Final evaluation reports mark the end of the £2 billion
regeneration programme in 39 areas show that many of the 400,000 people in
these areas have benefited since 2001, as a result of sustained Government
investment.
The reports reveal improvements in NDC areas, which each received on
average £52 million, on the key areas of health, education, crime,
skills and training, housing and the environment, between 2002 and 2008
including:
- a 22 per cent increase in the proportion of young people
achieving five good GCSE passes
- an 18 per cent drop in people worried about lawlessness and dereliction
- double the drop seen in similar areas. There was 6 per cent drop in
people being a victim of crime in the last year, a 3 per cent drop in
people feeling unsafe after dark and a 3 per cent drop in being victim of a
burglary or criminal damage
- improvements in adult skills: a 5 per cent drop in the number of adults
with no qualifications and the number of adults taking part in education or
training, up by 2 per cent
- higher proportions of NDC residents seeing an improvement in both their
general health and their mental health than in other similar areas. Nearly
half (46 per cent) of the longer-term residents in NDC areas reported
better health compared to 31 per cent in similar areas
- the proportion of people who think there is a problem with litter and
rubbish has dropped from 37 per cent to 24 per cent
- more than 19,800 homes built or improved in the period which wouldn't
have happened without the NDC programme. There has also been a 61 per cent
increase in house prices in NDC areas
- 74 per cent of residents living in the 39 areas benefiting from the New
Deal for Communities (NDC) programme were satisfied with their areas, up by
13 per cent since 2002
Ms Winterton said:
"These studies clearly demonstrate that a decade of sustained Government
investment has brought about substantial improvements for our most deprived
communities.
"People living in NDC areas are much less worried about lawlessness and
dereliction, they feel better about their areas, and are healthier.
"Equally important local confidence has blossomed and residents are looking
upon their communities with a new-found pride and optimism.
"It is clear from these studies that the benefits brought about by the NDC
Programme are highly valued by residents and this is reflected in the
finding that the Programme has delivered good value for money."
"But the work won't stop just because the programme has finished. By
empowering residents, NDCs have created an army of community leaders who
can champion their areas and drive through improvements in the coming
years."
The NDC programme is part of the National Strategy for Neighbourhood
Renewal (NSNR) which has helped narrow the gap between the most deprived
areas and the national average. NDCs have provided a number of new
facilities to help regenerate some of the most deprived areas.
More information can be found on the Communities and Local Government website.
