It is “essential” that central Government continues to fund the regeneration of
The review of Coalfields Regeneration, conducted by ex-miner and Barnsley MP Michael Clapham, concludes that much work still needs to be done in order to “mainstream” former pit towns.
A review was ordered by the former Government in March, and the coalition backed the continuation of the study after coming to power in May.
Housing and Local Government Minister Grant Shapps said the Government would consider the findings of the report very closely.
Clapham’s review concluded: “If coalfield areas were mainstreamed at this time, many would sink under the weight of deep seated social and economic issues.
“We believe the continued provision of the three strands of DCLG funding is essential to the continued regeneration of coalfield areas.
“Albeit in a better coordinated format and operating in parallel and partnership to the main provider to bring greater intensity of action and community participation.”
The report said that in the future, local and national partners need to come together to develop an integrated local programme approach.
Shapps said: “It’s crucial that former mining areas continue to get the support they need to move on from the devastation caused by the collapse of the coal industry. I’ve supported vital coalfields regeneration projects for many years and seen first-hand what they have achieved and their importance to these communities.
“I am extremely grateful to Michael Clapham and his Board for offering their time and expertise to undertake this important Review. As they have highlighted, there is more to be done to help former mining communities where there are still ingrained social and economic problems.
“The Government will respond in detail to the recommendations in due course.”
The Review of Coalfields Regeneration found the state of the coalfields today is a marked improvement on what they were a decade ago.
But it said the following challenges still remain:
- Coalfield areas tend to be more isolated than non coalfield areas.
- Coalfield areas have a higher mortality rate than the average for all districts of
- Coalfield areas suffer a double jeopardy whereby the health of older generations is affected by their former work and that of younger people is equally as affected by poor employment opportunities and low expectations.
- Coalfield areas have greater overall deprivation and employment deprivation than the average for all districts of
- Coalfield areas have fewer businesses per head of population than the national average for
- Coalfield areas have 25 per cent fewer jobs per resident than non coalfield areas.
- Coalfield areas have more young people not in education, training or employment than the national average for
nick.whitten@estatesgazette.com
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