Area based regeneration programmes were at the heart of English public policy to tackle deprived areas from the 1970s through to early this century. 19 public programmes ranging from City Challenge, Single Regeneration Budget; the New Deal for Communities, Garden Cities through to the Urban Programme were researched for this major work. Area based regeneration programmes were at the heart of English public policy for deprived areas from the 1970s to early this century. 19 public programmes ranging from City Challenge, Single Regeneration Budget; the New Deal for Communities, Garden Cities through to the Urban Programme were researched for this major work. The changing context of central-local government relations and the emergence of more community-led planning are documented as part of the vital context. Considerable public money was invested in evaluating regeneration programmes but did this learning get transferred to future programmes? Did this make a difference or are we condemned to make the same mistakes programme after programme? This unique book is based on extensive original research and is a must-read for anyone involved in public policy, research or learning.