Housing Market Renewal Funding (HMRF)

A Government initiative established in areas experiencing low demand for housing and housing abandonment, which brings together Councils and other key agencies to turn the areas around over a 10-15 year period.

The original 9 Pathfinder projects were agreed as part of the Government’s Sustainable Communities Plan. Concentrated in the North and West Midlands, they were augmented by one furtehr Pathfinder area and 2 special areas whichr eceived some of the Pathfinder funding monies. Each has examined the problems experienced in the areas concerned, drawn up a strategic plan and decided on the most appropriate action to reconnect them with more prosperous places; through a mix of housing refurbishment, clearance and replacement, and some environmental improvements. The Government has set up a Market Renewal Fund to help pay for this.

The Pathfinders cover: Birmingham and Sandwell; East Lancashire: Humberside; Manchester and Salford; Merseyside; Newcastle and Gateshead; North Staffordshire; Oldham and Rochdale; South Yorkshire and Tees Valley. West Cumbria and West Yorkshire receive Pathfinder funding although they do not have full Pathfinder status.