3 December 2009

Dear Luqman Khan

Freedom of Information request - Funding to 'Be-Birmingham' Transparency, Accountability and Equality

Thank you for your e-mail of 4^th November 2009 requesting information about the Working Neighbourhoods Fund (WNF) in Birmingham. Your request has been considered under the Freedom of Information Act 2000/Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

You have asked nine numbered questions. Using your numbering, I am writing to advise you that I am able to answer questions 1 and 2, but I am unfortunately unable to answer the other questions as to do so would require access to information that Communities and Local Government (CLG) does not hold. I will, however, explain why we do not hold that information, and direct you towards the relevant organisation that may be in a position to assist.

CLG allocates WNF exclusively to local authorities, who in turn may, and at their discretion, allocate and distribute some or all of their WNF to or through their Local Strategic Partnership (LSP). However, local authorities remain responsible for their use of WNF even where they use their LSP to allocate or distribute it. We provide WNF directly to local authorities as part of a non-ringfenced funding stream called the Area Based Grant (ABG). Because it is non-ringfenced we do not prescribe how it should be used and local authorities are not obliged to share WNF monitoring information with Government. Local authorities are responsible for answering questions about their use of ABG and are subject to Freedom of Information legislation.

As regards your first question (amount of WNF to Birmingham and time limits for its use), Birmingham City Council received £34,224,372 in 2008-09 and £42,893,883 in 2009 -10. There is no time limit within which the funds should be spent.

As regards your second question, as I have explained above, CLG does not prescribe what local authorities should spend WNF on, and spending decisions are made locally to serve locally defined needs and priorities. However, we do encourage local authorities to use WNF to address worklessness in deprived communities.

I am sorry we cannot provide you with answers to your questions 3-9, as we do not hold the relevant information, but I hope the explanation is useful and that it will help you in seeking information from Birmingham City Council. It is, of course, a matter for Birmingham City Council to determine the level and extent of monitoring data gathered about their use of WNF. Whilst I am suggesting you contact them for further information, I have no knowledge as to whether they actually monitor their use of WNF in such a way that will enable them to precisely answer all your questions. It is for each local authority to decide how it monitors its use of WNF and how it responds to requests for information.

CLG aims to be as helpful as possible in the way we deal with requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. If, however, you are not satisfied with the way in which your request has been handled or the outcome, you may request an internal review within two calendar months of the date of this letter. Information about our review procedures and how to apply for an internal review of your case is contained in the attached leaflet. This also explains your right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision in the event that you remain dissatisfied following the authority's review.

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me.

Yours sincerely

Andrew Maginn

Head of Economic Programmes

Regeneration Strategy

Communities and Local Government

Eland House

Bressenden Place

London SW1E 5DU

0303 444 3101

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