Eco-towns need public subsidies

A study into the financial viability of the government’s eco-town proposals has found that two may need some public subsidy to cover their delivery costs. PricewaterhouseCoopers found the St Austell site in Cornwall and the Rossington proposal in Yorkshire will have a funding gap of between £60 million to £190 million and £45 million respectively because so much new infrastructure will be required. Communities and Local Government said the report was just one part of its assessment and no locations will be finalised until public consultation ends.