Luton will receive £1.5million from the government’s new Pride in Place programme, a nationwide plan aimed at helping communities reclaim neglected spaces and restore civic pride.
The money can be used for new green areas, children’s play facilities, sports and leisure projects or to bring empty buildings back into use. Town groups will be able to pitch for funding once the scheme launches, with residents expected to have a direct say in how it is spent.
Communities will also be handed new powers to seize boarded up shops, save their treasured local pubs or libraries, block unwanted betting, vape outlets or fake barbers, turn derelict buildings into homes, parks or health centres and clean up the eyesores in their area.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the initiative today (Thursday September 25), promising “record funding” to over 330 communities. Ministers say the scheme is designed to let local people “call the shots” on spending and tackle long-standing problems such as derelict shops, disused pubs and high street decline.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, said: “When people step out of their front doors, they know their communities are struggling. They see shuttered pubs, fading high streets and their local areas in decline.
“Yes, communities have been stretched – but they haven’t given up. They’re working hard to make things better, and we’re backing them.
“The government is putting power into their hands so local people decide how best to restore pride in their neighbourhoods, not us in Westminster.
“That’s what real patriotism looks like: building up our communities and choosing renewal over division.”
Further details on how Lutonians can apply for funding and propose projects are expected from the council in the coming weeks, but spending bids will only be approved if local organisations and social clubs have been involved in the decision-making.
