Love thy neighbourhood: People and place in social reform

Love thy neighbourhood: Giving local bodies the power to create great places

Article

A blueprint for rethinking and revitalising neighbourhoods policy, this report draws together a wealth of research into how and why neighbourhoods are changing in Britain. It explores the pressures that they face, the resources and capacities they have within them, and how both people and policies can make them better places to live and work.

Despite laudable achievements in the past, neighbourhoods policy has largely fallen out of vogue since the economic downturn, and policy has instead become overwhelmingly focussed on the macroeconomic conditions for recovery and the role of various local and regional bodies in driving economic growth.

Against this backdrop, this report presents multifaceted research into the state of neighbourhoods today, considering which areas are changing most and why, and the ways in which housing, the physical environment, employment opportunities, transport and other factors come together to make 'good neighbourhoods'.

It also reviews the past effects of services, institutions and government policies on neighbourhoods, and assesses the effectiveness of different approaches to neighbourhood and community policy, in order to offer recommendations for how governments and policy can shape neighbourhood developments in progressive and proactive ways.

Related items

  1. A group of young women laughing sitting around a cafe table

    Making space: Meeting the needs of young women and girls through Young Futures

    This is a critical moment for the government’s delivery of Young Futures Hubs, which can transform outcomes for young women and girls. 
  2. Doctor with patient for consultation, medical advice or procedure at clinic

    Building the foundations for transformation in the NHS

    The government has published a bold 10-year plan to transform England’s health system which, if fully delivered, will make the NHS of tomorrow look radically different from today’s service. 
  3. A huge overflowing recycling bin full of discarded empty bottles of alcoholic drinks

    Taking stock: Counting the economic costs of alcohol harm

    Alcohol consumption across the UK is increasing. Government and employers must act to address the health risks.