Pieda has stated that Merseyside’s attempts at social and economic regeneration are being stifled by lack of strategy, sloppy monitoring and bureaucracy. The consultants commissioned by the Government Office for Merseyside, which is responsible for overseeing the programme, said only 3% of the job creation target and only 8% of the private sector investment target had been achieved. This is despite the fact Merseyside is half way through a six-year £628m regeneration programme funded by the European Union.
- The Times 20/12/96 page 26
