HC Deb 12 May 1994 vol 243 cc208-9W
Mrs. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he will be taking nationally and regionally to ensure that a target proportion of the single regeneration budget is used to support (a) voluntary sector run projects and (b) black and ethnic minority projects.

Mr. Baldry

The single regeneration budget is intended to be a locally responsive source of funding for regeneration. There is therefore no fixed, centrally determined quota or target for the support of particular activities.

The bidding guidance for the single regeneration budget makes clear that one of its objectives is to promote initiatives of benefit to ethnic minorities and that bids should also aim to harness the talents and resources of the voluntary sector and volunteers and involve local communities".

Mrs. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what decision he has made on how single regeneration budgets will be assessed in terms of the level of involvement and partnership with the voluntary sector.

Mr. Baldry

The bidding guidance for the single regeneration budget, released on 14 April, copies of which are in the Library of the House, says that bids shouldaim to harness the talents and resources of the voluntary sector and volunteers and involve local communities". Bids will be judged against the criteria set out in the checklist at annex A of the guidance.

Mrs. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will appoint regional advisers at the 10 new regional integrated offices to advice on the strategy for supporting and developing black and minority ethnic programmes and projects under the single regeneration budget.

Mr. Baldry

A key objective of the single regeneration budget is topromote initiatives of benefit to ethnic minorities and projects which benefit individuals will be monitored to ensure that all those intended to benefit, including ethnic minorities, do so. In addition, each regional office will have a senior official from the Home Office to provide advice on issues for which the Home Office has the lead policy responsibility.