In his pre-budget statement, Brown said: "We will pilot mixed communities in deprived estates and provide further support for first-time buyers." The details of the scheme will come in the forthcoming ODPM five-year housing strategy.
The pilot is expected to feature a package of measures for areas where few people have exercised their right to buy. Options could include shared ownership and incentives to buy.
Brown also announced that an industry-led science forum will be established.
He pledged that the three northern regional development agencies will promote science cities, starting with Manchester, Newcastle and York.
