NDC

New Deal for Communities (NDC)

[Name of the Institute]

New Deal for Communities (NDC)

Introduction

A Pounds 2 billion programme to improve life in 39 of the most deprived areas in UK is starting to make an impact, according to a National Audit Office report. The New Deal for Communities (NDC) scheme aims to "narrow the gap" between deprived communities and the national average in five key areas: education, employment, crime, health and the physical environment. In the first three years of the NDC scheme, there has been "a significant shift in emphasis towards community participation" and almost 50,000 people have participated in the process. Money invested in the NDC rolled out slowly with only 63 per cent of the budget, for 2001-02 spent and 81 per cent of the budget for 2002-03. Realistic communication with communities, identified as being central to the more successful NDC partnerships, as is recognition of the need to secure "quick wins" in order to maintain momentum.

However, operating processes seen as problematic, as were delays caused by project approval discussions. The report cautions that without sound operating procedures "there is a risk that monies will not be spent for the purposes intended". Jeff Rooker, the Minister for Regeneration, said: "Major progress has been achieved. Community engagement is a prerequisite to creating sustainable communities and making urban renewal work in areas with the long- term problems".

Community Analysis

Although all the partners participated to the programme, but the project failed to achieve desired results. There were a number of complications in the program which resulted in inefficiencies. In the following section, we will consider some of these issues. New Deal for Communities (NDC) was a flagship policy of the Labour government and aimed at tackling issues faced by some of England's most deprived areas and bridging the gap between those neighbourhoods and the rest of the country (Cullingworth, Nadin, 2002, pp. 305-317). There were 39 areas identified - 17 in the first round, in 1998 and a further 22 in 1999. Derwent was chosen as part of the second round.

The Government invited places with deprived areas to submit applications for the money. Derby City Partnership selected the Derwent area as the one which should be put forward. Residents were given six weeks to collate ideas on how to spend the money. Reducing crime increasing youth and education facilities and providing more employment opportunities appeared at the top of the list and the bid proved successful. Derwent awarded £42 million but not as a lump sum. Project ideas had to be submitted to Government and approved before any cash was released. So far only £39 million has been released.

Community Team set up to decide how the money should be spent. It had to be resident-led, but councillors initially took a lead role until it established. Derwent Community Team was initially allowed to spend £250,000 without having to seek approval from the Government Office for the East Midlands. In 2004, that limit raised to £1 million as the team praised for the work it was ...