§ Mr. Bruce GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what funding allocation has been made to Walsall for the purpose of regeneration since 1997; if he will list the schemes and organisations in receipt of funding and the amounts involved; and what component of these awards is made with security, community safety and crime reduction as an objective. [160276]
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§ Ms Beverley HughesThe information is as follows:
New Deal for Community Funding
My right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and the Regions announced Round 2 New Deal for Community Funding of £263.5 million for five West Midlands neighbourhoods on 30 April, £52 million has been offered to the New Horizons Partnership in Walsall which covers the Blakenall, Bloxwich East and Leamore neighbourhood. Over 16 per cent. of this funding, £8.5 million over 10 years, will be targeted on community safety and crime reduction measures.
Neighbourhood Renewal Funding
Walsall has also been awarded £16 million Neighbourhood Renewal Funding (NRF) over three years. The Local Strategic Partnership in Walsall will determine the use of NRF moneys to help with the most pressing needs in the area's deprived neighbourhoods.
Single Regeneration Budget
Walsall borough has been awarded over £34 million SRB funding since the beginning of the SRB Programme. This funding is through three SRB schemes;
Empowering Local Communities—Walsall (£14.6 million)
A seven year scheme targeting the four most deprived areas of the borough, led by the local authority. The other key partners are the TEC, Chamber of Commerce, voluntary sector, Police and Probation Service. Over 9,000 local people will benefit from community safety initiatives.
Raising Standards in Education, Learning And Employability Walsall (£6.4 million)
This seven year scheme aims to improve standards in education, skills and learning. Initiatives include drugs prevention through peer pressure, community safety strategy, health, housing development links to job opportunities.
Building on Diversity Walsall (£13.8 million)
Targeted on five of Walsall's most deprived wards, projects will address health inequalities; improve community safety and environment and tackle social exclusion.
Land and Property Projects
Site Investigation And Environmental Improvement Schemes.
A total of £4.4 million has been spent in Walsall since 1997 on 23 projects, including James Adams limestone mine and Walsall Civic Square.
Building Construction/Redevelopments
A total of £700,000 has been spent on five projects in Walsall, including residential redevelopment of the former Moxley Hospital Site; construction of community facilities at the Camden Centre, Small street and Willenhall.