Lecture 9b The Renaissance of local economic regeneration in the UK – Main themes and activities

1. Lecture 9b The Renaissance of local economic regeneration in the UK – Main themes and activities Aims • Examine local economic regeneration & look at generic initiatives and programmes • Examine competitive bidding and the role of physical regeneration • Examine the issues of employment education and training and how these impact on regeneration Outcomes • Have a good idea of the scope of local economic development • Be conversant with the principles of competitive bidding • Be aware of how local regeneration impacts on real economic issues Regional and Local Economics (RALE) Lecture slides – Lecture 9b

2. Economic Analysis Structure, employment, income, output, linkages Social Analysis Stress, deprivation, skills, facilities, minorities Environmental Analysis Physical quality, resources, waste, congestion, design Inputs Internal drivers of change Existing strategies, availability of resources, preference of residents, leaders & champions External drivers of change Macro trends, European policy, competitor cities Application to the urban area City wide analysis, neighbourhood characteristics, existing plans, specific goals, future requirements Outputs Physical improvements City centre, estates, housing, design & quality heritage Neighbourhood strategies Community action, inner area renewal, social facilities Training & Education Skills enhancement, community training, enhanced R&D Economic Development Support new & existing firms, improved infrastructure, innovation, diversification Environmental action Waste management, energy efficiency, urban greening, company based action Regional and Local Economics (RALE) Lecture slides – Lecture 9b

3. Retention of spending demand-side Manufacturing Services Exports Improving efficiency supply-side Infrastructure Innovation Entrepreneurship Education and training Why urban areas have declined Structuralist Counter-urbanisation Marxist Sectoral or planning External ownership Product cycle Urban Regeneration: A Handbook (2001) Regional and Local Economics (RALE) Lecture slides – Lecture 9b

4. Phases of Urban Policy Mid 60s to 1977 • Culture of poverty thesis 1977- early 80s • Land and Premises Early 80s – 1988 • Private sector “Flagships” Post 1988 • Variable problems, local ownership Regional and Local Economics (RALE) Lecture slides – Lecture 9b

5. Generic Initiatives/Programmes • Grant support • Land grant – Urban development grants – Urban regeneration grants • Relaxation of Regulation • Enterprise zones • Urban Development Agencies • UDC – English partnerships • Integrated approaches • CATs, Task Forces Regional and Local Economics (RALE) Lecture slides – Lecture 9b

6. Competitive Bidding and Funding Picking winners • City Challenge • Single Regeneration Budget Future • Broad range of partners • Needs of locals • Effect sectoral changes • Demonstrate innovation • Tangible benefits • Replicate Regional and Local Economics (RALE) Lecture slides – Lecture 9b

7. Physical regeneration Role of Physical Regeneration • Removing constraints • Leading the change • Building on opportunities • Supply-side investments • Integrated renewal • Avoiding conflict Sustainable development • Economic • Technical • Political Regional and Local Economics (RALE) Lecture slides – Lecture 9b

8. Social and Community Issues Characteristics of communities • Personal attributes • Beliefs • Economic position • Skills • Relationship to local services • Place • Togetherness Features • Needs and provision, Special needs, Vision that is shared • Representation, Empowerment • To make a partnership work • Co-ordination • Effective management structures • Link into different programmes Regional and Local Economics (RALE) Lecture slides – Lecture 9b

9. Ingredients Skills Acquiring knowledge The availability of resources Ability to influence Operation Programme Bending Community Linking Mainstream Localist Capacity Building Regional and Local Economics (RALE) Lecture slides – Lecture 9b

10. Employment, Education and Training Causes of urban employment problems • Congestion • High land values • Under investment • High security costs • Few skilled people Unemployment harder to crack • Unemployable • Impersonal nature • Disadvantaged groups concentrated • Language problems Regional and Local Economics (RALE) Lecture slides – Lecture 9b

11. Demand-side Attracting inward investment Creating micro business Temporary jobs public funding Expand public sector Reduce Labour costs Supply-side Information Basic education Develop vocational skills Enhance motivation Increase incentives Labour Market Policy Avoiding DDS • export; • support long-term growth; • meet skill demand Regional and Local Economics (RALE) Lecture slides – Lecture 9b

12. Business contribution Management Examples and equipment Work experience Mentoring Key actors Local authorities LSC ES Business Link Voluntary sector Future Occupational change Flexible Social back-up Small high-tech Strengths Education Health Culture, sport and heritage Education, training & future Regional and Local Economics (RALE) Lecture slides – Lecture 9b

13. Conclusions • Urban areas have faced economic decline for the last 50 years, structuralist, counter-urbanisation etc. • Current phase of policy began in 1988 • Range of strategies employed • Significant role for physical regeneration • Social and community issues increasingly important focus on capacity building. • Severe under and unemployment - actions needed on the demand and supply sides of the labour market • Business have key contribution in education and training in partnership with others • More challenges to come Regional and Local Economics (RALE) Lecture slides – Lecture 9b