Difference, ambiguity and the potential for learning - local communities working in partnership with local government

Abstract

This paper considers aspects of the UK government agenda for neighbourhood renewal and suggests that the agenda contains a number of ambiguities and contradictions. These present particular problems for the development of partnerships between local government and community sector organizations. We profile the significance of creating a learning culture in such partnerships as an essential for coping with these problems and making the most of the opportunities to tackle social exclusion and encourage active citizenship. Our experience of Action Learning for Local Development, a European Social Fund ‘employability’ project in the city of Coventry, is the lens of experience and reflection through which these issues are explored.