Issues

 

Providing a holistic approach to sustainable communities 

 

The group wants the UK to be an innovator in sustainable growth and urban renewal and will continue to provide a holistic review of all the constituent elements that combine to create genuinely sustainable communities.

Our vision is to see a regeneration sector where physical infrastructure is delivered on time using innovative finance mechanisms; where communities plan for economic sustainability as well as housing growth; where environmental concerns are tackled through clearly-defined sustainability frameworks with a joined-up vision from Government and properly targeted incentives; where the supply of affordable housing is increased across-the-board using innovative funding methods such as harnessing finance from institutional investment; and where governance arrangements ensure that partnership between the public and private sectors is fully maximised.

Making localism work

 

The planning system has undergone substantial change and further reform towards a more "localised" system is expected under the new Coalition Government. The group aims to examine the effect of these reforms within the wider context of the planning system's role, function and ability to deliver regeneration and urban renewal, and will explore how devolving power to local communities can help create a more successful built environment.

 

Exploring innovative methods of infrastructure delivery

 

Infrastructure is often cited as the most significant barrier to progress in delivering development and regeneration, and public expenditure is often difficult to square when transport competes with healthcare and education budgets. This, together with the Government's commitment to reducing the Budget Deficit, makes it increasingly necessary for other sources of finance to be explored to ensure that vital infrastructure is delivered.

 

A number of funding mechanisms exist which could enable the public sector to access private sector finance to fund infrastructure projects. The group will continue to explore which mechanisms are most likely to work and asks tough questions about governance arrangements, since some mechanisms may require local authorities to be granted new financial powers.

 

Bringing urban renewal to deprived areas

 

The group holds inquiries that address the correlation between business demand in deprived areas and the potential for renewal and development. Through research, the group ascertains those policies that will promote greater business investment in economically-deprived area that will in turn incentivise regeneration and urban renewal projects.

 

Part of its inquiries have examined Business Improvement Districts, and the scope for expanding their reach into deprived areas. Currently, BIDs are levied on business tenants rather than property owners. Extending the levy to property owners would be fairer, and could usefully help BIDs penetrate deprived areas.

 

Increasing affordable housing supply

 

Improving the quality and supply of housing has become one of the most pressing political issues in the UK. It is also a key long-term strategic issue for the country: demographic change means an increasing number of households, and continued growth in the Greater South East is creating severe affordability pressures.

 

Cities and urban areas are key ‘building sites’ for new housing. And in practice, different parts of the country face different challenges: from delivering cheap homes in the South, to remodelling the whole housing offer in parts of the North.

 

The Group examines how to deliver different housing offers. In particular, exploring the role of the private sector in providing affordable housing – through the private rented sector, and through increased institutional investment.

 

Offering a joined-up framework for environmental sustainability

 

In order to achieve the Government's targets for climate change, there must be a joined-up strategic framework to ensure that all sectors increase energy efficiency as well as limit carbon emissions. For the built environment this is being applied through building regulations, the European Union's Energy Performance of Building's Directive, and through national planning policies. With a clear goal in sight, there is a need for all stakeholders within the development and regeneration sector to understand how to comply with new regulations while ensuring that regeneration can proceed. The group examines what challenges are presented by climate change and the opportunities environmental sustainability can bring to the regeneration sector.     

 

 

Objectives

 

Bringing regeneration experts to Parliament 

 

One of the group's primary objectives is to increase the dialogue between regeneration practitioners and Parliamentarians in order to educate MPs and Peers and to raise the profile of development and physical regeneration issues within Parliament. 

 

Through meetings, inquiry sessions, and fact-finding study tours the group draws on the knowledge and expertise of a broad range of practitioners involved in regeneration and development including:

 

·   National, regional, and local government politicians and civil servants

·   Bankers and financiers who fund regeneration schemes

·   Property developers who build and invest in development and regeneration schemes across the UK

·   Planning experts from the public and private sectors

·   Business occupiers whose relocation to regenerated areas helps build local economies

·   Leading experts from the fields that support physical regeneration in the UK

·   Policy experts from leading Westminster think tanks and public policy organisations

 

Holding inquiry sessions

 

Inquiry sessions allow the group to have a formal dialogue with practitioners. Stakeholders are invited to provide written evidence and oral testimony to the group's committee of officers at its inquiry sessions in Parliament. Following the oral evidence sessions, the committee will publish a report making recommendations to the Government for policy change. Background research for the group's inquiry sessions has been provided by the independent urban policy think tank Centre for Cities.

 

Making policy recommendations to Government

 

Drawing on the knowledge of expert stakeholders, the group is better able to understand the processes and structures under which regeneration takes place, from governance to regeneration funding, infrastructure funding, the planning system, construction, and occupation. By conducting research and holding inquiry sessions, the group can examine how existing policies, structures and legislative frameworks are working in practice and where reform is required. 

 

Meeting to discuss legislation

 

The group tracks legislation that may affect urban renewal and development in the UK. When legislation is introduced to Parliament, the group may meet to discuss and brief members on its perceived impact. The group can invite outside experts to appear before the committee of officers to outline stakeholders' concerns with the legislation, which will be used to inform the group's briefings for Parliamentarians.  

 

Regeneration study tours

 

A series of regeneration study tours is being planned for 2007. Study tours provide an opportunity for Parliamentarians to see the development and regeneration process first-hand and meet with practitioners on the ground. Study tours will include site visits, talks by practitioners, and an opportunity for Parliamentarians to engage with those who are making regeneration happen in the UK.