The concentration of poverty and lack of opportunity in particular places has many complex causes, in particular economic restructuring, the decline of community activity and poor quality public services. It has equally complex consequences, such as a growing fear of crime and increasing disaffection among the young. These, in turn, reinforce the problems facing deprived neighbourhoods as those people who have the power to choose where to live, work and invest go elsewhere.
The New Commitment to Neighbourhood Renewal National Strategy Action Plan, referred to in the text as the New Commitment was produced in January 2001 after wide consultations with a range of stakeholders. It signals the Government's intention to narrow the gap between the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of the country so that 'within 10-20 years no one is seriously disadvantaged by where they live'.
The New Commitment calls on central government departments and local service providers to take account of the impact of mainstream programmes and strategies on neighbourhoods and to look at the needs of neighbourhoods when planning and delivering programmes and services. In practice, this means local organisations need to change their policies, spending patterns, services and the way people access services to meet the needs of those living in deprived areas.
This paper is one product of a two-phase research project. It aims to inform discussion among key decision-makers. The research focuses on the 88 areas prioritised in the New Commitment. It seeks to identify barriers to change and strategies that have overcome or appear to be overcoming these barriers.
Included in this report:
- Central government policy and local delivery of neighbourhood renewal
- Local partnerships and networks
- The readiness of local organisations
- Recommendations