ABSTRACT
Town planners have always played a central role in the process of urban renewal and regeneration. Regulation theorists argue that three broad stages, such as 'competitive' regulation, 'Fordist' phase and a period of transition from 'Fordism' to 'Post-Fordism', in the development of capitalist societies can be identified. Regulation theorists start by analysing changes in the organisation of the economy then move on to consider developments in social and political structures. This chapter argues that in the sphere of urban policy, distinct changes have occurred correspond to the broad stages in the accumulation process as described by regulation theory. A series of reports and official inquiries into diverse aspects of Britain's social conditions revealed high levels of poverty and social inequality. Pressure was also mounting due to increasing racial tension and the links between poverty and race. The Labour Party's ideas for a new urban policy are, in comparison with its ideas on other policy areas, well developed.
