§ Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money has been made available for spending under the Government's policy for community involvement by residents' and community groups since May 1997; and if he will make a statement. [124261]
§ Mr. BoatengThe Home Office spent £170,000 in 1999–2000 under the Community Resource Fund, and is likely to spend a similar amount during this financial year. £325,000 was spent under the Community Development Learning Fund with £650,000 to be made available for 2000–01. Both these funds were established as a result of recommendations contained in the Policy Action Team 9 Report on Community Self-Help, and are aimed at enabling small and emerging community groups in deprived areas to access funds as easily and quickly as possible.
Other departments also resource this activity. The hon. Member may wish to seek further information from, in particular, my right. hon. Friends the Secretary of State for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, and the Secretary of State for the Department for Education and Employment.