ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the key economic, social and institutional changes that have occurred in Britain and the challenges and opportunities they present to urban policy. It examines the national spatial pattern, identifying in particular the key trends affecting large cities. The chapter analyses the financial and administrative framework in which urban policy is made and discusses key changes in the structure, role and operation of local government. It discusses the national government's perspective upon urban issues and challenges and how that perspective has changed over time. The chapter provides a detailed assessment of the impact of national policy with particular focus upon developments in policy. It explores a number of crucial current policy concerns as well as the debate about future policy that is taking place in Britain. Britain was one of the first European nations to industrialize and urbanize during the 19th century and one of the first to deindustrialize and deurbanize at the end of the 20th century.
