The government’s Troubled families programme has helped to turn around the lives of 69,000 families, according to new figures published today.

Communities secretary Eric Pickles said the figures show 99% of targeted families are now being helped by local teams, with councils meeting payment-by-results criteria for more than 69,000 families. This includes tackling truancy, worklessness and anti-social behaviour.

Mr Pickles said: ‘The Troubled Families programme demonstrates exactly what our long-term economic plan means for people. New opportunities for families to turn their lives around and make something of themselves; more economic security for local communities blighted by worklessness; and more economic stability for taxpayers, as we reduce the bills for social failure and get this country living within its means.

‘It’s a triple-win; an amazing programme; and we’re going to extend its reach as far as possible.’

There is still nine months left to go for the three-year initiative, with 117,000 families identified as having multiple serious problems.