Kevin Broughton

Where next for neighbourhood regeneration in England

There has been a ‘triple whammy’ for neighbourhood regeneration in England in 2010. Key agencies and infrastructure have been abolished or cut back since the election of a new government; the previous administration’s area-based initiatives are ending; and property-led developments have slowed markedly during the recession. However, while policy stands at a crossroads, the underlying drivers for regeneration remain as pertinent as ever, regardless of wider fiscal and economic circumstances. Within this context, the article considers the form which neighbourhood regeneration might take during the next decade, exploring how evolving policy developments (e.g. localism, ‘Big Society’, Local Enterprise Partnerships) could impact on practice. Analysis suggests that neighbourhood regeneration will exist in a very different world to that which practitioners are familiar with, characterized by resource constraints, organizational change, uncertainty and upheaval. However, there are opportunities: a more powerful position for voluntary and community sector organizations with the greatest capacity; new forms of collaboration between neighbourhood regeneration organizations; and the development of new relationships between commissioners and service delivery organizations.

Capacity building for food justice in England: the contribution of charity-led community food initiatives

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the extent to which charity-led initiatives can contribute to capacity building for food justice in England. The paper draws on evaluations of two projects run by the charity Garden Organic: the Master Gardener Programme, operating a network of volunteers who mentor households, schools and community groups to support local food growing, and the Sowing New Seeds programme, which engages “Seed Stewards” to work with communities to encourage the growing and cooking of “exotic” crops. Based on qualitative data about peoples’ motivations for participation and the benefits that are experienced, we interpret these projects as examples of capacity building for food justice. We suggest that whilst currently depoliticised, the “quiet” process of reskilling and awareness raising that occurs through shared gardening projects could have transformative potential for people’s relationship with food. Finally, we use our findings to raise critical questions and propose future research about food justice concepts and practices.

Where next for neighbourhood regeneration in England? Two years on

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.

Inclusive growth in English cities: mainstreamed or sidelined?

ABSTRACT The concept of inclusive growth is increasingly presented as offering prospects for more equitable social outcomes. However, inclusive growth is subject to a variety of interpretations and lacks definitional clarity. In England, via devolution, cities are taking on new powers for policy domains that can influence inclusive growth outcomes. This opens up opportunities for innovation to address central issues of low pay and poverty. This paper examines the extent to which inclusive growth concerns form a central or peripheral aspect in this new devolution through the content analysis of devolution agreements. It concludes that inclusive growth concerns appear to be largely sidelined.