New Deal’s traffic light decisions [see Last of the New Deal Money? and Decisions on Funding for New Deal projects] are likely to make many projects unhappy, the decisions are obviously very difficult and the issues complex. It should be recognised that it is a good thing these decisions have been made, now rather than later. Projects need to understand the reality of the situation, that New Deal will end. But the main flaw in these decisions is New Deal’s belief that it can make community projects sustainable simply by removing their funding. We don’t have to accept New Deal’s conclusions there is still time to demand they are changed if we want them to be.
New Deal has always boasted community involvement. Now is the time to be involved and say something about New Deal’s direction. New Deal will be consulting the community on what projects should be funded in Year 6 of the programme. Take the opportunity to tell them what you think.