§ Mr. SweeneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether he has reached a decision on the future of the voluntary youth services, village halls and community centres programme; and if he will make a statement. [16861]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesFurther to the answer I gave my hon. Friend on 20 January 1995,Official Report, column 716 the consultation period on my proposal has ended. I received eight responses.
I have concluded that the programme should be wound up and the finance transferred to local authorities with effect from 31 March 1997. This is in line with our policy that decisions on the funding of local facilities should, wherever possible and appropriate, be taken by local authorities. After that date, assistance to local youth, voluntary and community groups to repair existing facilities and to construct new premises will not normally be funded under these regulations.
This decision does not affect projects which have already been approved under the programme.