UK launches 'Pride in Place' to empower communities to rejuvenate high streets

The government will unveil a new Pride in Place programme that would give local communities powers to transform boarded-up high streets and block bookmakers and vape stores. Sir Keir Starmer will launch the initiative, which would also let communities buy beloved assets to regenerate them. Compulsory purchase powers will enable communities to buy derelict pubs and disused department stores and turn them into new businesses or housing. Councils will also be granted powers to block unwanted shops, including bookmakers, vape stores and fake barbers. Local people will also be given the right to buy assets to create new parks or regenerate treasured spaces. Funding will be given to projects which have consulted community groups, local organisations and social clubs. The unprecedented programme will tackle deep-rooted deprivation and regional inequality, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said. More than 330 of the UK's most deprived communities are set to benefit from the record funding, details of which Sir Keir will unveil on Thursday. The Pride in Place funding will be delivered in England, Scotland and Wales, and corresponding funding will be provided to Northern Ireland.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the plan is what real patriotism looks like. He described the plan as empowering communities to decide how best to renew their neighbourhoods and noted that it would help place pride in local areas. Ministers emphasised the funding would accompany local consultation with community groups and social clubs to ensure projects reflect local needs. Tomorrow, the Prime Minister was set to address patriotism in a separate speech and signal an intent to reclaim national symbols as unifying emblems. Sir Keir Starmer was also expected to emphasize the same goal in his remarks. England, Scotland and Wales would receive the Pride in Place funding, with corresponding funding for Northern Ireland. Cllr Arooj Shah of the Local Government Association said the additional funding and powers could help councils revitalize high streets, regulate betting and vaping shops, and bring empty premises back into use, though funds should be allocated fairly and with government support to trust local areas to deliver. The government described the programme as unprecedented and aimed at tackling deprivation and regional inequality, while stressing that consultation with local groups would shape the projects.