Another Birmingham area is set to benefit from a significant cash injection as part of the government's Pride in Place Programme. The initiative, which provides up to £20 million over 10 years, aims to empower communities by giving them control over local improvements.
Handsworth West Joins the Programme
Last September, eight areas in Birmingham were announced as part of the programme: Hawkesley, Druids Heath, Glebe Farm, Kingstanding South East, Woodgate, Sparkbrook North, Fox Hollies, and Nechells. Now, the Labour government has confirmed the expansion to include Handsworth West.
Birmingham City Council will collaborate with the local MP to recruit an independent chair who will establish a Neighbourhood Board for the area. This board will lead decision-making, with the council initially managing the funds.
Timeline and Investment
At a recent cabinet meeting, council leader John Cotton outlined the timeline: “The intention is to recruit a chair from the community before a neighbourhood board is selected before the end of August.” The board will then submit a Pride in Place plan early next year, detailing a vision and spending plan for the first four-year period.
Cotton described the funding as “a really important investment in Birmingham communities.” Rob Pocock, cabinet member for council transformation, added: “This is a very important initiative and a welcome sign that we’re getting national government funding right across the city. The whole of the city will benefit from this programme.”
Community-Led Spending
According to the government, communities can spend the funding on what matters most to them, from pavement and high street improvements to investing in culture and green spaces. The delivery of priorities and projects could begin in spring next year.
A council report states that “over the course of the programme Handsworth West will receive up to £19.6 million,” with flexibility to spend over multiple years. Funding after 2028/29 will be reviewed at the next Spending Review.
Government Support
Communities Secretary Steve Reed said earlier this year: “Across the country, people step outside their front door and feel like there is nothing for them: no sense of belonging, no investment in their area, no feeling that anyone is listening. Pride in Place backs these people and puts the tools and the money directly in their hands to change that, because strong communities aren’t built for people, they’re built by them.”
