Publisher's Synopsis
Challenge funding, contracts and area regeneration looks at the evolution of area regeneration policy during the 1990s, focusing in particular on management processes, a matter of increasing concern in recent years. The introduction of competitive area regeneration policies was a response to perceived managerial weaknesses. The three rounds of the Single Regeneration Budget Challenge Fund (as conceived and implemented by the former Conservative government) are examined and contrasted with the experience of the French Contrat de ville programme, which has influenced the Local Government Association's 'New Commitment for Regeneration' proposals. These two programmes are considered in the context of the new Labour government's agenda for area regeneration (zone initiatives, Regional Development Agencies, Welfare to Work). The authors conclude with lessons and implications for future developments. These lessons need to be translated as quickly as possible into operational models of management, with the necessary level of support and training provided to enable the various partners to effectively manage the emerging partnership structures.
