Policywatch

By the time you read this we will know a good deal more about the shape and likely powers of the new regeneration superagency Communities England. In her speech at the annual Chartered Institute of Housing conference in Harrogate last week, communities secretary Ruth Kelly was due to announce details of the consultation document about the body which will replace the Housing Corporation and English Partnerships. As Regenerate went to press it was expected that Kelly would unveil a body that had increased land-buying and planning powers, as well as taking control of the decent homes programme from the DCLG. It was also expected that the recruitment process for the position of chief executive of the new agency would begin in earnest. As yet no one has thrown their hat in the ring, but some names suggested in regeneration circles include DCLG director general Richard McCarthy, DCLG adviser Dr Tim Williams and Elevate East Lancashire chief executive Max Steinberg.

Another area that has set tongues wagging recently is the growing expectation that one of the first acts of prime minister Gordon Brown will be to endorse the £8.7bn east to west London train link, Crossrail.

North of the border the new minority SNP administration has wasted no time in making waves by pressing ahead with its manifesto pledges on abolishing the planned £600m tram and £1bn airport rail links in Edinburgh. Several other key infrastructure projects are facing the axe including an extension to the M74 west of Glasgow and a bypass around Aberdeen. It is also mulling over breaking up regeneration agency Communities Scotland, just as its English counterpart takes a step closer to seeing the light of day.

UK parliament bills

Crossrail Bill

Paving legislation for a train service to directly link Heathrow with central London and Canary Wharf. Shortly expected to leave the House of Commons for its first reading in the House of Lords.

Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill

Will bring forward proposals in last October’s white paper including requiring councils and the NHS to work more closely together to fund local health needs. Awaiting its second reading in House of Lords.