Despite what you may be told by local government and economic partnerships, Regeneration is not an island. The Government has made it very clear that it sees oil of its strategies as being linked through the now infamous 'joined up thinking'. As Black, Asian and Ethnic minority communities, priority beneficiaries for Tony Blair, this means developing relationships between projects, funding bids and Government strategies.

Okay, this may seem tedious and considering your resources somewhat fanciful, when it is hard enough to get your committee to agree who should be the spokesperson, to meet funders, but by not making the effort you are slamming doors in your own faces.

The answer to all of your problems will rest in a mixed package of policies that fund initiatives, provide vital support to bids and apply leverage on local funders who may treat you with disdain but are wary of the Government's Social Exclusion Unit.

The first problem is that every Government Minister is leading a different element of a relevant policy, usually linked to funding. You need to know these policies, and you need to place them within the context of your bidding processes and remember the local authority will not necessarily help you because of internal Departmental bickering. This is the second problem. Every local government department wants to claim credit for linkage to a Black or Asian-led project; after all since MacPherson you are central to all Government Policies, and your presence gives immense credibility to local government directors.

Unless you have an idea about these policies local funders will tell you half the story, in order that they can remain in control and you remain dependent. I can tell you more but why don't you ask the local Council to explain during your next consultation meeting, then ask me if they told you the truth.

Meanwhile Single Regeneration Budget Round 5 has been allocated. Have you been lucky? Why not tell us if you have received anything so we can measure success. TAHA has the complete allocation list of 38 projects but below are some examples across the London Region, with the name of main project heading and SRB allocation only.