Local areas in 40 more neighbourhoods in England will receive £20 million each as part of the government’s Pride in Place programme.
First announced in chancellor Rachel Reeves’ June 2025 spending review, the £5 billion scheme is aimed at giving local councils and communities groups more control of what happens in their area.
Neighbourhood Boards, made up of local residents, decide where the money will go.
Today’s announcement means a total of around 380 areas will get funding. Projects could include reviving closed high street premises, rescuing threatened community spaces, and organising local events and activities.
Examples shared by the government of how the cash has been allocated so far include £500,000 to save Ramsgate’s last remaining youth centre and in Scotland, £1 million to build a new regional athletics hub.
Prime minister Keir Starmer 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 Steve Reed 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.”