Regeneration is the lasting transformation of places to benefit those who live and work there.
The Scottish Government works to do this sustainably through enabling targeted action in the most disadvantaged areas and by devolving power locally.
Disadvantaged communities are helped through the creation of mixed communities and urban regeneration companies, which aim to regenerate run-down areas of Scotland through a co-ordinated approach from public and private sector organisations.
Policy on town centres and bringing vacant and derelict land back into productive use contributes to the Government's Purpose of increasing sustainable economic growth. By empowering and engaging communities the talent and creative potential of local people can be realised to deliver successful solutions to local challenges.
Two catalyst funds help regenerate disadvantaged communities: the Fairer Scotland Fund, awarded to Community Planning Partnerships, and the Wider Role Fund for registered social landlords.
Three learning networks connect people involved in community regeneration, towns and high streets or mixed communities to good practice in regeneration.
A new joint statement by the Scottish Government and COSLA, 'Equal Communities in a Fairer Scotland', was published on 29 October 2009. The statement confirms the commitment of government at national and local level to tackling high levels of derivation in geographical communities.