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New government vision for regeneration sector
| Published | 11 May 2009 |
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A new framework for regeneration that will help the sector push through the downturn was announced by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears today in a speech to the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA).
In the speech Ms Blears reaffirmed the Government's commitment to regeneration, cited the success of the past ten years but she will make it clear that in a downturn it 'must focus on people as well as places' and be driven by local needs and opportunities.
She acknowledged that the sector is facing tough times, especially in development areas like commercial property, but argued that strong partnership working can help the sector to refocus and prepare for the upturn.
In his budget the Chancellor was clear that the public expected jobs help and for government to be more efficient in the downturn. Ms Blears also confirmed the planned £6.5bn investment in regeneration across the country over the next two years in reflection of this priority.
Hazel Blears said:
"Over the last ten years we have shown we can make a difference with many areas turned around because of the commitment we have shown and record investment we have made.
"We are clear that the aim of regeneration - reversing economic, social, and physical decline is now more challenging - but more important than ever.
"But in an economic downturn, that has left the sector struggling, the public expects us to tighten up and target our efforts firmly on people as well as places which means employment and the economy."
Following a consultation process - and echoing the Parkinson report which called on the sector to show leadership, consolidate and focus on the most deprived areas - the regeneration framework published today sets out:
- A clear definition of regeneration - 'Reversing economic, social, and physical decline in areas where market forces will not do this without support from government'.
- Regeneration must be more tightly focused on improving economic outcomes and tackling worklessness. The RDAs, HCA, and Local Strategic Partnerships will need to work together to achieve this.
- Regeneration must be driven from the right level - and give partners the responsibility and flexibility to deliver improvements. Supported by partners like HCA and RDA and partnerships like MAAs and City-region pilots.
- It must be targeted support that helps those communities most in need - the most severe poverty, deprivation or sustained unemployment. It sets out a process to map priority places to create a national regeneration picture to focus investment.
- Regeneration is to be judged against three new success measures - improving economic performance; creating the right conditions for business growth and by creating places that people want to live.
Notes to editors
1. The full report can be found at: www.communities.gov.uk/publications/citiesandregions/transformingplacesframework.
2. The economic performance and the performance of an area's housing market are clearly linked to regeneration. The additional funding available for Housing Market Renewal pathfinders this year will partly reflect the importance of job creation and the key role that apprenticeships play in improving skills in the local workforce.
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