Where next for neighbourhood regeneration in England? Two years on

Abstract

This article updates previous research published in Local Economy in 2011 that examined the changing context of neighbourhood regeneration policy and practice in the first year of the UK Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition Government. At that juncture, based on early signs of political and policy direction, we set out what the policy and practice landscape might ‘look like’ for neighbourhood regeneration organisations over the next few years, given that the emerging policy framework appeared barren. For this new article, we reappraise our previous propositions by exploring where neighbourhood regeneration appears to be heading in 2013, identifying new challenges and opportunities along the way. The article does this by examining the impact that current government policy is now having ‘on the ground’ for those neighbourhood regeneration organisations trying to survive. Primarily, it centres on the changing relationships between these organisations and the local and central state, local communities and the third sector, with a particular focus on Neighbourhood Planning. Informed by this review, some examples of good practice are highlighted which might assist similar organisations to navigate this period of fiscal austerity. The article concludes that neighbourhood regeneration is certainly not dead, but only forward-thinking and inventive neighbourhood regeneration organisations and communities are likely to successfully navigate the policy landscape they now face.