HC Deb 13 March 2002 vol 381 c1089W
Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the total expenditure to date has been from the budget of the new deal for communities in Kings Norton; and what have been the main achievements. [42682]

Ms Keeble

Kings Norton NDC has been awarded £54 million for its 10-year life of which £4,293,399 has been so far spent.

Main Achievements

The west midlands police have seconded an officer to the NDC team. Beats have been redrawn to better reflect the needs of the area, and an additional eight officers are employed on the estates at no cost to the NDC.

Cadbury college has significantly increased the numbers of residents participating in adult education from 30 to over 300 through outreach courses. It has successfully bid for DFES funding for a UK on-line centre, which will come on stream during 2002.

Primrose hill community project, funded by the NDC, is the main provider of nursery care. It provides 80 day places, 20 after school places and employs five residents as early learning assistants. Fifteen residents have NVQ qualifications in child care.

The Befriend project, led by the family service unit and funded by NDC, offers support to new tenants moving to the three estates. A domestic violence worker is also funded through NDC.

A residents' resource room provides a centre for producing a monthly newsletter, organising community events, and giving information on services and volunteering opportunities.

The NDC has brokered better inter-agency working between local service providers and has a place on Birmingham city council's Best Value Review panel.

A community development trust was established in 2001 and board members have been appointed.