WOODFORD GREEN: IDS calls for scrutiny on programmes tackling social issues (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WOODFORD GREEN: IDS calls for scrutiny on programmes tackling social issues

10:39am Tuesday 9th February 2010 in

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FORMER Tory leader and Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith has called for independent scrutiny on programmes to address social problems like teenage pregnancy and joblessness.

He has proposed an independent Social Return on Investment body, based on one in Washington state in the US.

The Washington body can veto programmes it believes will not save money in the state as well as changing lives across a five-year timespan.

Iain Duncan Smith's think-tank, the Centre for Social Justice, is now set to come up with proposals for a similar organisation in the UK to examine programmes already in place as well as looking at plans for the future.

The proposals are aimed at saving money on programmes to tackle social problems and also ensuring they are effective.

Mr Duncan Smith has said he believes taking the "Washington approach" could achieve this.

He added that teenage pregnancy levels, as well as drug and alcohol consumption, remain among the highest in the world despite current programmes aimed at dealing with them.

The Social Return on Investment proposal is central to a scheme of work for the Centre for Social Justice proposed by Mr Duncan Smith.

It is also looking into bringing back competitive sport in state schools in a bid to keep inner-city youngster away from crime and drug-taking.