Heads of the Valleys regeneration scheme scrapped (From South Wales Argus)

Heads of the Valleys regeneration scheme scrapped

5:00pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News

THE Welsh Government Heads of the Valleys regeneration scheme has been scrapped, it was announced yesterday.

But councils across Gwent will soon be able to apply for funds to improve their communities under new plans from Welsh ministers.

Yesterday officials announced that £30 million a year will be made available with all of Wales able to apply.

However town centres, coastal communities and Communities First clusters would be prioritised.

Projects would also need to contribute to the Government's own agenda of boosting jobs and helping people into work.

Regeneration minister Huw Lewis said: “Taking a more collaborative and targeted approach to regeneration across Wales will mark a change in the way we invest in our towns and communities for a decade to come. Investment for regeneration will no longer be stopping at boundaries or borders.

“We will be guided by local authorities to bring forward cases for investment that will help bring lasting improvement to our communities, tackle poverty, deprivation and mitigate the effects of welfare reform.

“As the economic crisis – and uncertainty – persists, there is no second chance for those of us who serve our communities, to help them create new opportunities.”

The Heads of the Valleys area supported work in Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen and Caerphilly as well as other areas.