§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what schemes targeting urban regeneration needs are managed by his Department; how much each scheme has available to invest; what issues each scheme aims to tackle; and how much has been spent annually since 1997(a) in the United Kingdom,(b) in Teesside, (c) in Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough councils and (d) in the Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency. [25476]
§ Ms BlearsThe Department does not manage any schemes specifically targeting urban regeneration. However, implementation of the NHS plan, particularly in relation to primary care reform, will have an impact on urban regeneration. Specifically there are 26 health action zones set up in 1998 and 1999 to tackle health inequalities. They have been taking forward a range of activity that impacts on the determinants of health through their programmes which have included action in areas such as housing, education, crime, employment and transport, and working with ex-drug users. They are also working closely with new deal for community projects in their areas.
HAZ funding for Teesside is shown in the table and compared to national HAZ funding.
teams. They are the people best placed to identify the health needs of local populations and they will decide whether these services are best provided by voluntary organisations, or by someone else.
The Department provides funds to voluntary organisations through the Section 64 General Scheme (Section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968). In 2001–02, for example, 575 grants totalling nearly £21 million were awarded to 397 voluntary organisations. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis 127W and voluntary organisations providing care services for people with head injuries have an equal chance of obtaining awards.