More money 'should be channelled into London estates'

A new initiative is taking place across London to improve some of the estates that were the worst affected by the 2011 riots.

However, new research has found that more money needs to be spent on improving properties across the city.

A report entitled '‘Out of the ashes. The Mayor’s Regeneration Fund’, examined new ways to improve the lives of those living in London.

Produced by the London Assembly Regeneration Committee, it highlighted further areas for improvements following the 2011 riots.

Of the £70 million funding made available through Mayor’s Regeneration Fund (MRF), just 16 per cent has so far been spent. 

Commenting on the report, Gareth Bacon, chairman of London Assembly’s Regeneration Committee, said: “The 2011 riots left many already deprived areas of London facing even bigger economic hurdles and challenges after such wanton destruction. The Mayor’s Regeneration Fund was a welcome recognition that these areas would need help on the path to recovery.”

“These projects must be delivered in a timely and effective manner, so Londoners who have experienced long-term decay in their communities can live in a safe environment, with access to jobs and economic growth."

The committee found that £11.4 million of the £70 million had been spent by local authorities in the run-up to April this year.

According to the report, the MRF has been used to revamp transport links and public spaces. The committee has called on the mayor to refresh his efforts to deliver the MRF, and to do more to explain to affected residents how the money will be spent in future years.

It also asked the mayor to update Londoners on the progress of MRF programmes by the end of the year.

Published 1st September, 2014

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