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Many council estates 'improving' Many council estates 'improving'
(about 7 hours later)
A series of council estates dating back to the 1980s have "turned the tide" of deprivation, according to a report.A series of council estates dating back to the 1980s have "turned the tide" of deprivation, according to a report.
London School of Economics researchers, on behalf of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), found a reduction in unemployment and empty housing.London School of Economics researchers, on behalf of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), found a reduction in unemployment and empty housing.
But they warned significant gaps still exist between the estates they analysed in England and national norms.But they warned significant gaps still exist between the estates they analysed in England and national norms.
Changes on 20 estates were monitored in London, the Midlands, the North East and the North West over 25 years.Changes on 20 estates were monitored in London, the Midlands, the North East and the North West over 25 years.
The report refers to improved environmental and education standards, as well as an end to neglected, litter-strewn areas and - in most cases - speedier housing repair services.The report refers to improved environmental and education standards, as well as an end to neglected, litter-strewn areas and - in most cases - speedier housing repair services.
Most of the estates have turned from a vicious circle of deprivation and stigma to a virtuous circle of improved popularity and easier management Rebecca TunstallReport author Most of the estates have turned from a vicious circle of deprivation and stigma to a virtuous circle of improved popularity and easier management Rebecca TunstallReport author href="/1/hi/uk/6154198.stm" class="">Planning needs to change
But researchers have warned that fully closing the gap with national norms will take long-term funding and commitment and is likely to take more than 10 to 20 years.But researchers have warned that fully closing the gap with national norms will take long-term funding and commitment and is likely to take more than 10 to 20 years.
They found that on 16 of the 20 sites, housing managers and residents felt there were improvements between 1980 and 1995, which had continued to last year.They found that on 16 of the 20 sites, housing managers and residents felt there were improvements between 1980 and 1995, which had continued to last year.
But progress in the remaining four had halted or reversed, with two of the estates facing major redevelopment.But progress in the remaining four had halted or reversed, with two of the estates facing major redevelopment.
Researchers found that the concentration of unemployed residents and lone-parent families increased sharply between 1981 and 1991.Researchers found that the concentration of unemployed residents and lone-parent families increased sharply between 1981 and 1991.
But the report states that, since 1991, unemployment has dropped from 34% to 13% in 2001, while concentrations of lone-parent households and children also decreased.But the report states that, since 1991, unemployment has dropped from 34% to 13% in 2001, while concentrations of lone-parent households and children also decreased.
'Economically inactive''Economically inactive'
And GCSE performance at estate-linked secondary schools improved between 1994 and 2004 - which is a faster rate than national or local authority averages.And GCSE performance at estate-linked secondary schools improved between 1994 and 2004 - which is a faster rate than national or local authority averages.
Even problematic estates can be improved and become popular, which suggests caution in criticising council housing and recommending demolition JRF director Lord Richard BestEven problematic estates can be improved and become popular, which suggests caution in criticising council housing and recommending demolition JRF director Lord Richard Best
But the report also highlighted a number of failings.But the report also highlighted a number of failings.
It found the health of residents remained poorer than those in other forms of housing.It found the health of residents remained poorer than those in other forms of housing.
Furthermore, the proportion who were "economically inactive" - neither working nor looking for a job - had also increased.Furthermore, the proportion who were "economically inactive" - neither working nor looking for a job - had also increased.
And, although concerns over crime appeared to have dropped, worries about anti-social behaviour were increasing.And, although concerns over crime appeared to have dropped, worries about anti-social behaviour were increasing.
Improvements were the result of regeneration funding, intensive local management and the involvement of resident groups.Improvements were the result of regeneration funding, intensive local management and the involvement of resident groups.
'Virtuous circle''Virtuous circle'
The research suggested the progress was influenced by national trends of rising employment, falling crime, increasing house prices, and rising educational achievement.The research suggested the progress was influenced by national trends of rising employment, falling crime, increasing house prices, and rising educational achievement.
Rebecca Tunstall, the report's author, said: "Most of the estates have turned from a vicious circle of deprivation and stigma to a virtuous circle of improved popularity and easier management."Rebecca Tunstall, the report's author, said: "Most of the estates have turned from a vicious circle of deprivation and stigma to a virtuous circle of improved popularity and easier management."
We will continue to deliver further improvements Communities Secretary Ruth KellyWe will continue to deliver further improvements Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly
But she added: "A quarter of a century of progress must not be threatened by complacency or a shift of attention from these estates and others like them."But she added: "A quarter of a century of progress must not be threatened by complacency or a shift of attention from these estates and others like them."
JRF director Lord Richard Best said the report "shows that even problematic estates can be improved and become popular, which suggests caution in criticising council housing and recommending demolition".JRF director Lord Richard Best said the report "shows that even problematic estates can be improved and become popular, which suggests caution in criticising council housing and recommending demolition".
'Long-term challenges''Long-term challenges'
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly said the report showed "a major turnaround" where council estates were concerned, although she also warned against complacency.Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly said the report showed "a major turnaround" where council estates were concerned, although she also warned against complacency.
She said building on improvements would provide "complex long-term challenges".She said building on improvements would provide "complex long-term challenges".
"Through sustained investment in schools, housing, Sure Start, the local environment, measures to reduce anti-social behaviour and government's unshakeable commitment, we will continue to deliver further improvements," Ms Kelly added."Through sustained investment in schools, housing, Sure Start, the local environment, measures to reduce anti-social behaviour and government's unshakeable commitment, we will continue to deliver further improvements," Ms Kelly added.
The JRF said the names of the 20 estates examined would not be disclosed for reasons of confidentiality.The JRF said the names of the 20 estates examined would not be disclosed for reasons of confidentiality.