Area-based Initiatives: The rationale and options forarea targeting

This paper explores the rationale for area targeting and the growth ofnew area-based initiatives. The author examines the geographicalconcentration of deprivation, the extent, and whether there is apolarisation between areas. The evidence confirms that there is a clearrationale for area-based approaches, although it should not be assumedthat they will be the most effective means to improve conditions in allcases. The evidence suggests that there should be a closer link betweenarea-based approaches and national level main programmes, given thetime limited nature of the former and the fact that they only reach aminority of all deprived people. The issues involved in identifying targetareas are also reviewed including the question of who decides and onwhat basis. It is concluded that understanding the spatial distribution ofdeprivation is crucial and that there is an urgent need for better, moreup to date statistical and other data relating to small geographical areas.[...]