The Estate We’re In: Lessons from the Front Line

The state of many of Britain’s social housing estates is nothing short of a national embarrassment. Too often, crime, unemployment, gangs and violence are rife. The human cost is heartbreaking; the cost to the public purse immense.

There is hope, however. Targeted interventions driven by dedicated individuals can make an enormous difference. In Taunton, the Halcon Estate was turned around by one dedicated police officer and his team. In South London, gang activity on the Stockwell Park Estate was curtailed by a job fair. On the Pengegon Estate in Cornwall, one Neighbourhood Manager revitalised the community. In Castlemilk, Glasgow, the work of one progressive nursery has saved lives. This report uses case studies to extract best practice, drawing out the key lessons for policymakers in how to turn around the worst housing estates.