§ Lorna FitzsimonsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what work is being done to identify and promote best practice in community consultation by statutory bodies when making bids for Single Regeneration Budget funds. [90305]
§ Mr. MealeThe Government believe it is crucial to ensure the active participation of local communities in the regeneration of their areas. The Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) Round 5 Bidding Guidance issued in September 1998 indicated the need for local communities to be involved in both the preparation and implementation of bids. SRB final bids have now been received and indications are that bidders have indeed involved local communities.
My Department runs a programme of information exchange and dissemination to support regeneration partnerships in the management and delivery of their schemes. In particular, my Department has published a guide for practitioners "Involving Communities in Urban and Rural Regeneration" which provides advice to those responsible for regeneration activity at the local level on how to set about involving the community. We also work with other organisations to encourage the identification and promotion of good practice, and will be learning from any relevant lessons the New Deal for Communities programme throws up.
§ Lorna FitzsimonsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans there are to twin or place senior civil servants with areas that qualify for Single Regeneration Budget funds. [90314]
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§ Mr. MealeThe Government's Policy Action Team on Learning Lessons is considering the scope for more secondments of civil servants to work in local authority or voluntary sector projects in poor neighbourhoods, which could include projects involving SRB funds. The team is reporting this month and we will give serious consideration to any recommendations they may make.