Iain Wright, junior housing minister, confirmed yesterday that almost £350 million will be made available in the next financial year through the Homes and Communities Agency to help regenerate local housing markets and restore confidence in the community. Nine pathfinder areas and three other areas will receive funds to refurbish properties, improve the quality of housing stock, and bring people and services back into areas which had become disconnected with their neighbouring communities. Mr Wright said ‘The Pathfinders scheme is making a big difference in transforming local communities and housing markets in areas in need of regeneration.’