The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) Board (Stanley South) is scheduled to meet on Friday 1 May 2026. The meeting's agenda includes an update on the Pride in Place Programme, focusing on the ZenCity Survey results and the development of a 10-year Vision and Pride in Place Plan for Stanley South. Discussions are also scheduled regarding approved interventions, the programme's boundary, and next steps.

Programme Update and ZenCity Survey Results

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to focus on an update regarding the Pride in Place Programme (PiPP). This government initiative, with a £5 billion budget, aims to support long-term, community-focused regeneration across Great Britain. Stanley South 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 the next 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 neighbourhoods and support transformative local projects. The report pack indicates that the Board will be provided with an update on funding received to date and information gathered. Key dates for the Stanley South programme include the initial funding release in April 2026, confirmation of Neighbourhood Boards and any proposed boundary alterations by 17 July 2026, a review by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in Autumn 2026, and the submission of the Neighbourhood Boards' Pride in Place Plan to MHCLG by 28 November 2026.

The Board is being asked to note the progress made in launching engagement events and to receive regular reports on the feedback from these events and early co-design sessions. The programme aims to build stronger communities by fostering social cohesion, a sense of belonging, and local safety; create thriving places through the revitalisation of high streets, improvement of public spaces, and enhancement of local services; and empower residents to take back control by enabling them to make decisions affecting their areas, from local asset ownership to skills development and entrepreneurship.

Neighbourhood Board Governance and Membership

The report pack outlines the governance arrangements for the Stanley South Neighbourhood Board. The Board will be led by an independent Chair, Paul Fiddaman, 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 members will collectively lead the development of the Pride in Place Plan, with each member having an equal vote.

A key requirement for the Board is that a majority of its members (at least 51%) must live or work within the Stanley South boundary to ensure it is resident-led. The membership is intended to reflect the diversity of the area and bring together residents, local businesses, campaigners, workplace representatives, and faith and community leaders. The local authority, the Chair, and the MP will approve the final Board selection. An Expression of Interest process is underway for community representatives, closing on 12 April 2026.

The programme's prospectus expects each Board to transition towards a community-led delivery model by year three. The council will assist the Board in identifying areas for delegation to community groups to enhance local capacity. Capacity funding has been received to support extensive community engagement through various methods, including events, youth clubs, schools, and on-street engagement, with a focus on reaching those who may not typically participate in decision-making processes. A Community and Economic Development Lead Officer has been recruited to support the Board.

Approved Interventions and Resources

The Pride in Place Programme has identified approved intervention themes that the Board can consider for delivery. These broad categories include regeneration, high streets, and heritage; housing; work, productivity, and skills; cohesion; community power; health and wellbeing; transport; safety and security; and education and opportunity.

Stanley South is set to receive up to £20 million in funding 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 Board establishment, along with dedicated project officer support. Expenditure to date is detailed in the report. To access the main funding allocation, Stanley South must submit a Long-Term Plan to the government by 28 November 2026, which will include a 10-year vision and a 4-year Pride in Place Plan.

Geographic Area and Stakeholder Engagement

Funding is to be spent for the benefit of the local community within the agreed geographic area of Stanley South. While interventions are not strictly limited to this boundary, the concentration of expenditure and activity must align with local priorities. The Board has the flexibility to propose alterations to the default boundary, within set parameters, with any changes to be submitted to the government by 17 July 2026.

Stakeholder engagement is a crucial element, aiming to ensure that communities raise their priorities and identify needed interventions through a community-led approach. Early engagement has commenced with local stakeholders and groups. A leaflet will be distributed to all residents within the boundary, featuring a QR code linking to a website and survey. Paper copies will also be available at community venues. Officers will be present at various community venues and large-scale events to discuss the programme and gather views. Forthcoming engagement opportunities will be publicised on the website and social media.

Next Steps

The meeting is scheduled to cover several upcoming actions. Progress with engagement sessions will be reported to the next Board meeting, focusing on defining the Vision for Stanley South. The Board will also need to confirm the Neighbourhood Boards and any proposed boundary alterations to MHCLG by 17 July 2026. Further steps include the procurement of an events team, the presentation of a draft submission of the 10-year vision and Pride in Place Plan by October 2026, and the final submission of the plan to MHCLG by 28 November 2026.

Governance and Legal Framework

The report pack includes details on the governance arrangements, including the Terms of Reference for the Stanley South Neighbourhood Board. The council acts as the accountable body for the programme, ensuring that public funds are managed effectively and in compliance with relevant legislation and principles. Board members are expected to adhere to the Seven Principles of Public Life, also known as the Nolan Principles¹, which cover selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership. A Code of Conduct for Board members is also provided, outlining expected behaviours and the process for declaring and managing interests. The Board is not a legal entity, and the council holds ultimate responsibility for financial management and legal compliance.