This summary of has been prepared by an evaluation team based in the Department of Land Economy in the University of Cambridge for the Department of the Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

The evaluation team are tracking the progress and achievements of twenty case studies over a period of eight years and producing a series of reports at various stages in the life of these broadly representative case studies.

The Single Regeneration Budget has been the main source of support for local area regeneration from 1995-2001. Expenditure has varied considerably. In total £5.7 billion of funding has been committed. While there have been some changes certain key features of its design and delivery have remained throughout.

There has been an emphasis on a partnership led approach to regeneration whereby interested parties come together at the local level to devise a regeneration scheme and seek financial support. Regeneration schemes have varied from less than £1 million to £100 million. The duration of the schemes has been from one to seven years.

Final evaluation reports have been completed for ten case study SRB partnerships.

A significant programme of interviews have been undertaken with:

The mid-term report also reports on findings from a second wave of social household surveys in three of the case study areas in 1999. Other evidence reports on the extent to which SRB expenditure over six rounds of funding has been able to address need at the local level.

SRB has targeted social need and deprivation effectively. Findings give clear evidence that SRB funding has generally been responsive to local needs. Building robust community structures and involving local people cannot be achieved quickly, and requires a careful strategy.

Effective engagement of communities offers greater opportunities for sustainable development. Schemes should seek to encompass the talents and resources of all sectors of the community. It is necessary to find ways to broaden the base of community involvement.

Financial involvement by the private sector in SRB is positively associated with projects. Mainstream delivery into deprived neighbourhoods has been modest and variable.

Communities and Local Government
contactus@communities.gov.uk

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//2002

Department of Land Economy in the University of Cambridge

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Integration of social groups

Ethnic minorities