'[A] richly textured book, ambitious in scope, yet critical in nature. It deserves to be read by a wide audience.'- R. Imrie, Environment & Planning This comprehensive but critical account of British local policy covers the initiatives of local and central government, corporately-funded agencies and the voluntary sector and the whole range of different political strategies these have embodied. It discusses how local economic policy attempts to deal with current economic, social and political conditions, including the particular problems of the British economy and considers the strengths and limitations of locally-based initiatives in an increasingly internationalised economy.