The Stanley South Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) Board met on Friday 29 May 2026 to discuss the progress of the programme, which aims to regenerate local neighbourhoods. The board was scheduled to review updates on funding, engagement activities, and the proposed interventions for the area.

Programme Update

The board was provided with an update on the Pride in Place Programme (PiPP), a £5 billion government initiative designed to support community-focused regeneration. Stanley South is one of four neighbourhoods in County Durham selected to participate in Phase 2 of the programme, which is set to receive up to £20 million in funding over the next 10 years. This funding is linked to an Investment Plan, comprising 63% capital and 37% revenue funding.

The programme's vision is to empower local residents to shape their neighbourhood's future through transformative projects. The key objectives are to build stronger communities by fostering social cohesion and local safety; create thriving places by revitalising high streets, improving public spaces, and enhancing local services; and empower residents to take back control by enabling them to make decisions affecting their area.

The report outlined key dates for Stanley South, including the confirmation of Neighbourhood Boards and any proposed boundary alterations by 17 July 2026, review by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in Autumn 2026, and the submission of the Pride in Place Plan by 28 November 2026.

The recruitment of a Chair and Board members had taken place, with Paul Fiddaman appointed as Chair. Engagement with residents and community groups had commenced, with feedback highlighting suggestions for improvements to the high street, safer streets, repurposing the Board School site, redeveloping Bertie's Bar, enhancing park safety, improving walking routes and bus services, increasing parking, and providing more activities for young people. Residents also expressed a strong appreciation for existing community groups. A targeted survey commissioned by MHCLG and delivered by ZenCity also gathered similar feedback.

The board was recommended to note the recruitment process for the Chair and Board Members, the funding received to date from MHCLG, and the progress made in launching engagement events.

Approved Interventions

The Pride in Place Programme has approved intervention themes that offer broad flexibility for the Board to consider. These include:

• Regeneration, high streets, and heritage
• Housing
• Work, productivity and skills
• Cohesion
• Community Power
• Health and wellbeing
• Transport
• Safety and security
• Education and opportunity

Governance and Board Membership

The Stanley South Neighbourhood Board is to be led by an independent Chair, Paul Fiddaman, with support from the local authority and the local Member of Parliament (MP). The Board will collectively lead the development of the 10-year Vision and Pride in Place Plan.

The Board's membership must include a majority of members who live or work within the Stanley South boundary to ensure it is resident-led. Members should reflect the diversity of the area and bring together residents, local businesses, campaigners, workplace representatives, faith, and community leaders. The local authority, Chair, and MP are to approve the final Board selection. The programme aims to transition towards a community-led model of delivery by year three.

Capacity funding has been received to ensure community involvement in local decision-making through various engagement methods. A Community and Economic Development Lead Officer has been recruited to support the Board. Feedback mechanisms are in place to ensure the community is involved and updated on progress.

Durham County Council is the accountable body for the programme, responsible for ensuring public funds are distributed fairly and effectively, adhering to principles such as the Nolan Principles¹ and the Equality Act 2010².

Next Steps

The Board was scheduled to receive updates on engagement sessions aimed at defining the Vision for Stanley South. Further steps included confirming the Neighbourhood Boards and any boundary alterations to MHCLG by 17 July 2026, progressing with the procurement of an events contract, presenting a draft submission of the 10-year vision and Pride in Place Plan by October 2026, and submitting the final plan to MHCLG by 28 November 2026.