The All Together for Spennymoor board was scheduled to discuss updates on the Pride in Place programme, formerly known as the Plan for Neighbourhoods initiative, and review community engagement findings. The meeting was also set to cover the forward plan and next steps for the programme.

All Together for Spennymoor Programme and Submission Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the progress of the All Together for Spennymoor programme, which has been rebranded as the Pride in Place programme. This initiative, funded by central government, aims to regenerate local areas and empower communities. The programme's 10-year vision for Spennymoor is to become a premier destination to live, work, and visit, fostering a vibrant and inclusive town with a thriving economy and strong sense of community.

The report pack outlined how this vision would be developed across several key areas:

• Connected communities: Focusing on safe and accessible walking and cycling routes, clean communities, and improved public transport.
• Green and attractive spaces: Enhancing community gardens, public realm, and play areas, with investment in town centre public spaces.
• Vibrant local economy: Supporting local businesses, creating jobs, providing grants and loans, and developing neighbourhood hubs to attract independent businesses.
• Health, Wellbeing and safety: Addressing mental health support, healthy lifestyle initiatives, community policing, Neighbourhood Watch schemes, and diversionary activities for young people.
• Learning skills and opportunity for all: Developing youth programmes, apprenticeships, work placements, literacy initiatives, and professional help for job seekers.
• Strong community voice: Establishing forums for businesses and the voluntary sector, creating platforms for residents to shape local priorities, and celebrating heritage and culture.

The report pack detailed extensive community engagement efforts, including online surveys, public events, on-street engagement, and presentations at local schools. It was noted that over 25,500 attendees had the opportunity to engage with officers. The programme aims to ensure that public feedback shapes the investment plan, with positive responses to be shared on the website.

The report pack also highlighted the transition from the Plan for Neighbourhoods (PfN) to the Pride in Place programme, noting an expansion in scope and funding, with a greater emphasis on grassroots solutions and local empowerment. New interventions available for funding include Regeneration, high streets and heritage; Transport; Safety and Security; Housing; Work, productivity and skills; Cohesion; Health and wellbeing; and Education and opportunity.

Changes and Additions from PfN to Pride in Place Programme Prospectus

The meeting was scheduled to review changes and additions from the original Plan for Neighbourhoods prospectus to the new Pride in Place programme. Key changes include an expanded scope from 55 towns to 75 areas and a significant increase in funding. The Pride in Place programme places a stronger emphasis on empowering local areas and community-led delivery. New guidance for Neighbourhood Board governance was also noted, requiring 51% of Board members to live and/or work within the boundary area and a minimum of eight members to ensure a resident-led board.

Forward Plan and Next Steps

The forward plan for future board meetings was to be discussed, with proposed meetings in April, July, and September 2026. These meetings are intended to focus on Pride in Place programme feedback, programme delivery and monitoring, and community-led development and engagement. The report pack indicated that face-to-face public engagement events would continue throughout the neighbourhoods to introduce the new neighbourhood plan, gather feedback, and foster dialogue.

Any Other Business

A proposal to hold a Christmas market on 13 December 2025 was scheduled for discussion, building on the success of the previous year's event. The meeting was to consider the proposed budget for this event.

The report pack recommended that the board approve the continued progression of the 4-year Investment Plan and 10-year vision, and to note the changes and updates in the programme from Plan for Neighbourhoods to Pride in Place Programme. It also recommended agreeing to the Christmas market and its budget.