The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) Board for Peterlee East met on Friday 17 April 2026 to discuss the ongoing regeneration initiative. The meeting focused on the programme's update, including funding received, community engagement, and the development of a 10-year vision and plan for the area.

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. Peterlee East is one of four neighbourhoods in County Durham selected to participate in 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 and support transformative local projects. Key dates were outlined, with the Neighbourhood Board and any proposed boundary alterations needing confirmation by 17 July 2026, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) reviewing these proposals in Autumn 2026. The ultimate deadline for the submission of the Neighbourhood Boards' Pride in Place Plan to the MHCLG is 28 November 2026.

The board's responsibilities include co-producing a 10-year Vision and Pride in Place Plan for Peterlee East, aligning with the programme's three strategic objectives: Stronger communities (building social cohesion, sense of belonging, and local safety), Thriving places (revitalising high streets, improving public spaces, and enhancing local services), and Taking back control (empowering residents in decision-making, local asset ownership, skills development, and entrepreneurship).

The report recommended that the Board note the progress with launching engagement events and receive regular updates on feedback from these sessions and early co-design activities.

Governance and Membership

The Peterlee East Neighbourhood Board is to be led by an independent Chair, Nik Welsh, who will oversee the recruitment and convening of the Board with support from the local authority and the local Member of Parliament (MP). The Board is intended to be resident-led, with at least 51% of its members living or working within the Peterlee East boundary. The membership is expected to reflect the diversity of the area, bringing together residents, local businesses, campaigners, and community leaders. An Expression of Interest process was underway to recruit community representatives, closing on 12 April 2026.

The programme's prospectus anticipates a transition towards community-led delivery models by year three, with the council assisting the Board in identifying areas for delegation to community groups. Capacity funding has been received to support extensive community engagement through various methods, including events, youth clubs, schools, and on-street engagement, aiming to include those who may not typically participate in formal decision-making processes. 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 Pride in Place Programme. This means the council will manage the funds, ensuring fair and effective distribution in line with governance, financial regulations, and legal responsibilities. The Board will lead decision-making, but all actions must comply with the council's policies and procedures.

Peterlee East is allocated up to £20 million over 10 years, with a funding split of 63% capital and 37% revenue. Capacity funding of £285,000 has been received to support the establishment of the Board, recruitment of staff, and community engagement activities.

Approved Intervention Themes

The Pride in Place Programme has identified broad intervention themes that the Board can consider for delivery, including:

• Regeneration, high streets, and heritage
• Housing
• Work, productivity, and skills
• Cohesion
• Community Power
• Health and wellbeing
• Transport
• Safety and security
• Education and opportunity

Geographic Boundaries

Funding is to be spent within the agreed geographic area of Peterlee East, though interventions can extend to key local assets like the high street or green spaces. The Board has the flexibility to propose alterations to the default boundary, subject to government approval by 17 July 2026.

Stakeholder Engagement

The programme emphasises a community-led approach to identifying priorities and interventions. Early engagement with local communities and stakeholders has commenced through various channels, including meetings in community centres and sports venues, and a leaflet distribution with a QR code linking to online surveys. Face-to-face engagement opportunities will be available across community venues and at large-scale events. Forthcoming engagement opportunities will be publicised on the programme's website and social media.

Next Steps

The Board was scheduled to be updated on the progress of engagement sessions, with a focus on defining the Vision for Peterlee East. Confirmation of the Neighbourhood Board and any boundary alteration proposals were due by 17 July 2026. The procurement of an events team was also a next step, with large-scale events to be booked thereafter. Draft submissions of the 10-year vision and Pride in Place Plan were expected by October 2026, with the final submission due by 28 November 2026.

Governance Documents

The meeting materials included Terms of Reference for the Peterlee East Neighbourhood Board, outlining its purpose, membership, the role of the Chair, and decision-making processes. The Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles) and a Code of Conduct for Board Members were also provided, emphasizing selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership. These documents detail requirements for declaring interests, managing conflicts, and ensuring transparency and accountability in the Board's operations.