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Housing renewal scheme criticised

06/07/2008

It is too early to tell whether or not the government's housing renewal scheme in Greater Manchester is a success, according to a panel of experts.

The Pathfinders scheme was launched in 2002 to tackle acute low housing demand in nine areas in the north and the Midlands.

Figures released by the Committee of Public Accounts (CPA) show that under the scheme 10,000 homes have been demolished but only 1,000 new homes have been built.

CPA chairman Edward Leigh said: "The scheme has been more successful at demolishing old homes than at building new ones."

He said the government must work harder to foster confidence among local residents, especially where demolition plans threaten neighbourhoods.

The cities of Manchester and Salford, as well as Oldham and Rochdale, are among the areas that receive government money for the renewal of derelict communities.