Originally published in 1981 this book considers why the demand for community participation (then, as now) has arisen and looks at various ways of increasing this public involvement. Drawing on wide experience of community work, the contributors describe difficulties faced at two complementary but very different levels: within the community, to involve people actively through community development, and within the local authority, to establish the policies, structure and procedures that are needed for people to take an active part in the regeneration of deprived urban areas. The book includes case studies of 9 initiatives in London, the North East and Scotland to increase community participation and suggests ways in which community workers and local authorities can promote participation.