Selected Greater Manchester Towns Each Receive £20m Boost in Re-branded Government Scheme
Greater Manchester, UK - Five towns in Greater Manchester are set to receive £20 million each as part of the government's newly re-branded "Plan for Neighbourhoods" programme. The announcement, made recently, echoes a similar pledge from 2023, with the focus remaining on revitalising local communities and stimulating economic growth.
The initiative, overseen by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, aim to see a total of £1.5 billion distributed across 75 towns nationwide over the next decade. The stated aim is to "restore pride" in neighbourhoods by investing in projects that enhance local life.
Specifically, funds can be allocated to a wide range of community assets, including high street improvements, park upgrades, youth clubs, cultural venues, libraries, and enhanced health and wellbeing services.
While the announcement has been largely welcomed, the timing, coming 18 months after the initial promise of the same kind of funding, has raised eyebrows. Critics have pointed to the re-branding as politically controversial between Conservative promises and subsequent pledges by Labour, who are now intent on restoring community strength.
Despite the initial groundwork already laid by existing committee boards, which had begun identifying beneficial projects and drafting plans, these boards are now being encouraged to refresh and resubmit their proposals. The move aims to incorporate a wider range of options now available under the re-launched scheme.
The expanded spending options for each £20 million include projects ranging from essential infrastructure repairs, such as pavements and high streets, to the establishment of community grocers offering affordable necessities, community co-operatives, and local neighbourhood watch programs.
Furthermore, the composition of the decision-making boards has been broadened to include representatives from social housing providers and workplaces, ensuring a more inclusive and representative voice in shaping the future of their communities.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner, emphasised the importance of the investment, arguing that localities have been "starved of investment" for too long. The "Plan for Neighbourhoods," she hopes, will provide a much-needed injection of capital to empower local communities and foster sustainable growth.
The coming months will be crucial for the designated towns as they refine their plans and prepare to implement projects that will ultimately shape the future of their neighbourhoods.
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The initiative, overseen by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, aim to see a total of £1.5 billion distributed across 75 towns nationwide over the next decade. The stated aim is to "restore pride" in neighbourhoods by investing in projects that enhance local life.
Specifically, funds can be allocated to a wide range of community assets, including high street improvements, park upgrades, youth clubs, cultural venues, libraries, and enhanced health and wellbeing services.
While the announcement has been largely welcomed, the timing, coming 18 months after the initial promise of the same kind of funding, has raised eyebrows. Critics have pointed to the re-branding as politically controversial between Conservative promises and subsequent pledges by Labour, who are now intent on restoring community strength.
Despite the initial groundwork already laid by existing committee boards, which had begun identifying beneficial projects and drafting plans, these boards are now being encouraged to refresh and resubmit their proposals. The move aims to incorporate a wider range of options now available under the re-launched scheme.
The expanded spending options for each £20 million include projects ranging from essential infrastructure repairs, such as pavements and high streets, to the establishment of community grocers offering affordable necessities, community co-operatives, and local neighbourhood watch programs.
Furthermore, the composition of the decision-making boards has been broadened to include representatives from social housing providers and workplaces, ensuring a more inclusive and representative voice in shaping the future of their communities.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner, emphasised the importance of the investment, arguing that localities have been "starved of investment" for too long. The "Plan for Neighbourhoods," she hopes, will provide a much-needed injection of capital to empower local communities and foster sustainable growth.
The coming months will be crucial for the designated towns as they refine their plans and prepare to implement projects that will ultimately shape the future of their neighbourhoods.
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