New Deal for Communities (Newcastle)
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Newcastle New Deal for Communities is a UK Government-backed programme which is working to change the face of Newcastle upon Tyne's West End over a ten-year period. It is part of the national New Deal programme.
Since it began in 2000, the programme has aimed to tackle deprivation in the areas of Arthur's Hill, Cruddas Park, Rye Hill and Elswick, through community-led regeneration.
More than 100 projects are aiming to bridge the gap between those communities in the West End and those in wealthier parts of the city.
The programme tackles five key themes: poor job prospects; high levels of crime; educational under-achievement; poor health; and problems with housing and the environment.
New Deal's commitment to put residents in charge of the area's regeneration is reflected in the organization's structure - the Board of Directors includes a majority of twelve elected residents.
As of September 2006, crime in the New Deal catchment area has fallen by 21 per cent thanks to a £3.4m package of crime-busting measures.
