Lord Heseltine

Sink estates will rise again

The British Property Federation (BPF) has welcomed proposals from the Government to regenerate some of the country’s most run-down housing estates, praising the Government for ensuring that “binding guarantees” will be put in place for tenants and homeowners, to ensure that their right to a home is protected. The government has launched a package of measures to transform 100 housing estates across the country, including a £140m fund and the launch of an Estate Regeneration Advisory Panel, chaired by former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Heseltine (left). Ian Fletcher, director of policy (real estate) at the British Property Federation, said, “There are some very old council estates that are in need of regeneration, but that process must treat existing residents fairly. The Government is therefore right to put some sorts of guarantees at the forefront of its policy and encourage a partnership approach. “Communities need not only homes, but jobs, schools and green spaces and other leisure opportunities to create places people want to live in. If the Government gets this right it could be some of the best use of £140m it has ever spent.” The Prime Minister’s announcement comes ahead of a report from property advisor Savills which will…