The sector has welcomed A damning commons report that describes central-government regeneration initiatives as ineffective and divisive.
The document, produced by the House of Commons urban affairs subcommittee, said Westminster-led projects should stop when their funding ran out and be replaced by local regeneration plans.

It also suggests that regeneration cash that is limited to one area may cause resentment in neighbouring estates – particularly if race is deemed to be a factor.

Regeneration workers broadly backed the report's findings. Gaynor Asquith, director of regeneration agency Abra, said: "The recommendations around a comprehensive local plan are very much the kind of work I'm being asked to take on board now. They closely follow the path a lot of local authorities are taking. I think those authorities would want and welcome central government support."

Chris Brown, chief executive of Igloo Regeneration Partnership, welcomed the call for local and regional strategies but warned: "The history of locally determined regeneration has shown a tendency for money to be spread too thinly, perhaps for political reasons.

"Regeneration only works if you have a strong focus of joined-up activity in one area."

Launching the report, The Effectiveness of Government Regeneration Initiatives, on Tuesday, subcommittee chairman Clive Betts, MP for Sheffield Attercliffe, said: "Different places have different needs. The government assumes one size fits all. This is wrong."

Source

Housing Today