What's in a name? : Local Agenda 21, community planning and neighbourhood renewal

Since the UK signed up to the Agenda 21 global charter, successive UK governments have pledged their continuing commitment to the delivery of sustainable development at the community level. "What's in a Name?" evaluates whether the move towards community strategies enhances or undermines sustainable policy delivery.

It reviews case studies from eight authorities, and considers how LA21 was introduced, the initiatives that have resulted, and how these were received by the communities that were targeted.

It suggests that, in the interest of realising more sustainable development, these strategies must balance the environmental, economic and social well-being of the areas they serve and outlines the practical lessons of the study.

This report includes the views and perceptions of project workers, local volunteers, trainees, residents and others who participated in these initiatives and transfers lessons from previous community based projects.

It reviews the processes that led to successful outcomes, and the lessons that can be drawn from the practical experiences of both professionals and communities to promote good practice.