Walsall Council Approves £20 Million Government Funding for Blakenall
Walsall Council has taken a significant step forward in securing a £20 million government funding boost for the Blakenall neighbourhood, with leaders emphasising that the initiative will be "led by the people, for the people". The funding is part of the national Pride in Place programme, aimed at revitalising deprived areas across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Community-Led Board to Guide Spending
At a cabinet meeting on March 18, councillors approved the next phases for the Pride in Place programme in Blakenall South. This target area includes regions from Bloxwich Road to Harden, parts south of Well Lane, and the Wyrley View estate off Goscote Lane. The programme, managed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), mandates the establishment of a resident-led board to determine how the funds will be allocated.
Councillor Mike Bird, leader of Walsall Council, expressed optimism about the impact of the funding. "It would be wrong not to welcome the money coming into Blakenall and the borough as a whole. I sincerely hope that it will make a difference," he stated. He praised Councillor Pete Smith for his efforts to involve the community, highlighting that the approach ensures local voices are central to decision-making.
Transparency and Past Lessons
Concerns have been raised about the composition of the board, with Councillor Smith warning against a repeat of past failures. He referenced a previous New Deal funding programme in the early 2000s that made no significant impact on high crime rates, unemployment, and poor health indicators in the area. In response, he tabled a motion in late 2025 calling for transparency and a community-led board, which received full council support.
Councillor Adam Hicken, portfolio holder for enforcement and safer communities, noted that the process of appointing a chair and board members "hasn't yet begun". However, early engagement with residents, partners, and stakeholders has already commenced, as outlined in the cabinet report.
Key Deadlines and Future Steps
Walsall Council faces a critical deadline of July 17, 2026, to submit a list of board members to the MHCLG, along with any proposed adjustments to the boundary area. Following this, the board must develop and submit a detailed Pride in Place plan by November 2026 for formal assessment. If approved, funds are expected to be released starting in Spring 2027, marking a potential turning point for Blakenall's regeneration efforts.
This initiative represents a major opportunity for Blakenall, with council leaders and community members alike hopeful that the £20 million injection will drive lasting positive change in the neighbourhood.
