The ODPM was concerned the scheme, which involves Kingston upon Hull and East Riding councils, was lagging behind the other eight pathfinders. It is understood the problem centred on a misunderstanding between the two councils concerning the area where any renewal money would be spent.
Tom Hogan, Hull director of community services, said: “Setting up this pathfinder has been more complicated than others. Any confusion comes from the fact that the spending area is exclusively in Hull, but the housing market extends into East Riding.”
The region has a history of boundary problems: Hull council admitted in 1996, when it was established as a unitary authority, that it “would have liked its boundaries to be bigger” so the ODPM moved to prevent the reopening of old wounds. A source close to the scheme said: “East Riding thought Hull was trying it on with the boundaries, but the ODPM sorted it out. The hard job now is implementing the changes, but people seem genuinely pleased that the government is on top of the issues.”
Following an exchange of letters, the ODPM asked the two councils to submit a progress report to demonstrate that they were working together towards submitting their initial bid. They sent in the progress report last week.
An ODPM spokesman said: “We confidently expect the pathfinder project to be established within the next few months.”
Another source familiar with the issues said: “All projects go through their ups and downs as it is a new way of working. Local authorities will always take differing views and it’s up to the government to help them resolve any issues.”
The ODPM’s intervention comes after the Audit Commission published a damning corporate governance report on Hull council in July. It will further embarrass deputy prime minister John Prescott, as he is MP for Hull East.
Source
Housing Today
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