The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) Board for Peterlee East met on Friday 17 April 2026. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the progress of the Pride in Place Programme, including updates on funding, governance, and the development of a 10-year Vision and Pride in Place Plan for the area.

Programme Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a report from Tony Hanson, Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth, providing an overview of the Pride in Place Programme (PiPP). This government initiative aims to support long-term, community-focused regeneration across Great Britain, with Peterlee East being one of four selected neighbourhoods in County Durham to participate in Phase 2. The programme is set to provide up to £20 million in funding over 10 years, linked to a Pride in Place Investment Plan comprising 63% capital and 37% revenue funding.

The report outlined key dates and milestones for Peterlee East, including the initial release of funding in April 2026 to support community engagement and the establishment of the Board, with a deadline of 28 November 2026 for the submission of the Neighbourhood Board's Pride in Place Plan to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The Board's responsibilities include co-producing a 10-year Vision and Plan, focusing on three strategic objectives: Stronger communities (building social cohesion, sense of belonging, and local safety), Thriving places (revitalising high streets, improving public spaces, and enhancing local services), and Taking back control (empowering residents in decision-making, local asset ownership, skills development, and entrepreneurship).

The report recommended that the Board note the progress with launching engagement events and receive regular updates on feedback from these sessions and early co-design activities.

Neighbourhood Board Governance and Membership

The meeting was scheduled to cover the governance arrangements for the Peterlee East Neighbourhood Board. The Board is to be led by an independent Chair, Nik Welsh, who will oversee the recruitment and convening of the Board with support from the local authority and the local Member of Parliament (MP). The Board's membership is required to have a majority (at least 51%) of members who live or work within the Peterlee East boundary, ensuring a resident-led approach. Members are expected to represent a diverse range of residents, local businesses, campaigners, and community leaders. The report indicated that an Expression of Interest for community representatives was live and closed on 12 April 2026.

The programme aims for a transition towards a community-led model of delivery by year three, with the council assisting in delegating planning and implementation tasks to community groups. Capacity funding has been received to support extensive community engagement through various methods, including events, school outreach, and on-street engagement, with a focus on reaching those who may not typically participate in formal meetings. A Community and Economic Development Lead Officer has been recruited to support the Board.

Accountable Bodies and Approved Interventions

The report detailed that decision-making would be led by the Board, with Durham County Council acting as the accountable body for the funds. The council will ensure fair and effective distribution of funds, adhering to principles of good governance, including the Nolan Principles¹. The programme allows for flexibility in altering the default geographic boundary of Peterlee East, with any proposed changes to be agreed by the Board and submitted to the MHCLG by 17 July 2026.

The Pride in Place Programme has identified approved intervention themes that the Board could consider for delivery. These include regeneration, high streets, and heritage; housing; work, productivity and skills; cohesion; community power; health and wellbeing; transport; safety and security; and education and opportunity.

Resources and Stakeholder Engagement

Peterlee East is allocated up to £20 million over 10 years, with capacity funding of £150,000 received on 29 January 2026 and £135,000 on 11 March 2026 to support community engagement and Board establishment. This funding is to be used for engagement activities, including events, documentation, and promotional materials. To access the main delivery allocation, Peterlee East must submit a 10-year vision and a 4-year Pride in Place Plan by 28 November 2026.

Early-stage stakeholder engagement had commenced, involving meetings with community groups and informal discussions. A leaflet with a QR code linking to a website and survey was being produced for distribution to all residents within the boundary, with paper copies available at community venues. The programme also planned for face-to-face engagement opportunities at community venues and large-scale events, supplemented by social media outreach. A procurement exercise was to take place to engage an events team for activities such as family fun days.

Next Steps

The report outlined several upcoming steps, including reporting on engagement session progress at the next Board meeting to define the Vision for Peterlee East, confirming the Neighbourhood Board and any boundary alteration proposals to MHCLG by 17 July 2026, and progressing with the procurement of an events team. A draft submission of the 10-year vision and Pride in Place Plan was scheduled for October 2026, with the final submission to MHCLG by 28 November 2026.