To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much his Department has spent on (a) staffing, (b) administration and (c) publicity costs in respect of the New Communities Fund. (318277)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave her on 23 February 2010, Official Report, column 474W.

Because of the decision in 2009 to reallocate resources from the New Communities Fund to other ministerial priorities, the costs incurred by the Department were for staff time spent in the development of options and discussions with stakeholders. It would incur disproportionate costs to provide this information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much his Department has spent on the New Communities Fund; and how many people have participated in the Fund since its inception. (318278)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave her on 23 February 2010, Official Report, column 474W.