Thousands more people will be given the power to transform their
communities as the government expands its pledge to restore pride
in their local neighbourhood.
Local people in 40 new areas across England will be able to
decide where up to £20 million is invested in their neighbourhood
- whether that's breathing new life into high streets,
saving much-loved community spaces, or bringing people together
through local events and activities.
The new package, worth up to £800 million, will build on the
success of the £5 billion Pride in Place programme that has so
far helped hundreds of neighbourhoods take control of their
futures and bring real change to their communities.
In Rawtenstall, students have been asked to imagine their ideal
town. In Hastings, board members have been out talking to people
at park runs, festivals and supermarkets to hear what matters
most to them.
The results are already visible. In Ramsgate, £500,000 secured
the freehold of the town's last remaining youth centre - saving
it for generations to come. In Elgin, Scotland, £1 million has
been set aside to build a brand-new regional athletics hub,
bringing sports clubs from across the northeast together under
one roof.
Prime Minister said:
It is the same story in towns across the country. Youth clubs
that have been abandoned, shops boarded up and high streets
decimated.
We must reverse the devastating decline in our communities and
give power, agency and control to the very people who want to
improve their community – those who have skin in the game.
Through the Pride in Place Programme, communities – backed by the
state and fired up by pride – will join the fight for national
renewal and a Britain built for all.
Communities Secretary said:
Pride in Place is about giving power to local people who know
best what needs to change in their area.
The ambitious plans we're seeing take shape in communities across
the country is proof that when you give local people the tools to
do the job – things get better.
More than just funding, the Pride in Place
Programme represents a shift in power into the hands of
local people who know their communities best. This builds on
the rich tapestry across the country of community leaders,
volunteers and grassroots organisations already working hard to
support their communities and making them a better place to live
for everyone.
Neighbourhood Boards, who oversee the funding allocated to
their communities and are made up of local residents, are
now up and running, listening to their communities and
deciding where the money will go.
Crucially, Pride in Place is
about establishing long-term change, and creating a
legacy of community-centred action, delivery and
empowerment which will last far beyond the decade long
programme.
Today's announcement will mean a total of around 380 areas will
get funding, with the benefits rippling far beyond individual
neighbourhoods, with thriving and more cohesive communities
helping to build a stronger, more
prosperous country for everyone.
