The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) Board for Crook North and Tow Law met on Friday 10 April 2026 to discuss the progress of the programme, including updates on funding, governance, and community engagement. The board was scheduled to review the overall programme update, consider approved interventions, and discuss the programme's geographical boundaries.

Programme Update

The board was scheduled to receive an update on the Pride in Place Programme (PiPP), a £5 billion government initiative aimed at supporting long-term, community-focused regeneration across Great Britain. The report detailed that Crook North/Tow Law is part of Phase 2 of the programme, which is set to receive up to £20 million in funding over 10 years. This funding is tied to the development of a Pride in Place Investment Plan, comprising 63% capital and 37% revenue funding. The programme's core objective is to empower local residents to shape their neighbourhood's future through transformative local projects.

Key dates for the Crook North/Tow Law area were outlined, including the initial release of funding in April 2026, confirmation of Neighbourhood Boards and any boundary alterations by 17 July 2026, review by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in Autumn 2026, and the submission of the Pride in Place Plan by 28 November 2026. The board's role, alongside the council and the local Member of Parliament (MP), is to co-produce a 10-year Vision and Pride in Place Plan, focusing on three strategic objectives: Stronger communities, Thriving places, and Taking back control. The report recommended that the Board note the progress with engagement events and receive regular updates on feedback and co-design sessions.

Governance and Board Membership

The report pack detailed the governance arrangements for the Crook North/Tow Law Neighbourhood Board. The board is to be led by an independent Chair, Mary Hall, who will oversee the recruitment and convening of the Board with support from the local authority and the local MP. The Board is required to have a majority of members (at least 51%) who live or work within the Crook North/Tow Law boundary to ensure it is resident-led. Membership is intended to bring together residents, local businesses, campaigners, and community leaders. An Expression of Interest for community representatives was live and due to close on 12 April 2026. The programme's prospectus anticipates a transition towards community-led delivery models by year three, with the council assisting in delegating planning and implementation areas to community groups. Capacity funding has been received to support broad community engagement methods, including events, youth clubs, schools, and on-street engagement, with a focus on reaching those who may not typically participate in decision-making. A Community and Economic Development Lead Officer has been recruited to support the Board.

Accountable Bodies and Funding

Durham County Council is designated as the accountable body for the Crook North/Tow Law Pride in Place Programme. This means the council is responsible for ensuring public funds are distributed fairly and effectively, managed in line with relevant principles and legal responsibilities, including those related to subsidy control, state aid, and procurement. The council will remain the accountable body even as delivery responsibility may be delegated to community organisations.

Crook North/Tow Law is set to receive up to £20 million over 10 years. Capacity funding of £150,000 was received on 29 January 2026, followed by £135,000 on 11 March 2026, to support community engagement and the establishment of the Board. This funding is to be used for engagement activities, including events, documentation, design, and promotional materials. To access the main delivery allocation, a 10-year vision and a 4-year Pride in Place Plan must be submitted to the government by 28 November 2026.

Approved Interventions and Geography

The Pride in Place Programme has identified broad intervention themes that the Board could consider for delivery, including regeneration, high streets, heritage, housing, work, productivity, skills, cohesion, community power, health and wellbeing, transport, safety and security, and education and opportunity. Funding is to be spent within the agreed geographic area of Crook North/Tow Law, though interventions can extend to key local assets. The Board has the flexibility to alter the default boundary within set parameters, with any changes to be agreed and submitted to the government by 17 July 2026.

Stakeholder Engagement and Next Steps

Early-stage engagement with local communities and stakeholders had begun, involving meetings in community centres and sports venues, as well as informal discussions. A leaflet with a QR code linking to the programme's website and survey was to be distributed to all residents, with paper copies available at community venues. Face-to-face engagement opportunities were planned across various community venues and at large-scale events. Specialist co-design events were also being organised, with details to be updated on the website and shared via social media. The report outlined next steps, including reporting on engagement sessions to define the area's vision, confirming the Neighbourhood Board and any boundary proposals by 17 July 2026, procuring an events team, presenting a draft 10-year vision and plan by October 2026, and submitting the final plan by 28 November 2026.

Governance and Code of Conduct

The Terms of Reference for the Crook North/Tow Law Neighbourhood Board were detailed, outlining its purpose to give local people power over how funding is spent. The Board is not a legal entity, with Durham County Council acting as the accountable body. Membership requirements, including the need for a majority of local residents and the inclusion of the local MP and at least one division councillor, were specified. The Board is to be led by an independent Chair, Mary Hall, who cannot be an elected representative or council officer. All board members are expected to adhere to the Seven Principles of Public Life (the Nolan Principles), which include selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership. A code of conduct was provided, reinforcing these principles and outlining procedures for declaring and managing interests. The Board is scheduled to meet at least quarterly, with decisions typically made by a majority vote, though consensus is preferred. Transparency is a key principle, with the Board expected to publish membership, governance arrangements, and meeting minutes on the council's website.