DUDLEY Council is set to miss out on the Government’s 2010 target to reduce teenage pregnancies.

The latest statistics show that despite attempts to cut teenage pregnancies they are rising across the borough.

The figures are above the national average and above the average for similar authorities to Dudley.

In 2005 46.6 girls per thousand fell pregnant compared to the national average of 42, in 2006 the rate had increased to 48.7 compared to the national average of 41.

However in 2007, which are the latest figures available, the rate jumped to 49.5.

For the council to hit its target for 2009/10 the rate will have to dramatically drop to 34.7.

Mark Wyatt, director of children’s services, said: “Our performance in this area is worse than that of statistical neighbours (similar councils) and the national average.

“We have made steady progress in reducing conceptions in the 16-18-year-old age group but conceptions amongst young people below the age of 16 is a serious concern.”

And he admitted the council is not on course to hit the Government 2010 target.

He said: “Our present rate of overall progress means that it is unlikely that we will meet our Government office target of a 50 per cent reduction in teenage conceptions by 2010.

“However, every effort is being made to improve the reduction rate.”

However, Mr Wyatt explained the council is implementing plans to reduce the rate.

He said: “We have an action plan in place that involves extensive partnership with colleagues in schools, colleges, the PCT and other agencies.

“A key element of the plan is to make adolescent sexual health services more accessible to young people.”

The figures which were revealed in Mark Wyatt’s Report of the Director of Children’s Services to Dudley Council’s Select Committee on Children’s Services.

A Dudley council spokesman said the council are using the latest methods trying to cut down pregnancies.

He said: "Reducing teenage pregnancies is a priority for Dudley Council.

"Since 1998 there has been a 10 per cent decline in teenage conceptions and the council and its partners aim to reduce this further through a number of preventative projects.”

He added: "Projects include advice and guidance drop-in centres in partnership with local colleges and youth centres which offer young people sexual health advice and free contraception, a text service where young people can find clinics which provide free contraception and improving access to information.

"We also offer support to teenage parents through encouraging them back into education, employment and training."