Blakenall to benefit from £20 million in Government Pride in Place funding
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Walsall Council has welcomed the Government’s announcement of up to £20 million over the next ten years for Blakenall through the Pride in Place programme to support local regeneration and empower residents to shape the future of their community.
The council has expressed commitment to ensuring that the board overseeing the Pride in Place funding genuinely reflects the Blakenall community. While awaiting final guidance from Government, the council has confirmed that neighbourhood boards will play a central role in decision-making, with the council acting as the accountable body.
“ The Pride in Place programme is a significant opportunity for Blakenall, and I am determined to get it right. I will not rush into making promises until all the facts and responsibilities are clear, but my commitment is to ensure local residents are properly represented and that every decision delivers real outcomes for the community. “
Once full guidance is received, the council will move swiftly to establish a local board made up of residents and partners, ensuring community voices are at the heart of every decision.
Transparency and accountability will underpin every stage of the programme. Council officers are preparing a Cabinet report to set out governance arrangements that guarantee clear oversight and openness in how funding decisions are made. The council will publish regular updates on spending, project progress, and outcomes, and will engage closely with the community throughout the process.
No major decisions or commitments will be made until all relevant information and funding conditions have been clarified by the Government. The council is determined that every pound spent delivers visible, positive impact for Blakenall South residents.
The council recognises that some residents felt the impact of previous regeneration funding in the early 2000s was limited. This time, the council is placing community involvement at the centre, ensuring robust governance, and maintaining transparency at every stage. Lessons from past programmes, such as the need for clear objectives, ongoing monitoring, and meaningful local engagement, will guide this work.
The board will work collaboratively with residents and partners to identify priorities, monitor delivery, and report progress to ensure the benefits of this investment are clear, accountable, and long-lasting.
ENDS.
