Prime Minister announces 'sink estates' action

David Cameron has announced that some of the UK’s worst ‘sink estates’ could be bulldozed to make way for better homes as part of government measures to end poverty. The prime minister promised that brutal high-rise towers and bleak housing would be torn down in an effort to tackle drug abuse and gang culture.

The £140m redevelopment programme will work with 100 housing estates across the country to either radically transform them or, in the worst cases, knock them down and replace them with high-quality homes.

Sunday Times article

In an article for the Sunday Times, Cameron wrote: “Within these so-called sink estates, behind front doors, families build warm and welcoming homes. But step outside in the worst estates and you’re confronted by concrete slabs dropped from on high, brutal high-rise towers and dark alleyways that are a gift to criminals and drug dealers.

“Decades of neglect have led to gangs and antisocial behaviour. Poverty has become entrenched, because those who could afford to move have understandably done so.”

Promising to transform the worst estates, Cameron added: “For some, this will simply mean knocking them down and starting again. For others, it might mean changes to layout, upgrading facilities and improving local road and transport links.”

Details of the scheme will be set out in a speech delivered by Cameron today and will also include plans for education and mental health, along with measures to speed up adoption.

Turn2us comments

Simon Hopkins, Chief Executive Turn2us said: “Many of the people we help live in social housing and I welcome the news that the prime minister is taking action on some of the UK’s toughest estates. Improving housing is one element of a compound issue and a positive move but it must be coupled with support for those still living in poverty, otherwise the move will only scratch the surface.

“I’d urge anyone concerned that they, or someone they know, are struggling financially to visit turn2us.org.uk to find out what financial support is available in the form of welfare benefits and charitable grants.”

Source: David Cameron: 'I've put the bulldozing of sink estates at the heart of turnaround Britain' (The Sunday Times)