‘Deprived areas need single fund’

A new fund which combines revenue streams is needed to provide a
sustainable approach to regeneration, says the National Housing
Federation.

The federation has warned that the creation of sustainable
communities was being hindered by an “inefficient and confusing”
system of regeneration funding.

There are at least 64 separate revenue sources for regeneration in
England administered by a range of government departments.

The federation says a new Neighbourhood Challenge Fund would be
easier to access and would ensure a more joined-up and sustainable
system of regeneration funding.

The federation also called on the government to develop more
long-term commitments to regeneration, arguing that two, three and
five-year funding schemes were just “quick fixes” for deprived
areas that have been neglected for years.