§ Mr. Edward DaveyTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what contribution his Department has made, or plans to make, to the regional development agencies' single pot for each financial year from 2003–04 to 2005–06; and if he will make a statement. [156474]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's planned contribution is as follows:
ODPM contribution (£ million) 2003–04* 1,524 2004–05 1,456 2005–06 1,513 Note: Includes HM Treasury cost of capital charge at 3.5 per cent. and *2003–04 figures includes End Year Flexibility drawn down at spring Supplementary Estimates. These very substantial sums reflect the Regional Development Agencies' crucial role as partners in the delivery of the Government's plans for sustainable communities. The RDAs are key agents in achieving, for example, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's objectives for raising the levels of regional prosperity and social inclusion and for delivering effective programmes to help raise the quality of life for all in urban areas and other communities.