To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government who is represented on the Blackpool task force she announced on 28 March 2007; what progress has been made in the work of the task force; what additional support has been provided through the task force (a) by her Department and (b) other Departments; and what the nature is of such support. (142324)

The Blackpool task force comprises representatives from; the North West Development Agency; Government Office for the North West; Blackpool Urban Regeneration Company; North West Business Link, English Partnerships and Blackpool borough council.

The work is progressing well, with a report expected to be presented to Ministers by 28 June. The recommendations within the report will reflect the needs of Blackpool and the Regional Economic and Spatial Strategies. The task force has significant support from Communities and Local Government through the regional agencies.

The task force was set up to reflect regional and local knowledge with staff being drawn from relevant agencies and organisations. Government Ministers will respond to the recommendations within the report as appropriate to their own Departments.

Communities and Local Government has committed £1 million to the task force and has also made up to £2 million available in the current year through English Partnerships, subject to the quality of the proposals made, to enable an early start on housing and other work to regenerate the inner area.