By the 1960’s and 1970’s large parts of inner cities were in decay.

Problems

• poor quality housing with a lack of space and with no proper kitchens, bathrooms and central heating
• a decaying environment with pollution, derelict land and a lack of open space
• unemployment due to the closure of the old-fashioned industries.

Solutions

• in some urban areas, the only solution was comprehensive redevelopment. This meant knocking everything down and starting again.
• in other cities, the local authorities were able to use urban renewal which meant taking the current housing and making it fit for modern life by knocking two houses together to create more space, by fitting central heating, insulation and new roofs, etc.