§ Geraldine SmithTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what criteria English Partnerships uses in reaching decisions on funding priorities; and what account English Partnerships takes of the North West Regional Housing Strategy in its decision-making process. [138719]
§ Keith HillEnglish Partnerships' priorities for new projects focus on:
The 20 per cent. most deprived wards in the country;
The Coalfields programme;
Urban Regeneration Company areas;
Housing Market Renewal Fund pathfinder areas;
Target areas for major housing growth in the South East of England;
Strategic brownfield sites in or close to any of the above priority areas or in areas of housing pressure or housing abandonment;
Other discretionary projects where funding constraints allow and which would promote wider regeneration benefits, particularly where EP can add significant value.
English Partnerships is represented on the North West Regional Housing Board and takes the strategy into account when making decisions on specific projects in the region.
§ Geraldine SmithTo ask the Deputy (1) Prime Minister for what period Lancaster City Council has requested funding from English Partnerships for the West End housing regeneration project in Morecambe; and for what sums for that project over that period the Council has applied; [138720]
801W(2) what discussions English Partnerships has held with Lancaster City Council regarding funding for (a) West End Housing Regeneration Project, Morecambe and (b) Luneside Development, Lancaster; and what decisions were reached; [138721]
(3) what funding English Partnerships is providing to Lancaster City Council to fund (a) a masterplan for the West End Housing Generation Project in Morecambe and (b) annual costs of a project team for the project. [138722]
§ Keith HillThe Chief Executive of English Partnerships (EP) met members and officers of Lancaster City Council in October to discuss EP's role in both the West End of Morecambe and the Luneside redevelopment. English Partnerships is working with Lancaster City Council to find appropriate regeneration solutions for both areas.
(a) West End of Morecambe: EP has already committed £100,000 for a masterplanning study to determine the precise scope, cost and timetable for the regeneration of this area. As a result of last month's visit, EP has also agreed to fund the £200,000 cost of a project team for the next 12 months. The Council has made no additional requests for funding from English Partnerships.
EP is working actively with the Council to facilitate the appointment of the masterplanning organisation as soon as possible, hopefully in December.
(b) Luneside: the Council is currently finalising its proposals for the regeneration of this site and a submission is expected to go forward to English Partnerships shortly.