The government has announced that eleven areas across Merseyside and its surroundings will receive a combined total of over £200 million for community regeneration. This investment is part of a national £5 billion initiative named the "Pride in Place" programme, designed to empower local residents to improve their neighbourhoods.
Each of the selected communities will be allocated £20 million, distributed over a ten-year period. The funding aims to support projects that revive local high streets, restore public parks, and enhance community facilities such as leisure centres and pubs.
Key Takeaways
- Eleven areas in and around Merseyside will receive a total of over £200 million in regeneration funds.
- Each designated area is set to receive £20 million over a period of ten years.
- The investment is part of the government's £5 billion national "Pride in Place" programme.
- Local communities will have the authority to decide how the funds are spent in their neighbourhoods.
- An additional £1.5 million immediate fund is available for some boroughs to upgrade public spaces.
'Pride in Place' Programme Comes to Merseyside
The government has confirmed a significant financial commitment to several communities across the Liverpool City Region. The funding is intended to address long-term decline in specific neighbourhoods by giving local people direct control over investment decisions.
According to the announcement, the programme's core principle is to allow residents to identify and fund projects they believe will have the greatest positive impact. This could range from upgrading commercial districts to improving green spaces and community hubs.
National Context
The local funding is a component of a much larger, £5 billion national scheme. The "Pride in Place" programme is being rolled out across the country with the stated goal of fostering community renewal and giving more power to residents in overlooked areas.
Empowering Local Decision-Making
A key feature of the initiative is its focus on grassroots involvement. Rather than a top-down approach, community boards will be established to guide the allocation of the £20 million funds in each area. This ensures that the projects reflect the genuine needs and priorities of the people who live there.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commented on the national strategy, stating it aims to support communities directly. He said, "We’re investing in Britain’s future, by backing the true patriots that build our communities up in neighbourhoods across every corner of the country."
"This is a huge investment, but what matters most is who decides how it’s spent: the neighbours, volunteers and parents who know their communities best – the people with real skin in the game." - Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
Designated Areas for Investment
The funding will be distributed across five Merseyside boroughs, as well as neighbouring Halton and West Lancashire. Eleven distinct communities have been selected to receive the ten-year investment.
Funding Breakdown
Total Investment: Over £200 million for the region.
Per Area: £20 million.
Timescale: Over 10 years.
Full List of Beneficiary Communities
The investment targets specific neighbourhoods within each local authority. The areas set to benefit are:
- Liverpool (4 areas): Speke East; Everton East; Norris Green East; Fairfield West and Newsham Park.
- Wirral (3 areas): Birkenhead Central; Seacombe; Woodchurch.
- Knowsley (1 area): Page Moss and Fincham.
- St Helens (1 area): Town Centre East and Fingerpost.
- Sefton (1 area): Bootle South.
- Halton (1 area): Hough Green.
- West Lancashire (1 area): Skelmersdale South East.
These locations were chosen based on criteria related to deprivation and the need for targeted regeneration efforts.
Immediate Funding and Local Reaction
In addition to the long-term investment, some boroughs will receive immediate financial support through a separate stream called the 'Pride in Place Impact Fund'.
Liverpool, Knowsley, St Helens, and Halton will each be given £1.5 million from this fund. This money is designated for quick-start projects aimed at upgrading public areas, such as creating new green spaces, children's play areas, and improving sports facilities.
Positive Response from City Leaders
Local leaders have responded positively to the announcement. Liverpool City Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, expressed his satisfaction with the news and highlighted its importance for some of the city's most deprived areas.
"This is really good news for some of the most deprived communities in the city and in the country, and it's the type of investment we've not seen in this city from national governments for over 15 years. I am really looking forward to working with communities and delivering real regeneration and real change." - Cllr Liam Robinson, Liverpool Council Leader
Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, also commented on the programme's philosophy. "Building pride in place starts with people, not politics," he said. "Local people know what they want to see in their neighbourhoods – and they don’t need government to dictate it."
The long-term funding is expected to begin flowing into the communities over the coming months, with local boards being established to oversee the process and begin planning for the decade ahead.