Coal: Mining
1st November 2010
Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what recent assessment he has made of the economic, social and cultural needs of former coalmining areas; and if he will make a statement; [20056]
(2) what recent research his Department has (a) evaluated, (b) commissioned and (c) undertaken on regeneration strategies for former coalmining areas; and if he will make a statement. [20059]
Andrew Stunell: The Department for Communities and Local Government commissioned a review of coalfields regeneration led by Michael Clapham. The Coalfields Regeneration Review Report was presented to Government in September 2010.
The review looked at all aspects of coalfields regeneration, including the economic, social and cultural needs of coalfield areas. The review considered data and evidence provided by delivery bodies, including the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, the Homes and Communities Agency, local authorities, Communities and Local Government analysts and other Government Departments. It also considered previous research, particularly the report from the Audit Commission ('A mine of opportunity; local authorities and the regeneration of the English Coalfields (2008)').
The Review Board also carried out a consultation exercise seeking views from a wide range of bodies on coalfields regeneration, including local authorities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises.
Government are considering the recommendations made in the report and intend to respond formally in November.
A full copy of the report, which includes all the data referred to above, is available on the Communities and Local Government website at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/regeneration/reviewcoalfieldsregeneration
