Executive Report Sample
Financial exclusion in two speed Leeds
Executive Report
Research into Financial Exclusion in Leeds and a study of alternative community based credit and savings systems, undertaken by Community Finance Solutions at Salford University on behalf of Leeds City Council.
Financial Exclusion Report for Leeds City Council 2004
Foreword
Leeds is a prosperous city. It is not only prosperous in its own right but acts as a generator for wealth, which goes well beyond its immediate boundaries. Leeds image as a prosperous city is well documented and commentators from around the country pay tribute to the success Leeds has enjoyed in recent decades. However, increasingly over the years, Leeds has become recognised as a two-speed city. Much of the city is prosperous but significant pockets of poverty are to be found in many areas. Over 20% of electoral wards in Leeds are recognised as being amongst the most deprived in the whole of England. This manifests itself in many different ways: neighbourhoods facing poor housing and poverty, higher crime rates and generally run down environments. Services enjoyed by the vast majority of the citizens of Leeds are not taken for granted in these deprived communities at the heart of the city. A city which only looks at the good headlines and fails to recognise its weaknesses, cannot be regarded as one which is inclusive and embodies the aspirations of all its citizens. There are many examples of work being undertaken by the Council, which illustrate the overall prosperity of the city of Leeds. The research on which this report is based concentrates on those parts of the city, which do not normally find themselves at the forefront of our promotional activities. Councillor Andrew Carter Chair, Leeds Economy Partnership December 2004 In uncovering the significant difficulties which many of our communities face we are also exposing ourselves to the need to take action. The research embodied in this report must only be the beginning.
Executive Report
Research into Financial Exclusion in Leeds and a study of alternative community based credit and savings systems, undertaken by Community Finance Solutions at Salford University on behalf of Leeds City Council.
Financial Exclusion Report for Leeds City Council 2004
Foreword
Leeds is a prosperous city. It is not only prosperous in its own right but acts as a generator for wealth, which goes well beyond its immediate boundaries. Leeds image as a prosperous city is well documented and commentators from around the country pay tribute to the success Leeds has enjoyed in recent decades. However, increasingly over the years, Leeds has become recognised as a two-speed city. Much of the city is prosperous but significant pockets of poverty are to be found in many areas. Over 20% of electoral wards in Leeds are recognised as being amongst the most deprived in the whole of England. This manifests itself in many different ways: neighbourhoods facing poor housing and poverty, higher crime rates and generally run down environments. Services enjoyed by the vast majority of the citizens of Leeds are not taken for granted in these deprived communities at the heart of the city. A city which only looks at the good headlines and fails to recognise its weaknesses, cannot be regarded as one which is inclusive and embodies the aspirations of all its citizens. There are many examples of work being undertaken by the Council, which illustrate the overall prosperity of the city of Leeds. The research on which this report is based concentrates on those parts of the city, which do not normally find themselves at the forefront of our promotional activities. Councillor Andrew Carter Chair, Leeds Economy Partnership December 2004 In uncovering the significant difficulties which many of our communities face we are also exposing ourselves to the need to take action. The research embodied in this report must only be the beginning.