January 30, 2013
Recession impacts on regeneration
In the week that Joseph Rowntree Foundation launched its annual assessment of poverty levels in Scotland, another piece of JRF funded research, run by SURF, has been published. Looking at how the recession is taking its toll on the regeneration of two distinctly different but equally disadvantaged neighbourhoods, the study explored how local people and agencies were coping with the added pressures, and whether there were any broader lessons to be learned.
Recession impacts on regeneration
A paper by Andy Milne & Derek Rankine of SURF – REALITY, RESOURCES, RESILIENCE: REGENERATION IN A RECESSION January 2013
This paper:
• Looks at how the recession is impacting upon disadvantaged communities in Scotland;
• Summarises experience and practical initiatives in two contrasting case study neighbourhoods;
• Explores how communities and partner agencies are responding; and
• Asks what opportunities are presented by the distinct Scottish policy context.
How is the recession impacting upon disadvantaged communities in Scotland? How are communities and partner agencies responding? What opportunities are presented by the distinct Scottish policy context? A summary report based on SURF’s explorations of lived experience and practical initiatives in two contrasting case study neighbourhoods.
Key points :
Dislocation The understanding and responses of policy makers to the lived ‘Reality, Resources and Resilience’ of disadvantaged communities are being undermined by the erosion of relatively small investments in community organisations, local service projects and interactive partnership links. The resulting dislocation of vital knowledge, assets and cooperation threatens the efficacy of larger public service plans and investments.
Re-engagement Some encouraging possibilities can be drawn from this exploration of the Reality, Resources and Resilience in two contrasting case study settings at both local activity and strategic organisational levels. SURF partner organisations with ‘community asset’ focused policies and resources are keen to engage practically in support of the successful ‘ameliorative responses’ initiatives highlighted in this study.
Exchanging The current convergence of policy initiatives and constitutional considerations in Scotland provides a unique opportunity to radically reconsider what could be achieved to improve the climate for more resilient community regeneration. The increasingly divergent policy approaches between Scotland and the rest of the UK offers a potentially productive context for exchanging practical experience and learning towards more effective responses in all areas.
For a full copy of this report click here