Neighbourhood Renewal in North East Lincs

Neighbourhood Renewal is a government policy aimed at closing some glaring inequalities in society. It early recognised that such problems seemed to congregate into smallish neighbourhoods, and they are therefore targeted.

The policy was launched in 2001. Over the period 2001-2006 £1875 billion was allocated to 88 of the most deprived authorities in England.

In the government's 2004 spending review a further £525 million was made available. North East Lincs obtained £9.1 million for the years 2006 and 2007. Another £1.5 million was found to improve safer communities.

"The aim of the strategy is to narrow the gap between deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of the country, so that within 10 to 20 years, no one should be seriously disadvantaged by where they live."

The programme in Grimsby was delayed for personnel reasons, but is now in full swing. There are some 30 major projects. They are classed under 4 main headings; Safer and Stronger Communities, Economic Development and Enterprise, Healthier Communities, and Change for Children. Each of the 30 projects sets out in detail what they are planning to achieve, and how they will do it.

The following examples of three modest schemes may give an idea of what they are like.

1. Mental Health Employment Service -- Two Individual Placement workers will deliver evidence based practice to support people living in Neighbourhood Renewal areas with severe and enduring mental health problems to find and retain jobs. The aim of the scheme is to increase the rate of employment from 14% to 60% over the next 5 years.

2. Respect Response -- Aim: to tackle generic youth nuisance issues
Objectives: (a) To provide a rapid response to reports of youth nuisance in progress.
(b) To deal positively with all offences and issues identified. (c) To proactively patrol hot spot areas.
2 police officers within a vehicle will be available for a specified number os days per week to attend on-going calls for service involving youth nuisance, to deal with the incident both in the short and long term.

3. Neighbourhood Engagement Workers Team (NEWTS) - the project provides a framework and structure for the development of a Neighbourhood Engagement Network with a focus primarily on the 12 proposed Neighbourhood Renewal areas, but also extending to cover the rest of the borough. The project uses a team of Neighbourhood Engagement Workers working alongside existing organisations and partnerships to increase the level of active participation in local decision making at all levels.

For those interested there is a great deal more information available on the North East Lincs Council website.