The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) Board (Peterlee East) met on Friday 16 October 2026 to discuss the ongoing development of the 10-Year Vision and Investment Plan for the area. The meeting's agenda included updates on community engagement, communications, programme delivery, and financial matters related to the programme.

Investment Plan / Programme Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the development of the Peterlee East Pride in Place 10-Year Vision and Investment Plan. This plan is intended to guide future investment and decision-making within the neighbourhood over the next decade. The report highlighted that considerable progress had been made in gathering evidence and community feedback. The Board was set to consider the proposed approach for future engagement and communications, including the publication of the submitted Vision and Investment Plan, and opportunities for ongoing community feedback.

The report detailed the extensive community engagement undertaken, involving 834 residents, businesses, and stakeholders directly, with combined engagement reaching approximately 1,896 people when Strategic Place Plan engagement was included. This feedback had informed the identification of ten emerging priorities for the area:

• Town and Village Centre Regeneration, Vacant Buildings and the Retail Offer
• Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime, Policing and Feeling Safe
• Activities, Facilities and Opportunities for Children and Young People
• Public Transport, Bus Station, Roads and Accessible Connectivity
• Cleaner, Greener and Better-Maintained Neighbourhoods
• Safe, Accessible and Well-Maintained Parks and Recreation Spaces
• Jobs, Skills, Apprenticeships and Economic Growth
• Housing Quality, Affordability, Empty Properties and Landlord Standards
• Community Facilities, Events, Cohesion and Access to Information
• Health, Wellbeing, Leisure and Access to Support

The report also outlined potential investment opportunities identified, such as community safety measures, public realm improvements, and enhancements to parks and recreation facilities. The Board was scheduled to discuss the importance of balancing short-term improvements with longer-term transformational projects.

The meeting was also to cover the Pride in Place Monitoring Return, which is a requirement for the Government to assure the use of programme funding and track progress. Durham County Council, as the accountable body, is responsible for submitting this return.

Communications and Marketing

Updates were scheduled regarding communications and marketing activities. This included progress on recruiting a shared Communications Officer to support programme delivery across the four County Durham Pride in Place Boards. The report noted the publication of a video update from the Board Chair, which had generated significant views and engagement on social media, with feedback reflecting the identified priorities for the area. Further communications activity was planned to promote approved Quick Wins projects and support consultation on the emerging 10-Year Vision and Investment Plan.

Quick Wins Fund

An update on the Quick Wins Fund was also on the agenda. This fund is designed to support projects delivering visible benefits to local communities and building momentum for the wider Pride in Place programme. The report indicated that 12 funding applications had been received, with five projects approved to date, including initiatives for Easington Colliery Primary School, CRT Game On Active Youth, and the Durham Aged Mineworkers Homes. A further seven applications were under assessment.

Neighbourhood Board Business Representative Recruitment

The recruitment of a business representative to the Neighbourhood Board was also scheduled for discussion. This role aims to strengthen private sector representation on the Board, with applications having closed on 4 October 2026 and currently under review.

Procurement of Event Management and Entertainment Services Framework

The meeting was also to address the procurement of a multi-supplier framework for event management, entertainment, and associated support services. This framework is intended to provide access to specialist suppliers for community engagement activities, public events, and promotional campaigns.

Financial Matters

The meeting's agenda included discussions on future salary charges for operational delivery. This involved presenting information on projected salary costs for the Community Economic Development Lead Officer over the programme's delivery period, including National Insurance, pension contributions, and estimated inflationary increases. The projected cost over the programme period was reported as £649,719.90.

The Pride in Place Programme for Peterlee East is set to receive up to £20 million in funding support over the next 10 years, comprising approximately 63% capital funding and 37% revenue funding. To date, £541,066 in capacity funding had been released to assist with the formation of the Board, recruitment of Lead Officers, and support for local engagement processes.

The report pack also detailed programme spend to date, including expenditure on pay, National Insurance, pension contributions, and project development. The Quick Wins Fund budget was also outlined, with details of committed and awarded funds.

The meeting was scheduled to conclude with discussions on next steps, including further workshop sessions to support the development of the Pride in Place Vision and Four-Year Investment Plan, and the date and time of the next meeting.