HC Deb 20 May 1992 vol 208 cc147-8W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what levels of expenditure will be allocated for city challenge in the financial year 1994–95, expressed both as a net figure and as a proportion of total inner city expenditure; and how many local authorities will be selected as winners.

Mr. Redwood

City challenge expenditure on the 11 pacemakers and the 20 round 2 winners will be £82.5 million and £150 million per annum respectively for five years. No decisions on future rounds of city challenge have yet been taken.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what process of evaluation of the city challenge bid for 1992 is taking place; what consultation will take place with the communities concerned; and when he expects to announce the winners.

Mr. Robin Squire

City challenge bids are being assessed against the criteria set out in the bidding guidance issued in February. Official level meetings are currently being held with each of the urban programme authorities which submitted a bid. The purpose of these meetings is to allow the local authority and their partners, including representatives of local communities, to clarify their proposals. I and my colleagues will make the final assessment before announcing the winners by the end of July.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on what date he will be announcing the winners of city challenge.

Mr. Redwood

The winners of the second round of city challenge will be announced by the end of July 1992.