§ 30. Mr. MansTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how he intends to improve the quality of the urban environment.
§ Sir Paul BeresfordMy Department launched last summer a wide-ranging initiative, "Quality in Town and Country", designed to see what more can be done lo improve the quality of the built environment, in city, town and village. In the light of the overwhelmingly positive response, we are considering how best Government and others can take forward this initiative. The Government already help to improve the quality of life in urban and other areas through the single regeneration budget, including city challenge partnerships. My Department has also issued planning policy guidance aimed at sustaining the vitality and viability of town centres, and encouraging effective town centre management.