§ 23. Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in the safer cities programme.
§ Mr. John PattenGood progress has been made in establishing the first nine of the 20 crime prevention projects which will comprise the safer cities programme. Bradford and Wolverhampton projects are already fully operational and Nottingham staff will be taking up post this month. Grant application in support of local schemes have been received and approved for Bradford and Nottingham projects. Five additional areas have recently been invited to join in the programme (Bristol, Hull, Salford, Sunderland and Wirral) of which four have already agreed to participate.
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§ 42. Mr. LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase funding available for the safe city programme.
§ Mr. John PattenFinancial planning for the safer cities initiative already takes account of the scheduled growth of the programme. Nine projects were set up in 1988–89, a further seven will be established in 1989–90 and four more in 1990–91. A sum of 4–2 million is available for the current financial year. A decision as to whether further expenditure on the programe is called for will be taken in the light of the success of projects now under way.