(2) if she will make a statement on the work of the Thurrock Development Corporation since the answer of 19 April 2006, Official Report, column 111W, on the Thurrock Development Corporation.
[holding answer 26 June 2007]: Since April 2006, the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation has continued to implement its land acquisition programme with the acquisition of two sites in West Thurrock and south east Thurrock. The Development Corporation has determined over 100 planning applications, 53 of which have given planning permission for 670 new dwellings and employment developments that on completion will deliver 1,850 new jobs.
In addition, the Development Corporation has sought to improve its engagement with stakeholders and is leading the sustainability block of the Thurrock Local Strategic Partnership and the economic development block of the Local Area Agreement. The Development Corporation established a community fund which offers grant of up to £20,000 to non-profit making clubs and other organisations to encourage and promote voluntary and community development and improve the quality of life for local residents and communities.
The Development Corporation will continue this activity and will deliver the remainder of the capital programme identified in the Two Year Corporate Plan 2006-07 to 2007-08. A timetable for a future work programme will be taken once the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review is known and in the light of the proposals in the Corporate Plan they are preparing for financial years 2008-09 to 2010-11.