Individuals across the UK are being called to join newly established Neighbourhood Boards.
The initiative will control how up to £20m is spent transforming their communities over the next ten years.
Calls to join the scheme come as part of the government’s Pride in Place programme, which aims to empower neighbourhoods to restore local pride and reinvigorate their areas based entirely on local residents and priorities.
In a significant boost to the initiative, 169 communities in phase two of the programme will receive an early payment of £150,000 in the new year. This funding will enable areas to begin establishing their boards and engaging communities on regeneration plans immediately.
The programme offers communities freedom to address their own priorities, from revitalising high streets and creating community sports leagues to boosting healthy eating through cooking classes.
Guidance published this week provides a toolkit of potential project ideas, though communities retain complete control over selecting projects that suit their local needs.
Under the Pride in Place programme nearly 250 areas will receive up to £5bn in total funding over the coming decade, with each area being allocated up to £20m to make long-term improvements.
Prime minister Keir Starmer said: ‘Whether it’s breathing new life into a high street, setting up a local sports league, or saving the pub at the heart of your community – Pride in Place is about putting power back where it belongs: in the hands of local people.
‘We’re backing the local residents who step forward, join their Neighbourhood Boards, and help shape a decade of transformation.
‘This isn’t about short-term fixes – it’s about lasting change that restores pride, strengthens communities and creates opportunities for everyone.’
Minister for devolution, faith and communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh, added: ‘Putting local people at the centre of the Pride in Place Programme is what really puts the value behind this money.
‘Change and investment means nothing unless local people have their voices heard and their priorities met, so we are putting the residents that know there area best in the driving seat.’
Image: henry perks/UnSplash
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