§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many responses have been received to the discussion paper on 'Regeneration Programme—the way forward'; when the consultation period will end; what is the timetable for the implementation of proposals on regeneration policies; and if he will make a statement. [49684]
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§ Angela EagleThe discussion paper 'Regeneration Programmes—the Way Forward' was issued in November 1997. We received 145 written responses to the paper by the end of March 1998. Feedback was also received from regional seminars from a wide range of organisations and individuals involved in regeneration.
The responses revealed a broad consensus on a number of issues including:
the continued need for a regeneration programme that addresses the multiple causes of social and economic decline;that, whilst retaining the benefits of competition, there should be a greater emphasis on the needs of the most deprived areas;the need for a more collaborative approach to be taken by local partnerships and Government Offices to ensure a shared understanding of the regeneration needs of their areas;that schemes should take better account of existing strategies for promoting economic development and tackling depravation.The responses have been fed into the Comprehensive Spending Review of Regeneration Programmes, and it is hoped to announce proposals for future regeneration policies and programmes shortly.
§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when he expects to make an announcement on the future of the Single Regeneration Budget; and if he will make a statement; [49730]
(2) what proposals he has for the SRB Challenge Fund; and if he will make a statement. [49729]
§ Angela EagleUnder the Regional Development Agencies Bill, it is proposed that management of the Single Regeneration Budget Challenge Fund (SRBCF) will be transferred from Government Offices for the Regions to the RDAs in April 1999. Different arrangements will apply in London, where it is proposed in the Greater London Authority White Paper that regeneration activity will become the responsibility of the Mayor, operating through the London Development Agency. Until the Mayor is established, the Government Office for London will continue to manage the SRBCF.
It is too early to say whether there will be a new (fifth) round of the SRBCF. Any announcement will be made in the light of the Comprehensive Spending Review, the outcome of which will be announced shortly.