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Capacity building for community‐led regeneration: Facilitating or frustrating public engagement?

Paul O'Hare (School of Environment and Development (SED), University of Manchester, Manchester, UK)

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy

ISSN: 0144-333X

Article publication date: 2 March 2010

1939

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of European Union Objective 1 funding on the development and formalisation of a neighbourhood‐based group situated in a regeneration area in the UK. The role, function and impact of a Community Empowerment Network (CEN) (funded by the Labour Government as part of its Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy) is also examined and assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings of the paper are informed by a critique of the policy literature and the ways in which “leadership” roles and responsibilities are played out within neighbourhood settings. The empirical research derives from an analysis of the role and practice of CENs in England.

Findings

The paper argues that the external initiatives restrict the autonomy and independence of community based groups. Furthermore, the paper makes the point that such externally driven programmes are often located within neighbourhoods with little reference to identifying the needs or priorities of residents.

Research limitations/implications

There are important lessons here for policy makers and practitioners in public policy to reflect upon. The paper seeks to draw connections between the literature on community development and planning/regeneration management. These links are important to sustain and to open the discussion to a broader audience of researchers and practice managers.

Practical implications

The paper raises questions concerning how local residents/groups can be facilitated into articulating their needs and exercising agency in terms of changing the decision‐making/resource allocation processes.

Originality/value

The paper adds to understanding the practice of empowerment networks.

Keywords

Citation

O'Hare, P. (2010), "Capacity building for community‐led regeneration: Facilitating or frustrating public engagement?", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 30 No. 1/2, pp. 32-47. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443331011017029

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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