The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) Board (Stanley South) met on Friday 29 May 2026 to discuss the progress of the programme in Stanley South. The board was scheduled to review the programme's objectives, funding, and engagement activities, as well as discuss governance and future next steps.

Programme Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a programme update on the Stanley South Pride in Place Programme (PiPP). This initiative is part of a £5 billion government scheme aimed at supporting long-term, community-focused regeneration across Great Britain. Stanley South is one of four neighbourhoods in County Durham selected to participate, with Phase 2 areas like Stanley South set to receive up to £20 million in funding over a decade. This funding is tied to the development of a Pride in Place Investment Plan, which will comprise 63% capital funding and 37% revenue funding.

The programme's core aim is to empower local residents to shape their neighbourhood's future and support transformative local projects. The board was to be updated on key dates and milestones, including the confirmation of Neighbourhood Boards and any proposed boundary alterations by 17 July 2026, and the submission of the Pride in Place Plan to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) by 28 November 2026.

The board's responsibilities include co-producing a 10-year Vision and Pride in Place Plan for the area, focusing on three strategic objectives:

• Stronger communities: Building social cohesion, a sense of belonging, and local safety.
• Thriving places: Revitalising high streets, improving public spaces, and enhancing local services like health and education.
• Taking back control: Empowering residents to make decisions affecting their area, from local asset ownership to skills development and entrepreneurship.

The report pack indicated that the recruitment of a Chair, Paul Fiddaman, and board members had taken place. Engagement with residents and community groups had also commenced, with feedback highlighting suggestions for improvements to the high street, safer streets, repurposing the Board School site, and redeveloping Bertie's Bar. Residents also expressed a need for enhanced park safety, better walking routes, improved bus services, increased parking, and more activities for young people, alongside greater financial support for community groups.

The report also noted that MHCLG had commissioned a survey by ZenCity, which gathered 55 responses between November 2025 and January 2026, echoing similar themes and recommendations from local engagement activities. Durham County Council's own strategic place plan engagement findings also highlighted comparable issues and opportunities.

The board was recommended to note the recruitment process for the Chair and Board Members, the funding received to date from MHCLG, and the progress made in launching engagement events.

Governance and Board Structure

Discussions were scheduled to cover the governance of the Stanley South Neighbourhood Board. Following an open recruitment process, the board is to be led by an independent Chair, Paul Fiddaman, with support from the local authority and the local Member of Parliament (MP). The board members are expected to collectively lead the development of the Pride in Place Plan, with all members having an equal right to vote.

The report outlined that at least 51% of board members must live or work within the Stanley South boundary to ensure a resident-led approach. The board's composition should reflect the diversity of the area, bringing together residents, local businesses, campaigners, and community leaders. The local authority, Chair, and MP are to approve the final board selection. The programme's prospectus also sets an expectation for boards to transition towards a community-led delivery model by year three.

Durham County Council is designated as the accountable body for the programme, responsible for managing funds and ensuring compliance with various regulations, including the Nolan Principles¹ and the Equality Act 2010².

Approved Interventions and Resources

The Pride in Place Programme has identified approved intervention themes that the board could explore 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 over 10 years, with funding allocated as 63% capital and 37% revenue. Capacity funding of £402,604 had been released to support the formation of the board, recruit a dedicated Community and Economic Development Lead Officer, and facilitate local engagement. This funding was received in tranches: £150,000 on 29 January 2026, £135,000 on 11 March 2026, and £117,604 in capital funding on 23 April 2026.

Stakeholder Engagement and Next Steps

The engagement strategy aims to ensure that community priorities and interventions are raised through a genuine community-led approach, while also building civic capacity. The board, council, and MP are to support the community in owning and driving the process. Early-stage engagement with local communities and stakeholders had begun through various methods, including drop-in sessions and stakeholder meetings. A leaflet was to be distributed to all residents within the boundary, featuring a QR code linking to a website and survey.

Forthcoming engagement opportunities were to be updated on the website and shared via social media. A procurement exercise was planned to secure event services for activities such as family fun days and Christmas events to boost participation.

The next steps scheduled for discussion included reporting on the progress of engagement sessions to help define the Vision for Stanley South, confirming the Neighbourhood Boards and any boundary alteration proposals to MHCLG by 17 July 2026, and progressing the procurement of an events contract. A draft submission of the 10-year vision and Pride in Place Plan was to be presented by October 2026, with the final submission due by 28 November 2026.