The metropolitan region of Newcastle-upon-Tyne is in the throes of long-term economic decline. This book charts this decline and looks at public policies intended to promote the economic regeneration of the area. The study focuses on the financial aid given to local industries by central and local government. It examines, in detail, the pattern of this assistance and evaluates its impact on the operation of businesses and the level of their employment. The effectiveness of assistance measures, which involve substantial expenditure, is assessed and ways of improving policy are considered. The study breaks new ground in the comparative evaluation of economic development policy, and provides valuable insights into the operation of both regional and urban policy measures. This is one of five city studies carried out under the ESRC Inner Cities Research Programme, and offers a study of Newcastle's particular problems to set against the experiences of Clydeside, London, the West Midlands, and Bristol. Graduate and first-degree students taking courses in urban and regional economics, planning, urban and economic geography, urban politics, labour economics; professionals in these fields, especially in local authorities and chambers of commerce.