Private sector investment in English Partnerships’ regeneration schemes has topped £1 billion for the first time.

EP’s annual report said that private sector funding was up by 51%, and was 17% above its target for the year 2005-06. It has also exceeded its target for new homes on site, 9,400, which is 11% above its target, and completed 4,200 new homes, almost a third higher than the target. EP chief executive John Walker said: “We have effectively achieved more with less. I am delighted with our performance and applaud our private sector partners.”