How Does Community Investment Empower People, According to Starmer?

The UK government has announced an expansion of the Pride in Place scheme, allowing local communities to have a say in how up to £20 million is spent on projects in their neighbourhoods. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that empowering communities can lead to significant improvements, such as better sports facilities and town regeneration efforts. The initiative will now reach 380 areas across England, aiming to foster local engagement and decision-making.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The government has unveiled its plans to extend the Pride in Place scheme to 40 additional areas across England. This initiative seeks to engage local residents in decision-making regarding community funding, thereby allowing them to influence projects that matter to them. Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the potential benefits of this scheme during his recent speech in Hastings, where he noted its ability to improve local amenities and foster a sense of community ownership.

Key takeaways

• The Pride in Place scheme is expanding to 40 more areas, allowing local input on spending.
• Each area may influence how up to £20 million is allocated to community projects.
• Starmer believes local involvement leads to better decision-making and outcomes for communities.

Timeline: how we got here

The Pride in Place scheme has evolved over time to promote local engagement. Below is a brief timeline highlighting significant milestones:

• 2021: Initial launch of the Pride in Place scheme aimed at empowering communities.
• 2023: Expansion announcement for the scheme, now reaching a total of 380 areas.
• 12 October 2023: Prime Minister Keir Starmer officially announces the expansion during a speech in Hastings.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent expansion of the Pride in Place scheme to 40 more areas has been officially announced, with local communities now able to influence how public funds are spent in their neighbourhoods. This is a significant increase from previous iterations of the programme, which had a more limited geographical focus.

What was already established

Prior to this announcement, the Pride in Place scheme had already been operational in several areas, working to boost local decision-making and investment in community projects. The programme’s premise remains rooted in the belief that local residents can make more informed choices about their environments.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The expansion of the Pride in Place scheme will likely result in improved public amenities, such as parks, sports facilities, and community centres, which can enhance quality of life for local residents. Increased local funding can help address specific community needs and foster a greater sense of belonging.

Businesses and jobs

By encouraging local investment in community projects, the scheme may stimulate local economies. Businesses could benefit from increased foot traffic due to improved facilities and community events. Moreover, job creation may occur as projects are developed and maintained.

Policy and regulation

This initiative reflects the current government's strategy to decentralise decision-making and empower local authorities. As more areas begin to engage with the Pride in Place scheme, it may lead to a shift in how local governance and funding priorities are approached across the UK.

Numbers that matter

• 40 additional areas are now included in the Pride in Place scheme.
• £20 million total funding available for community projects across the expanded areas.
• A total of 380 areas will benefit from the scheme once fully implemented.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Pride in Place: A government initiative designed to empower local communities to influence spending on projects that matter to them.
• Community engagement: The process of involving local residents in decision-making regarding their neighbourhoods.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, local councils will begin to outline how they plan to engage residents in the decision-making process regarding the use of funds from the expanded Pride in Place scheme.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the scheme rolls out, communities can expect to start seeing proposals for various projects being presented for public input and feedback. This period will be crucial for establishing local priorities.

Signals to watch

• Local council meetings discussing the Pride in Place scheme.
• Community consultations and public engagement events.
• Updates on funding allocations and project approvals.

Practical guidance

Do

• Engage with local council meetings to stay informed about the Pride in Place scheme.
• Participate in community consultations to voice your opinions on project priorities.

Don’t

• Assume that decisions are made without local input; your voice matters.
• Miss opportunities to learn about upcoming projects and funding allocations.

Checklist

• Find out if your area is included in the Pride in Place scheme.
• Attend local council meetings to understand the decision-making process.
• Identify community issues that you believe should be prioritised for funding.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the expansion of the Pride in Place scheme is a positive development, there are uncertainties regarding how effectively local councils will implement community engagement. Additionally, potential political challenges may arise as different areas prioritise various projects, which could lead to conflicts or disagreements among residents and officials.

Bottom line

The expansion of the Pride in Place scheme represents a significant shift in how local communities can influence public spending. It aims to foster a greater sense of ownership and responsibility among residents, potentially leading to improved amenities and a stronger community spirit across the UK.

FAQs

What is the Pride in Place scheme?

The Pride in Place scheme is a government initiative that allows local communities to have a say in how public funds are spent on projects that matter to them.

How much funding is available through the scheme?

Communities participating in the Pride in Place scheme can influence how up to £20 million is spent on local projects.

How will the expansion affect local communities?

The expansion is expected to lead to improved public amenities, greater community engagement, and potentially stimulate local economies through better facilities and services.