Audit commission praises RENEW’s commitment to communities

04 March 2010

RENEW has been awarded the highest possible rating for its ongoing regeneration of North Staffordshire … for the second year in a row.

Independent inspectors, The Audit Commission, awarded RENEW the top rank of ‘performing strongly’ and praised it for delivering value for money and for its excellent work in consulting with local communities.

Councillor Brian Ward, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “RENEW North Staffordshire is at the heart of transforming our communities in to attractive and thriving neighbourhoods where people want to live. We are pleased to see that the Audit Commission has recognised the hard work that has been done so far.

“There is still much to do and we look forward to continuing to working with the Homes and Communities Agency and other partners to transform our neighbourhoods for the better.”

The Audit Commission report said:

We found RENEW to be performing well because it has a range of strengths.

• The pathfinder is maintaining an up to date knowledge of the local housing market with a comprehensive programme of research to maintain understanding of housing aspirations and the links between housing and the wider economy.

• Masterplanning arrangements are being firmly embedded into local planning policy.

• Active support is being given to raise the quality of design in the pathfinder area.

• RENEW is working with developers to support development in the area during the recession.

• RENEW continues to meet or exceed its agreed performance targets.

• There is a robust approach to controlling the costs of new developments.

• The amount of money levered into the area from other public and private sector investors in support of Housing Market Renewal has increased.

• Progress in supporting employment and training initiatives has continued in spite of the recession.

• The pathfinder is working well to achieve value for money.

 To read the full report click here