Place matters: but does local leadership?

Abstract

‘Place’ became significant on the UK's policy agenda when the Labour government came to power in 1997. A range of area-based initiatives were introduced to tackle neighbourhood forms of deprivation and to re-establish a sense of identity and connection between individuals and their local community. In terms of place-making, effective and inclusive participation, representation and leadership were all identified as prerequisites for the creation of sustainable communities. This article examines the extent to which local leadership and strategic vision are important in promoting higher levels of satisfaction, belonging, cohesion and participation across single tier councils in England. Questions are raised not only about the importance of local leadership in place-making, but also the environmental and organizational factors that shape local places.

Keywords:

• England
• leadership
• local government
• neighbourhood
• place-making

Additional information

Notes on contributors

James Hunter

James Hunter is Principal Lecturer in Public Policy, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK.