§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he has taken to monitor the management and financial performance of the Stockbridge village trust; and when he expects to publish an assessment of its progress.
§ Sir George YoungStockbridge village trust is a company limited by guarantee and is run by a board of management. The board is responsible for the general and financial management of the trust whose first annual report and accounts was published in August this year. A copy of that report can be obtained from the trust. The Merseyside task force liaises closely with the trust and I and my colleagues are informed regularly of developments and progress, including all financial aspects of the trust's development programme. In addition, my Department is about to start a research and monitoring project into a number of aspects of the Stockbridge village initiative, including management and finance. This exercise is scheduled for completion in spring 1986 and my right hon. Friend will consider publication of a report at the appropriate time.
§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment from what public sources the Stockbridge village trust is funded; and how much has been paid to the trust so far.
§ Sir George YoungStockbridge village trust's contribution to the five year development programme—1983–84 to 1987–88—for the estate is supported in part by the urban programme through Knowsley borough council. An element of the works by the trust has also been eligible for derelict land grant. Since the trust was established in April 1983 urban programme support has 707W been approved to costs of £2.464 million, and derelict land grant to the trust has been approved to costs of £55,635. This support stands alongside the trust's own resources generated through rents and sales.