Equality and Regeneration: Conflicting Priorities?

Purpose – This article considers how the persistence of race inequalities can be addressed in the field of regeneration. Race has been a consistent feature in inner urban areas yet there is little to suggest contemporary means of regeneration has taken this on board. Design/methodology/approach – The article is based on a series of qualitative, semi-structured interviews that were undertaken as part of ongoing work associated with the implementation of the Equality Standard for Local Government in England. Findings – An emergent set of relations between equality, social inclusion and community cohesion is evident. As a result, aspects of inequality continue to lie at the heart of public sector intervention policies such as regeneration. Research limitations/implications – The article suggests that while there may be methods of management to help ensure good equality principles, it is the role of local democratic and political processes to eradicate such practice. Practical implications – The findings are important to public sector management. Continued work on Equality Standard for Local Government should take on board the findings of this article. Originality/value – The article adds knowledge to how, in the field of regeneration, the characteristics of institutional racism can be locked into the practices and organizational cultures of public sector agencies.