§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made by(a) his Department and (b) the European Commission on finding an alternative to the Partnership Investment Programme for brownfield developments. [149581]
§ Ms Beverley HughesMy Department and the European Commission have made good progress in finding an alternative to the Partnership Investment Programme. A direct development scheme has now been approved, and the Commission have indicated that a decision is likely to be made by the end of this month on two new gap-funding; schemes, and a scheme designed to help local communities participate in regeneration projects. In addition we are continuing to explore with the Commission tilt possibility of a new regeneration framework under which State aid would be permitted for the physical regeneration of derelict or disused sites throughout the community.