The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) Board (Stanley South) met on Friday 24 July 2026 to discuss the ongoing regeneration efforts in Stanley South. The meeting's agenda focused on programme updates, boundary considerations, and next steps for the initiative.

Programme Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a programme update, detailing the progress of community engagement and the findings from various feedback channels. The report highlighted that engagement with local communities and stakeholders had begun and was progressing well, with participants welcoming the opportunity to be involved. Feedback indicated a community proud of its heritage and spirit but also aware of significant challenges. Key concerns raised by residents included the revitalisation of Stanley town centre, tackling anti-social behaviour, creating more opportunities for young people, and improving the physical environment.

The report noted that a targeted survey commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and delivered by ZenCity, along with engagement findings from Durham County Council's Strategic Place Plan, corroborated these emerging themes.

The board was scheduled to receive an update on Quick Win projects, which are smaller, community-identified initiatives designed to make a positive difference in the neighbourhood. A total of £117,604 in capital funding and £135,000 in revenue funding was available for these projects, with a deadline for completion by December 2026. One Quick Win application had already been approved: the Stanley Learning Partnership received £9,062.50 to extend its Fun and Food programme for working families, providing 25 spaces for 29 days over the summer holidays. Several other schemes were identified but had not yet received formal applications.

The report also touched upon the development of a training and support programme for board members.

Boundary

Discussions were scheduled regarding the geographical boundary for the Pride in Place Programme in Stanley South. Following previous discussions, the boundary was agreed to include the surrounding areas of South Moor and Stanley Town Centre, increasing the population within the boundary from 9,900 to 13,500. This amended boundary had been submitted to MHCLG on Thursday 9 July. The report reiterated MHCLG guidance that boundaries should generally remain at a neighbourhood level, typically encompassing a population of 5,000 to 15,000.

Next Steps

The board was set to review the upcoming steps for the Pride in Place Programme. These included submitting boundary alterations and board details to MHCLG, continuing community engagement events to support the creation of a draft vision and priorities, and presenting this draft submission to the board. The ultimate goal was to submit the Vision and Pride in Place Plan to MHCLG by 28 November 2026. The report also confirmed that MHCLG had provided a Grant Determination letter to the Accountable Authority, indicating that Pride in Place funding was guaranteed.

Other Discussions

The meeting's agenda also included a Chair's Update and a review of the minutes from the previous board meeting held on 29 May 2026. There was also a slot for any other business and confirmation of the date and time for the next meeting.

The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) is a £5 billion government initiative aimed at supporting long-term, community-focused regeneration. 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 linked to a Pride in Place Investment Plan, comprising 63% capital funding and 37% revenue funding. The programme's core principle is empowering local people to shape their neighbourhood's future and support transformative local projects.

The report highlighted that the council, in its role as the accountable body, had received capacity funding totalling £402,604 to support community engagement, the establishment of the board, and dedicated project officer support. This funding was also intended to support capital quick win projects prior to their delivery in 2027.

The engagement findings revealed a community that, while proud of its heritage and spirit, recognised significant challenges. The strongest messages from residents centred on revitalising Stanley town centre, tackling anti-social behaviour, creating more opportunities for young people, and improving the physical environment. Specific concerns included empty shops, boarded-up buildings, a lack of vibrancy on Front Street, and issues with crime and anti-social behaviour, including dangerous riding of motorbikes and scooters, vandalism, and a perceived lack of visible policing. Residents also expressed a desire for more activities for young people, improvements to roads and transport, better utilisation of community facilities, enhanced health and wellbeing provisions, and a cleaner local environment. Concerns were also raised about job opportunities, skills development, and housing affordability.

The report also noted that the boundary for the programme had been a point of discussion, with residents suggesting it should be larger to encompass the whole of Stanley or nearby areas.

The Quick Wins Fund application process was detailed, outlining the criteria for projects, which included addressing community needs, aligning with Pride in Place priorities, deliverability, visibility and impact, community engagement and support, value for money, and sustainability and legacy. The application form itself was provided, along with guidance on obtaining quotes and supporting documentation.

The meeting was scheduled to take place at the Burns and Joicey Suite - Community Centre, Wear Road, DH9 6AH.

[^2016