Today in Parliament, the Education Select Committee questioned Children and Families Minister Nadhim Zahawi MP on the Government’s Opportunity Areas (OA) programme.
The programme was announced in 2016 with the objective of providing additional support in disadvantaged areas to improve outcomes for young people. It also aims to learn what works in the 12 OA areas and spread effective practice.
Local MP, Lucy Allan questioned the Minister on how areas were chosen, funding arrangements and how success is being measured.
Lucy Allan said:
“It was important to ask the Minister about the criteria for chosen opportunity areas as we are seeing areas with pockets of significant deprivation including Telford, which aren’t being identified as an OA and therefore are not receiving extra help.
“It is vital that the Government directs support to areas of need.”
