To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much funding had been (a) allocated to, (b) distributed to and (c) spent by local authorities in Neighbourhood Renewal Funding in (i) 2008-09 and (ii) 2009-10 on the latest date for which figures are available; and how much such funding he expects to be (A) allocated, (B) distributed and (C) spent by local authorities in 2010-11. (285077)

The Working Neighbourhoods Fund (WNF) replaced the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) in April 2008. £464.5 million WNF funds were allocated and distributed to local authorities in 2008-09 and £507.8 million in 2009-10.

Working Neighbourhoods Fund is paid to local authorities through the non-ringfenced area based grant. We expect local authorities to spend all of this money. Local authorities are subject to annual audit by Audit Commission appointed independent auditors who report on whether their general income is used efficiently and effectively with a view to ensuring value for money.