Pride in Place

Pride in Place logoThe Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) is a UK-wide programme aiming to invest in disadvantaged neighbourhoods across the country.  

Phase Two of the funding will provide 75 towns across the UK with up to £20 million each over 10 years as part of a ten year investment to support the local community  (if divided equally this would mean £2m per year). Funding will include the cost of managing and delivering projects as well as the project cost.

The areas chosen for funding were selected using data on levels of deprivation across the country. In Oxford, Greater Leys has been identified by Government for the programme, but the exact boundaries for the funding will need to be agreed. 

How it will work 

The Pride in Place funding aims to bring together local communities to make decisions and changes to their areas, and projects will be managed by a Neighbourhood Board to be formed in each area.      

The Neighbourhood Board will be responsible for producing a 10 year vision, along with information on how this vision can be achieved. The plan of proposals will need to be produced and agreed with the Government for the funding to be received. 

This will allow Neighbourhoods to decide how to prioritise funding, based on extensive community engagement, across three objectives:  

  • To build stronger communities: Bringing people together to build community cohesion and resilience, helping people to feel proud of their area and safe in their neighbourhood  
  • To create thriving places: Creating vibrant neighbourhoods and communities with busy high streets, a good range of local amenities, and high-quality physical infrastructure  
  • To empower people to take back control: Ensuring everybody feels empowered and in control of their lives and has a say over the future of their community  

Each Neighbourhood Board will be led by an independent chair, following consultation with the local MP, and at least one ward councillor. The chair should act as a champion for the place and provide leadership for the board, ensuring it is community-led and embedded within the local area.  

Neighbourhood Boards must include the relevant local MP and at least one ward councillor and should bring together residents, local businesses, grassroots campaigners, workplace representatives, faith,  and community leaders and those with a deep connection to their area. 

Exact details on how the Neighbourhood Board will be chosen is still to be decided, and no decisions can be made before a Neighbourhood Board is established. 

What projects can be funded? 

The Pride in Place Programme aims to deliver improvements that matter most to local people.  

Communities will therefore be able to spend the funding on what matters most to them - from improvements to pavements and high streets to investing in culture and green spaces. Some of the funding will be ring fenced by the Government to be used to deliver physical improvements (capital projects). 

It is expected that the relevant local authority in each area will act as the accountable body for the funds with responsibility for ensuring that public funds are distributed fairly and effectively.  

Get involved

Apply to become Chair of the Neighbourhood Board

Applications are now open to become the Chair of the Neighbourhood Board. The Chair is an independent position and will provide leadership for the board and ensure the programme is community-led and embedded within the local area. 

This position is open to anyone who lives or works in The Leys. 

Applicants will be assessed by an independent advisory panel, as well as a formal interview panel. The deadline to apply is midnight on Monday 23 March 2026.  

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role before applying, can request this by emailing prideinplace@oxford.gov.uk 

More information on the role, and the application form is available via the Council’s jobs portal.

Hard copies of the application form are also available at:

  • Leys Library – Blackbird Leys Road, OX4 6HT 
  • Leisure centre – Pegasus Road, OX4 6JL
  • The Barn – Nightingale Avenue, OX4 7BU
  • As well as CDI, Oxford Hub, Leys Coalition and OCA

Expressions of interest for the Neighbourhood Board

We are also looking for expressions of interest for the Neighbourhood Board. 

The Neighbourhood Board for the Pride in Place programme will be made up of local residents, as well as representatives from local businesses and workplaces, faith groups, voluntary & community organisations and others with a deep connection to their area. It will also include the local MP and at least one local councillor/representative.   

The Board must work with the Chair and the wider community to develop a Pride in Place Plan, setting out a vision for their area and the projects that they would like to prioritise. 

Expressions of interest in joining the Neighbourhood Board can be submitted to prideinplace@oxford.gov.uk 

Project Timeline 

  • September 2025: Pride in Place funding announced 
  • Winter 2025/26: Neighbourhood Boards and local authorities to receive a tailored data pack exploring investment priorities for each area  
  • Spring 2026: Government issues 2026 to 2027 capacity funding payment to all places to help set up the Neighbourhood Broad.  
  • Summer 2026: Neighbourhood Boards to confirm finalised membership and boundary proposals  
  • Winter 2026/27: Neighbourhood Boards submit their Regeneration Plan to Government for assessment and approval 
  • Spring 2027: Government expected to approve regeneration plans. First substantive delivery funding payment to be made to local authorities, and the start of delivery phase 

Key documents and websites 

More details of the programme are available in the Government's Pride in Place Strategy  

Additonal Government resources on frequently asked questions about:

 

Rate this page

Happy face Neutral face Sad face