§ Ms ShipleyTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) if he will make a statement on the implications of the comprehensive spending review for the future direction of(a) funding for physical regeneration and (b) regional development agencies; [71756]
(2) what the levels of spending on physical regeneration will be following the comprehensive spending review; and if he will break down the figures into the various funding streams for which he is responsible. [71855]
§ Mr. McNultyPhysical regeneration is undertaken on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister by the regional development agencies and English Partnerships.
RDAs are funded through a single programme that enables them to undertake a holistic approach to economic development and regeneration. The level of spending on physical regeneration is not distinguished from other spending within this single programme.
Following the spending review, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced substantial new resources and responsibilities for the RDAs, further strengthening their role as catalysts for economic development and regeneration in the regions. The details are set out in Chapter 23 of the Spending Review 2002 White Paper.
English Partnerships is currently subject to a quinquennial review and we intend to make a further announcement about its future remit shortly, although as my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister told the House on 18 July he has
1021Winstructed English Partnerships to use its new role on brown fields to search out and to deliver even more land for housing".The expenditure consequences of English Partnerships' new role have not yet been finalised.