Continuity and change: A review of English regeneration policy in the 1990s

Hall, Stephen; Nevin, Brendan

Abstract

The introduction of the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) in 1994 was a response to a decade of urban policy which was perceived to have had a limited impact upon disadvantaged localities. This failure was due to a focus on property development and too little attention to employment and training issues and capacity building measures for deprived communities (Robson et al., 1994). The SRB, through the provision of a flexible funding source allocated through a regionally managed competition, was intended to promote holistic, locally devised solutions to complex, socio-economic problems to be delivered by inclusive local partnerships. However, after four years the SRB has been criticized for its lack of transparency, a narrow economic development focus, its declining resource base and the lack of a strategic approach at regional and local levels. The Labour Government has reviewed the operation of the SRB and, whilst accepting the basic principles of the programme, has issued new guidance which attempts to address the criticisms of the previous regime. This article reviews the operation of the first three rounds of the SRB and highlights issues relating to governance, resources and policy outcomes. The reforms of the SRB announced by the Labour Government are assessed within this context and considered alongside the proposals contained within the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) and the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) Bill.

Citation

Hall, S., & Nevin, B. (1999). Continuity and change: A review of English regeneration policy in the 1990s. Regional Studies, 33(5), 477-482. https://doi.org/10.1080/00343409950081310

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 1999
• Journal: Regional Studies
• Print ISSN: 0034-3404
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 33
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 477-482
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00343409950081310
• Keywords: regeneration, policy, 1990s, England
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1098235
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00343409950081310