Breaking the ‘Pretty Poverty’ Myth in Cornwall: Why Rural Deprivation Remains Hidden from Policy

Professor Tanya Ovenden-Hope explores how Cornwall’s scenic beauty masks deep-rooted deprivation that the government measurement, the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2019, systematically underestimates. This blog discusses the findings of the Plymouth Marjon University, The Pretty Poverty Report: Cornwall Rurality Matters. The Problem of ‘Pretty Poverty’ Deprivation in Cornwall is not immediately evident, hidden behind … Continue reading “Breaking the ‘Pretty Poverty’ Myth in Cornwall: Why Rural Deprivation Remains Hidden from Policy”

Why Power and Privilege Matters: Key Considerations for Meaningful Community Engagement

Carly Walker-Dawson discusses how to achieve meaningful community engagement by acknowledging and addressing power imbalances to build trust, value lived experience, and foster equitable, inclusive participation. When doing community engagement – as academics, policy makers or practitioners – we often think or say that we’re equals with the communities we’re working with. But we’re not. … Continue reading “Why Power and Privilege Matters: Key Considerations for Meaningful Community Engagement”

Unpacking the Meaning of ‘Communities’: Introducing the LPIP Hub Communities in Their Places Workstream 

As part of the Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Hub, we have a workstream focused on understanding ‘communities in their places’. This workstream considers the current and potential future role of communities in addressing place-based challenges. Cohesive communities can mobilise social capital, tackle place-based challenges, and identify pathways to bring about social, economic and environmental … Continue reading “Unpacking the Meaning of ‘Communities’: Introducing the LPIP Hub Communities in Their Places Workstream “

Call for Submissions: Culture, and Communities in Their Places

As part of the work of the Local Policy Innovation Partnership Programme’s (LPIP) Strategic Hub, City-REDI has organised a Special Session at the 2025 Regional Studies Association Annual Conference, which is scheduled to take place at the University of Porto, Portugal between the 6th – 9th May 2025, focusing on two interrelated key themes of … Continue reading “Call for Submissions: Culture, and Communities in Their Places”

The (Economic) Magic of Place-Based Policy for Communities in Driving Outcomes

Dr Abigail Taylor and Dr Anita Soni highlight the significant academic benefits Sure Start centres had on disadvantaged children living nearby before the 2010 policy shifts away from localised early years support. As policymakers consider new family support initiatives like Family Hubs, informed community involvement and a focus on marginalized families remain crucial for ensuring … Continue reading “The (Economic) Magic of Place-Based Policy for Communities in Driving Outcomes”

Activating Communities for Regional Renewal

Alison Park, Head of Creating Opportunities of Improving Outcomes, UKRI, and Deputy Executive Chair of ESRC looks at the importance of research and innovation to the UK, and how the Local Policy Innovation Partnerships (LPIPs) program addresses this importance by fostering collaborations tailored to local needs in economic growth, health, and community engagement. This blog … Continue reading “Activating Communities for Regional Renewal”