Deprived communities to get £250 million

The government has committed more than £250 million to tackle crime, stimulate educational achievement and boost job opportunities in England’s most deprived communities. The bulk of the money (£186 million) will be invested in 39 new deal for communities programmes during this financial year, with the balance of £70 million available the following year. The programme has been credited during the past 10 years with making a real difference to communities – bringing burglary down by 30 per cent and improving GCSE results by more than 10 per cent.