Inclusion in Regeneration: A Place for Disabled People?

Abstract

Since 1994, the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) has been one of the British government's main policy tools in tackling inequality within Britain's cities. SRB partnerships seek collaboration between public, private and community sectors but, for some minority groups, such inclusionary intentions have proved to be more rhetoric than reality. Drawing on a questionnaire sent to 200 SRB partnerships across Britain, this paper addresses disabled people's involvement in SRB partnerships. As people who experience multiple forms of exclusion from contemporary society, it would seem imperative that they should have a stake in local regeneration initiatives. The paper explores the extent, form of and barriers to, disabled people's involvement and consultation in the SRB, and challenges the notion that SRB partnerships are inclusive to all sectors.