Pride in Place - frequently asked questions

What is Pride in Place in Telford & Wrekin?

Pride in Place is a long term programme helping to improve everyday life in Woodside, Sutton Hill and Brookside.

It focuses on practical, visible improvements and gives local people a real say in what happens next. It’s about building pride, strengthening communities and creating places people feel good about living in.

Visit the GOV.UK website to find out about the Pride in Place - national programme.

How much money is being invested locally?

A total of £30 million is being invested over 10 years:

£20 million of government funding focused on Woodside
£10 million of Council funding supporting Sutton Hill and Brookside.

This funding is dedicated to community projects, local services, spaces and improvements agreed with residents.

Visit the GOV.UK website to read about how Pride in Place funding works nationally.

Who decides what money is spent on?

Decisions are shaped by neighbourhood boards, which are led mainly by local people.

At least 51 per cent of board members live or work locally, ensuring decisions reflect real experience of the area. Boards include residents, community voices and local representatives.

The Council manages the funding to make sure it is spent properly and transparently, in line with government requirements.

Visit the GOV.UK website to find out about government guidance on neighbourhood boards.

What is a neighbourhood board?

A neighbourhood board is a group that:

brings local people together
helps set priorities
guides how Pride in Place funding is used.

There are also local sub groups in Woodside, Sutton Hill and Brookside so each area directly feeds into decisions.

Visit the GOV.UK website to read the Pride in Place programme prospectus.

Can I get involved or have a say?

Yes - local voices are essential. You can get involved by:

sharing ideas at local events or activities
taking part in informal conversations
nominating yourself or someone you trust as a community voice

You don’t need formal experience. Local knowledge, commitment and trust matter most.

Updates and opportunities will be shared on the Council’s Facebook page and in local community pages:

Will decisions and progress be shared publicly?

Yes. Pride in Place is committed to openness and transparency.

Updates will be shared in plain language, including:

what decisions are being made
what projects are happening
what’s coming next.

Information will be shared through council and community channels.

How will success be measured?

Success won’t just be measured in reports or spending. It will be judged by:

visible changes people can see and feel
improvements to daily life
stronger relationships between residents, services and partners
communities feeling listened to and confident about the future.

Is this a short term project?

No. Pride in Place is a ten year commitment.

Some improvements are already happening, while longer term priorities will develop as more people get involved and shape the programme.

What is the Pride in Place Programme?

Pride in Place is a UK wide government programme supporting up to 250 neighbourhoods across Great Britain.

It builds on the plan for neighbourhoods, announced in 2025, and is aimed at places facing higher deprivation and weaker social infrastructure. Each neighbourhood can receive up to £20 million over ten years.

Visit the GOV.UK website to find out about the plan for neighbourhoods (now Pride in Place).

Why was this programme created?

The programme responds to feedback and lessons from previous regeneration efforts. It aims to:

shift more power to local communities
provide long term, flexible funding
avoid short term or competitive bidding
support change that lasts.

What makes Pride in Place different from previous schemes?

Nationally, Pride in Place:

focuses on smaller neighbourhoods (around 5,000–15,000 people)
is community led, not council driven
offers long term funding
allows flexibility to meet local needs, rather than one size fits all solutions.

How are neighbourhoods chosen?

Neighbourhoods are selected using national data, including:

The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)
Measures of community need and local infrastructure

This ensures funding is targeted at areas that need it most. Visit the GOV.UK website to view the English Indices of Deprivation 2025.

What types of projects can be funded?

Funding can support a wide range of projects, including:

community centres and hubs
parks and public spaces
youth activities
local services and outreach
support for community organisations.

If a community agrees something different is needed, this can be explored.

Are neighbourhoods accountable for how funding is used?

Yes. Neighbourhood boards must:

agree clear priorities
track progress
report on outcomes.

This ensures funding is used responsibly and learning is shared nationally.

Can funding be spent outside the neighbourhood boundary?

Yes, in some cases. Funding can be used just outside the boundary if:

it benefits residents directly
it reflects local priorities
it relates to shared or well used community assets.

Want to know more?

Updates on Pride in Place, opportunities to get involved and upcoming activity will be shared through:

Sutton Hill, Brookside and Woodside community venues and groups
Council communications
Online Pride in Place pages