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With reference to one urban policy in Britain since 1979, evaluate its success in contributing to urban resurgence - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 3
With reference to one urban policy in Britain since 1979, evaluate its success in contributing to urban resurgence. [9 marks]
Worked Solution & Example Answer:With reference to one urban policy in Britain since 1979, evaluate its success in contributing to urban resurgence - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Evaluate the success of the urban policy in encouraging people back into an urban area.
Answer
Since 1979, one notable urban policy in Britain is the Urban Development Corporations (UDCs) implemented to revitalize urban areas. The UDCs were designed to facilitate economic growth and attract investment, ultimately aiming to draw residents back into cities. For example, the London Docklands area saw significant investment and development, leading to new housing and job opportunities.
However, while UDCs succeeded in providing job creation—approximately 53,000 jobs were reported—many locals were priced out due to rising housing costs. This led to a disconnect between the intended urban resurgence and the reality, as wealthier newcomers often occupied the newly created properties.
Thus, the success of the UDCs can be seen as mixed; while they did stimulate some economic revitalization, they also contributed to issues such as gentrification, where low-income residents were displaced.
Step 2
Analyze the relationships between different aspects of the urban policy and its impact on urban resurgence.
Answer
The UDCs aimed to revitalize urban areas through partnerships between local authorities and private investors. This collaboration sometimes led to highly developed areas, but it also raised concerns about the sustainability of the resurgence.
Many policies, including the City Challenge and New Deal for Communities, built upon the foundation set by the UDCs, promote further regeneration. However, the criticism of these strategies focuses on their reliance on market mechanisms, which often favor affluent investors over community needs. Consequently, while urban resurgence may have been achieved in terms of infrastructure, the social fabric of communities was often neglected, leading to uneven benefits among residents.