HC Deb 05 November 1992 vol 213 c368W
Mr. Byers

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what analysis was made of the benefits to local communities of the first round of city challenge pacemaker authorities before deciding to embark on a second round.

Mr. Robin Squire

The decision to go ahead with the second round of city challenge was announced in February 1992. The pacemaker authorities began implementing their action plans in April 1992. However, analysis of pacemaker bids helped to inform the decision to embark on a second round and on the bidding guidance for that round. The guidance stated that one of the main aims of city challenge was to support the development and implementation of locally devised and time limited plans for the regeneration of disadvantaged areas within our cities which will significantly benefit the residents of those areas.