A government review of urban development corporations may decide to abolish them and hand their powers to local authorities
Other possibilities under consideration are to make UDCs agents of the Homes and Communities Agency, in which case they would concentrate on providing infrastructure and social housing, replacing them with a new organisation, or retaining them in their current form.
The review is examining how effective and efficient UDCs have been, and if they have fulfilled their purpose.
It is also considering how their work fits with the HCA, particularly in the Thames Gateway, where the agency has responsibility for developing and funding the regeneration programme.
The government is also looking at how UDCs fit in with its efficiency programme, which aims to cut back office and IT costs and set up joint procurement initiatives.
There are UDCs in London, Thurrock and West Northamptonshire.
Previous UDCs have been wound up after seven to 10 years. Their aim is to regenerate the local area, including buying, selling and managing land, and ensuring developments have basic infrastructure.
The deadline for responses is 18 September.
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