1. Using the photo explain why the conditions shown on the photo are found in shanty towns
In the photograph there appears to be a complete lack of quality housing. This is because these
squatter settlements are set up rapidly and are both unplanned and illegal settlements. The
makeshift houses are put together from whatever people can find lying around because people
cannot afford to buy proper building materials. These areas receive no funding from the local
authorities and so there are open sewers and poor drainage. Water is often contaminated and
diseases like cholera and dysentery spread rapidly. Similarly roads are unpaved and are just dust
tracks and there is no refuse or waste disposal provision.
Describe how local people living in squatter settlements have tried to improve their own lives
There are a number of ways that people living in squatter settlements have tried to improve their
own lives. They hunt through rubbish to try and find more materials to build better houses for
their families. Some people have tried to set up local schools for children to go to so eventually
they can get better jobs move out and provide for their families. Also they have worked together
as a community to receive running water. They may illegally tap into an electricity supply so they
can get lighting into their homes By going out and searching for jobs or by setting up a shop in the
local market this means that they can give support their family , pay for food and educate their
children and generally strive for a better quality of life

2. Describe how the UK government has tried to improve inner cities since the 1990s (8 marks)
Urban Development Corporations were set up to regenerate large areas like the London Docklands,
Birmingham Heartlands and Cardiff Bay. These were large scale projects which involved local and
private investment improving transport, housing and attracting new industry. In London Docklands
transport was improved with the London Docklands light railway, London City airport and an
extension to the Jubilee line. Financial and high-tech firms were attracted by the low rates and
new industries were attracted to the Canary Wharf development. Over 20 000 new homes were
created many of them in former warehouses. Newham council has built low cost housing and
upgraded older properties. A modern shopping complex was built together with sporting facilities.
Several areas were cleared and converted into parks and open space.
City challenges involved local people working with local government. The Hulme City Challenge
Partnership aimed to improve the 1960s housing that had replaced the original inner city terraced
housing. As part of the plan there was a focus on improving the environment – setting up new parks
and including more open and green spaces. Community groups were set up and shopping provision
was improved. Local Authorities, private companies and most importantly the views of local people
were taken into consideration in the planning process.