The new Labour government has made regeneration a cabinet-level responsibility for the first time. David Miliband has been appointed as the minister for local government and communities and will work closely with Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Neil Foster, a former parliamentary aide to Mr Miliband, said: "David has a very good understanding about the local implementation of national policy. He will undoubtedly want results and will understand the need for agencies to work together. His attention to detail about how regeneration happens by placing people at the heart and not at the receiving end will be central to the way he handles the job."