Pride in Place is a UK-wide grant programme investing up to £20 million over 10 years in disadvantaged neighbourhoods identified by the government as most in need of support.
This long-term investment is intended to support communities in shaping their place and help address local priorities, making lasting and positive change for their area. While success will look different in every place, the strategic objectives of the programme are to:
- build stronger communities
- create thriving places
- empower people to take back control
The three neighbourhoods in Wirral identified to receive funding are Seacombe, Central Birkenhead and Woodchurch.
Neighbourhood boards
The Pride in Place Programme empowers local people to shape the future of their neighbourhood. It gives communities the resources and tools to drive change themselves and shape their neighbourhoods for the better. Local residents know what changes their areas need, and that is why communities will be leading the delivery of the programme. This community-led approach means that decision-making sits with local residents, giving people the power to shape the future of their areas.
A neighbourhood board for each of the three areas will decide where and how funding will be spent. Made up of local people, the board will bring together residents, local businesses, grassroots campaigners, workplace representatives, faith, and community leaders and those with a deep connection to their area. Boards are to be resident-led, to ensure that they are representative of the communities that they serve.
Wirral Council will act as the accountable body for the funds with responsibility for ensuring that public funds are distributed fairly and effectively
Independent Chair
Each board will be led by an independent chair, appointed by Wirral Council in consultation with the local MP for the area. The Chair will act as a champion for the place and local people, organising engagement that reaches out into the community, to ensure decision-making is community-led. The Chair will lead the process of recruiting and convening the Board, with the support of the local authority and the local MP.
Applications are currently open for the role of independent Chair. A description of the role and detail of how to apply can be found following the link below.
Once the three independent chairs have been appointed the Neighbourhood Boards will be established.
Pride in Place Plans
Neighbourhood Boards must co-create a Pride in Place Plan with the wider community, supported by the local MP and the local authority. The Plan will outline the community’s vision for change over the next decade. Everyone will have an opportunity to have a say in the future of their area. Neighbourhood Boards will carry out extensive engagement with the community to make sure that a diverse range of voices are heard in developing this plan and at every stage of the Programme.
Timescales
The initial phases of the programme are as follows:
| Timeframe | Milestone |
|---|---|
| February 2026 | Recruitment and appointment of independent Chairs. |
| Spring 2026 | Neighbourhood Boards to be established. |
| Summer 2026 | Neighbourhood Boards to confirm finalised membership and submit any proposals to alter their area boundary. |
| Winter 2026 – Early 2027 | Neighbourhood Boards to submit a regeneration plan to Government for assessment and approval. |
| Spring 2027 | Government expected to approve regeneration plans and release the first substantive delivery funding payment to local authorities, marking the beginning of the delivery phase. |
How to get involved
If you are a local resident of a Pride in Place neighbourhood you are encouraged to share your thoughts on the future of your community. Your local Neighbourhood Board want to hear from everybody, and all ideas are welcome. If you want to have your say on how this funding is spent or would like to find out more about sitting on a Neighbourhood Board or applying for the role of Chair, email us at prideinplace@wirral.gov.uk or contact Wirral CVS on representation@wcvs.org.uk.
Resources
To find out more about the Pride in Place programme visit the government website. Here you can find the fund prospectus and details of funding profiles and timelines, governance and boundary guidance, and a list of indicative interventions.