§ Jon CruddasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the extra resources required to support the growth and development of new communities in the Thames Gateway area; what discussions he has had with other Government Departments in relation to supporting the growth and development of new communities in the Thames Gateway; and what resources he has allocated to support the growth and development of new communities in the Thames Gateway. [90425]
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§ Beverley HughesThe assessment of extra resources for the Thames Gateway and the decisions regarding policies for the support of new communities in the Thames Gateway are being progressed with the support of officials from the Government Office for London.
The Home Office is committed to supporting the effort to regenerate the Thames Gateway area. The Thames Gateway Strategic Partnership was established by the Government in October 2000. My noble Friend (Lord Rooker), Minister for Housing and Planning, chairs the Partnership. Its membership comprises six Government Ministers, including the Home Office. Our policies on reducing crime and the fear of crime, tackling drug abuse, and supporting strong and active communities will ensure that sustainable and viable communities are created.
In addition, the Home Office is working with colleagues in other Government Departments to ensure that sustainable and viable communities are created. In particular, officials from the Home Office's Active Community Unit have been liaising with officials from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) to take forward work arising from the ODPM's Communities Plan.