The Darwen Town Board met on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, to discuss the Darwen Plan for Neighbourhoods, the Darwen Town Deal, and to adopt the terms of reference and code of conduct for the board. The meeting was also scheduled to include an update on the Plan for Neighbourhoods, and the development of a vision and three-year delivery plan.

Darwen Plan for Neighbourhoods and Darwen Town Deal

The Darwen Town Board was scheduled to discuss the Darwen Plan for Neighbourhoods (DPfN) and the Darwen Town Deal, with the aim of aligning these two regeneration programmes. The Darwen Plan for Neighbourhoods is a ten-year vision for Darwen, with a three-year investment plan. The Darwen Town Deal is a programme to secure government funding for the town.

The board's role is to develop and agree on a ten-year vision for Darwen, develop a clear programme of interventions, coordinate resources, engage stakeholders, and oversee the delivery plans of the funded programmes.

The three strategic objectives of the Darwen Plan for Neighbourhoods programme are:

• Thriving places
• Stronger communities
• Taking back control

Darwen Town Board Terms of Reference

The Darwen Town Board was scheduled to adopt its terms of reference, which incorporate the former Darwen Long Term Plan Board and the Darwen Town Deal Board into one entity. These terms of reference serve as the formal constitution of the Darwen Town Board.

The constitution of the board was scheduled to be addressed at the meeting, with a maximum of 15 members appointed to voluntary roles. Membership is intended to include representatives from:

• Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, specifically the Leader/Executive Member for Growth and Development, currently Councillor Phil Riley, Leader
• The Police & Crime Commissioner
• The Member of Parliament for Rossendale & Darwen
• Local businesses and investors
• Prominent members of civic, faith, and voluntary organisations

The terms of reference also outline the roles of the chair and deputy chair. The chair is to be appointed from the private sector, while the deputy chair is to be the Leader/Executive Member for Growth and Development of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

The terms of reference state that the board will meet monthly until the submission of the Investment Plan, and quarterly thereafter.

Darwen Town Board Code of Conduct

The Darwen Town Board was scheduled to adopt a code of conduct for its board members, outlining the expected behaviours and responsibilities. The code is based on the Nolan principles of public life, which include:

• Selflessness
• Integrity
• Objectivity
• Accountability
• Openness
• Honesty
• Leadership

The code of conduct addresses potential conflicts of interest, requiring members to declare any interests in matters under discussion. It states that members must not disclose confidential information and must register any gifts or hospitality received in connection with their official duties.

The code stipulates that a register of interest will be maintained by the Secretary of the Board, and members must update their declaration of interest form annually.

A conflict of interest arises where a Board Member, a close associate, immediate family, business, organisation or employer has an interest in a matter which is the same as, connected to or may be affected by the matter under discussion.

Other Business

The agenda for the meeting also included an update on the Plan for Neighbourhoods, development of a vision and three-year delivery plan, and any other business. The next meeting was scheduled for 29th September 2025.