Trailblazer Neighbourhoods: Government aims to put communities at the heart of local investment
The government’s recently announced Trailblazer Neighbourhoods programme represents a notable shift in place-based investment. With up to £20 million in long-term funding available to each of 25 selected areas, the policy has been designed to give communities greater control over the future of their areas and to place local people and partnerships at the centre of regeneration.
This is a move towards community-led investment and the ambition is clear. Residents, community organisations, and local stakeholders are set to be given the power to shape priorities that reflect their lived experience from housing and green infrastructure to skills, health, and public realm enhancements.
While the funding is welcome, many local authorities are seeking clarity on key aspects of the programme. There is so far, limited guidance on what types of projects will be eligible for support and what might be involved. We have heard encouraging soundbites from MHCLG around boosting growth, regenerating communities and championing local leadership, but the department has been less clear on how the money will be spent to achieve these goals and how the locations, which include Bristol, Swindon and Blackpool among others were selected.
For many prospective ‘trailblazer areas’, there will no doubt be an element of tension between ambition and capacity. Without clearer parameters on how the money can be spent authorities may struggle to convert this funding into outcomes that are meaningful and achievable. Collaboration here between communities, local government and national government will be key to ensuring people’s voices are heard.
Nonetheless, the intent to give communities a greater say is a welcome step. The policy offers an opportunity for communities to co-design solutions to the problems they face and sets a precedent for joint decision-making, where local people are not just consulted but empowered as decision-makers and long-term stakeholders.
The early signs are positive, but the real success will depend on clear guidance from the Government and the amount of support available to turn local aspirations into action.
As this policy develops, the message is clear and it is one which resonates with us all at Cratus Group; sustainable and inclusive regeneration cannot be done to communities – it must be done in partnership with them.
If you’d welcome a further discussion on regeneration or community engagement support, please get in touch with us.
