HC Deb 13 July 1978 vol 953 cc745-6W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total sum applied for in all the applications for grant aid under urban programme circular no. 17; and what was the total sum actually granted.

Mr. Shore

Applications from non-partnership authorities for urban grant amounted to £23.2 million; approvals totalled £10.1 million. The total value of applications from the seven partnerships is not available, but approximately 586 projects have been approved, totalling £15.5 million. These figures are resource totals. The expenditure will attract 75 per cent. grant.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many applications for separate projects were made for funding under urban programme circular no. 17; and how many were successful.

Mr. Shore

Non-partnership authorities submitted 1,022 applications for separate projects for funding under the circular, and 396 were approved. The total number of applications made by the seven Partnerships is not available, but some 586 projects have been approved.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will specify the principles of selection on which projects were chosen for grant aid under urban programme circular no. 17.

Mr. Shore

As explained in the circular, the urban programme is intended to supplement the main programmes of

more people were resident including a married couple, in England and Wales in 1951, 1961, 1966, 1971, and the most recent subsequent estimate.

Mr. Armstrong

Following is the available information:

central and local government by providing, in the most deprived areas of out towns and cities, facilities which

  1. (a) encourage local authorities to tackle special problems requiring the coordinated efforts of several local authority departments and/or other agencies;
  2. (b) encourage innovation leading to the adaptation of the main programmes;
  3. (c) unlock community initiatives.

The funds available have invariably been oversubscribed, and projects are selected on the basis of these considerations, the capital and running costs of projects, the advice where appropriate of the co-sponsoring Government Departments, and the priority attached to projects by the local authorities.