Understanding the scale and nature of outcome change in area-regeneration programmes: evidence from the New Deal for Communities programme in England

The New Deal for Communities (NDC) programme is one of the most intensive area-based initiatives (ABIs) launched in England. Between 1998 and 2010 thirty-nine NDC partnerships were charged with improving conditions in relation to six outcomes within deprived neighbourhoods, each accommodating around 9800 people. Data point to only modest change, much of which reflects improving attitudes towards the area and the environment. There are problems in identifying positive people-based outcomes because relatively few individuals benefit from relevant initiatives. Few positive benefits leak out of NDC areas. Transformational change was always unlikely bearing in mind the limited nature of additional resources, and because only a minority of individuals directly engage with NDC projects. This evidence supports perspectives of AB's rooted in 'local managerialism'.