Communities to get more power over their high streets

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is to launch Pride in Place, a landmark programme designed to hand power back to communities and restore pride in struggling high streets and neighbourhoods. 

Backed by record levels of investment, the initiative marks a major shift in how government funding is delivered – putting local people in charge of where and how money is spent.

The wide-ranging programme will support over 330 communities across England, Scotland and Wales, aiming to reverse decades of decline and tackle regional inequality. It includes new powers for communities to reclaim derelict pubs and shops, block unwanted developments like betting and vape stores, and take greater ownership of local assets through the new Community Right to Buy.

The programme will only approve funding proposals that demonstrate real community engagement, with Pride in Place Boards required to include local groups, social clubs and residents in all key decisions.

New compulsory purchase powers will allow local authorities to take control of abandoned buildings and vacant department stores, opening the door to new housing, health centres and start-up spaces. Meanwhile, a focus on local control will help communities protect and regenerate the places that matter most to them.

The Pride in Place programme will be delivered across England, Scotland and Wales, with funding for Northern Ireland to follow. The UK Government will work closely with devolved administrations to ensure the strategy’s principles of deep community involvement are central to future plans.