The UK faces a ‘lost decade' in regeneration, if action to kick-start stalled projects does not occur soon, housing chief Sir Bob Kerslake has warned. Speaking at an MJ/NSA conference last week, Sir Bob, chief executive of the new Homes and Communities Agency, said the credit crunch had especially hit projects just about to start. He added: ‘We might see a lost decade in urban renewal if we don't find solutions in the next year. I've seen places having to go back to the drawing board, just as they were about to start.' Sir Bob stressed demand for housing remained and ‘we mustn't be deluded into thinking we can revise downwards forecasts for housing growth' He added: ‘The issue is about the supply and demand of money.' The HCA this week announced it was pumping £400m on a shared-equity basis to new homebuyers on incomes under £60,000 through its HomeBuy Direct scheme. Buyers will be offered a 30% equity loan.