§ Lord James Douglas-Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the revised criteria for the urban programme in Scotland introduced in 1981.
§ Mr. YoungerThe criteria I announced on 4 February 1981 are proving generally satisfactory, though minor adjustments will be necessary from time to time.—[Vol. 998, c. 134–135.] At present it appears that the capital ceiling of £200,000 may be excluding some worthwhile projects, and I am therefore raising it to £500,000. Projects costing more than £200,000 will, however, require to show especially good value for money in relation to the aims of the programme. In addition, the criteria do not adequately express my desire to assist local authorities to dispose of unused land or buildings to potential developers. Henceforth, priority will also be given to projects which enable the development by, or jointly with, the private sector of unused land or buildings owned by a local authority in deprived urban areas. I shall expect the authority to maximise the contribution of the private sector to any joint developments. Finally, I shall also give consideration to projects sponsored by community and voluntary groups which will assist in preventing crime.