In a significant move aimed at revitalising local communities across the UK, the government has recently unveiled its Plan for Neighbourhoods, committing an impressive £1.5 billion to rejuvenate 75 communities. This investment is part of a broader strategy to reverse a decade of decline and foster stronger, better-connected, and healthier neighbourhoods throughout the nation.

Overview of the Plan for Neighbourhoods

The funding initiative, announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is designed to inject life back into various sectors within local communities, including high streets, parks, youth clubs, cultural venues, libraries, and health and wellbeing services. Each of the selected areas will receive up to £20 million over the next decade, which will be directed towards comprehensive, sustainable improvements aimed at enhancing community services across education, health, and employment, and addressing local issues such as crime.

Role of Local Communities

A new feature of the plan is the formation of 'Neighbourhood Boards' in each of the 75 selected communities. These boards will include local residents and businesses, giving them a significant say in how the funds are utilised in their areas. This approach aims to put local people at the heart of decision-making, allowing them more control over their community development projects.

Funding Distribution in England

While the funding initiative covers the UK, the RSN focus is on the impact this will have specifically in England, where several communities stand to benefit greatly. Here is a list of English regions and some areas within them that have been selected to receive funding through the Plan for Neighbourhoods:

• North East: Blyth, Darlington, Eston, Hartlepool, Jarrow, Spennymoor, Washington
• North West: Accrington, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Burnley, Chadderton, Darwen, Farnworth, Heywood, Kirkby, Leigh, Nelson, Newton-le-Willows, Rawtenstall, Runcorn
• Yorkshire and the Humber: Barnsley, Castleford, Dewsbury, Doncaster, Keighley, Rotherham, Scarborough, Scunthorpe, Grimsby
• East Midlands: Boston, Carlton, Chesterfield, Clifton (Notts), Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Mansfield, Newark-on-Trent, Spalding, Worksop, Skegness
• West Midlands: Bedworth, Bilston, Darlaston, Dudley, Royal Sutton Coldfield, Smethwick
• East of England: Canvey Island, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn, Thetford, Wisbech, Harlow
• South East: Bexhill-on-Sea, Eastbourne, Hastings, Ramsgate, Ryde
• South West: Torquay

The Plan for Neighbourhoods is a promising step towards revitalising England's communities, both urban and rural. The success of this initiative will depend on its execution and the real local involvement it fosters. The RSN remains committed to monitoring developments and advocating for the inclusion and fair recognition of rural communities throughout this process.

RSN Response:

While the RSN recognises the potential benefits of this substantial investment, we maintain a cautious optimism regarding its delivery and long-term impact. Particularly, we stress the importance of ensuring that rural areas are not overlooked.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner highlighted the potential in neglected neighbourhoods:

"For years, too many neighbourhoods have been starved of investment, despite their potential to thrive and grow. Communities across the UK have so much to offer – rich cultural capital, unique heritage but most of all, an understanding of their own neighbourhood."

In response, the RSN highlights the importance of equitable distribution and implementation of these funds. It's crucial that the inherent potential of rural communities is recognised and harnessed and the particular nature of rural neighbourhoods is recognised.  By ensuring that rural areas receive appropriate investment, we can support their development and contribution to the national economy, reflecting their true value and capabilities within the broader scheme of the Plan for Neighbourhoods. Properly investing in rural areas not only fulfils a commitment to equity but also catalyses overall economic growth for our country, reinforcing the interconnectedness of urban and rural prosperity.