacking what he called 'postcode poverty', Prescott pledged that government departments would henceforth be judged on their worst rather than average performance under a system of floor targets.
'Departments cannot ignore social inclusion any more,' he said. 'It is part of their everyday work. It is the day-to-day business of every secretary of state.'
PFjan2002
