To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many dwellings have been demolished in each Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder area since 2002-03; and at what cost. (307835)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, Central (Jim Cousins) on 21 October 2009, Official Report, column 1503-04W.

HMR Pathfinders have been allocated more than £2 billion since 2002-03 although the programme focuses much more on the refurbishment and renewal of existing stock than demolition. Allocations to HMR Pathfinders are made for whole programmes, and not for individual elements, on the basis of strategies set out in their business plans. It is for individual Pathfinders to judge how much should be spent on particular activities such as demolitions, taking into account the stage of the regeneration process in their area and local market conditions.