Cabinet has today received an update on the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme. The programme is aimed at revitalising communities across the UK through long-term, locally driven investment. Specifically, the programme aims to build stronger communities; create thriving places; and empower people to take back control.
As part of phase one of the programme, Kirkby Town Centre has been allocated £19.5m of funding to address local priorities over the last ten years. Already a Kirkby Neighbourhood Board is well established and the local priorities have been identified, following extensive public consultation. The Kirkby Regeneration and Investment Plan has been submitted to the Government and once approved, the first phase of funding is due to be released next month. You can find out more about Kirkby Neighbourhood Board here.
As part of the programme’s phase two allocations, Page Moss and Fincham in Huyton will also benefit from £20m of funding over the next ten years.
In addition to this, the Pride in Place Impact Fund has been established and Knowsley will receive £1.5m of Pride in Place Impact funding.
In line with Government guidance, Cabinet has tonight approved the Council to be the Accountable Body for the programme (£20m funding in Page Moss and Fincham) and the £1.5m of Pride in Place Impact funding.
A requirement of the programme is to establish a Neighbourhood Board made up of local people – residents, grassroots activists, faith and business leaders – committed to making their neighbourhood a better place. The Neighbourhood Board for Page Moss and Fincham will be led by an independent Chairperson, who will be a champion for the place and local people, organising engagement that reaches out into the community and ensure that decision-making is community led.
Once established, the Neighbourhood Board will co-create a 10-year Pride in Place Plan for Page Moss and Fincham, setting out how up to £20m will be spent over the course of a decade. It will be the Board, alongside the local MP and council, that will take the lead on engaging with the community to outline the community’s vision for change over the next decade. Membership of the Neighbourhood Board should be confirmed by 17 July 2026 and the Board is required to submit the Pride in Place Plan for Page Moss and Fincham to the Government for assessment and approval by the 30 November 2026 with delivery anticipated to commence in 2027.
Whilst the Pride in Place programme targets transformation over the longer term, the Pride in Place Impact Fund provides shorter term funding to support immediate visible improvements to high streets and improve places and spaces of community value.
The Pride in Place Impact Fund is a £1.5m capital grant and the funding period runs from September 2025 to March 2027. The fund has three objectives – to create, extend, improve or refurbishing existing community facilities; to enhance the physical environment in public spaces; and revitalise the high street and town centre.
To maximise the impact of the Pride in Place Impact Fund and broaden its reach, the council is encouraged to explore opportunities to leverage funding and/or seek match funding for initiatives. Council officers will work with local MPs and key stakeholders to identify projects that meet the strategic objectives of the fund and invest in interventions that meet local need.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said “It’s really important that local communities have a say on their local area – what improvements they would like to see both now and in the longer-term.
“This work is ongoing and being led by the local MP so I look forward to hearing the views of local people once collated.
“We’ll also be identifying how we can best utilise the Pride in Place Impact Fund to enhance community spaces and facilities.
“I look forward to the Pride in Place programmes and Impact Fund progressing over the coming months and years.”