This independent report evaluates the impact of government urban policy over the past decade, using quantitative or statistical analysis, qualitative information from surveys of the recipients of policy and discussions with those involved in policy implementation.

While there can be no doubt that British cities have experienced severe economic, social and environmental difficulties since the 1960s, the genesis of the problems remain a matter of dispute. Government has responded with sets of policy instruments that have continuously switched their focus, reflecting not only political priorities but also the changing interpretation of the nature of the problems. How effective have these differing policies been? This independent report evaluates the impact of government urban policy between 1984 and 1994. This undertaking uses quantitative or statistical analysis, qualitative information from surveys of the recipients of policy, and utilizes discussions with experts at the sharp end of policy implementation to provide a comprehensive evaluation of contemporary British urban policy.

Quantitative assessment - the national and local pictures
the views of recipients
the views of experts
conclusions.