This study, published by ippr north, compares the experience of 'matched pairs' of deprived neighbourhoods in Liverpool, Leeds and Middlesbrough. It explores why some areas improved their prospects over the past decade while others lagged.
The research found that targeted investment and sustained economic growth, as well as active involvement by local people and collaboration with agencies in the wider area, can improve prospects for the North's most deprived communities. In particular:
- early intervention to improve housing and tackle local 'crime and grime' issues encourage people with the best skills and potential to stay in the neighbourhood;
- more innovation and local flexibility in welfare-to-work programmes is key to connecting unemployed people in neighbourhoods to job opportunities in the wider economy;
- a positive and outward-looking neighbourhood spirit fosters confidence, leadership and aspiration and improves local economic prospects.
This is the final report of a major programme of work undertaken by ippr north, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and The Northern Way.
