Title

Two for one and one for all: exploring the potential for integrating the sustainable development and social exclusion policy agendas in the UK

Authors

Karen Lucas

Document Type

Working Paper

Publication Date

2000

Subject Area

Location - UK, Social Issues - Social exclusion, Transport policy - Exclusion

Abstract

In January 1999, The University of Westminster undertook an exploratory research exercise into the policy interfaces between the Government's newly announced social exclusion programme and its ongoing agenda for sustainable development. The study was carried out in two phases, phase one, an exploration of potential policy relationships, complementarities and conflicts between social exclusion and sustainable development, through the available literature and policy documentation. The primary aim in phase one was to better understand how national policy is embedded in local delivery programmes, and to investigate what potential (if any) exists for more collaborative working between the two policy areas, at the local level. Phase two represented the field work element of the research, and involved pilot case study exercises with two of the seventeen local authorities that had been selected by the government to develop NDC 'pathfinders' withing their administrative areas. The aim of these pilot case study exercises was two-fold, firstly to gain a more in depth understanding of the content and scope of the NDC proposals and their potential to encourage social inclusion in the context of the local authorities sustainable development strategy. Secondly, it was hope that the case studies would allow better understanding of the practical processes necessary for joined-up deliver of such programmes and identify any potential barriers to a more holistic and integrated delivery approach at a local level. The wider policy context for the research is set out in Chapter two. Chapter three and four establish the current policy thinking and action in relation to the two policy areas of sustainable development and social exclusion. Chapter five looks for further evidence of the potential for joined-up thinking and action at the local level. Chapte six describes the review of the outline bids that were submitted to the DETR from the first round pathfinder areas, Chapter seven presents the main findings of the case study research and Chapter eight draws conclusion and offers recommendations for future consideration.