Every Neath Port Talbot Council ward is now eligible for up to £25,000 of funding for projects that boost pride in the community.
The Pride in Place Impact Fund (PiPIF) is a £1.5 million UK Government programme designed to help local authorities across Wales to make visible improvements’ to high streets, local facilities and public spaces.
The long-term aim of PiPP investment is to increase the prosperity of the
area by reducing poverty and improving long-term wellbeing in a community.
How will the money be distributed?
Each elected member will receive an allocation of £25,000. If a project will benefit more than one area or requires more funding, members can team up and pool the money together. The same applies if there are several members within a single electoral ward.
The Pride in Place Impact Fund has 3 objectives:
| OBJECTIVES | SUMMARY |
| Community spaces | Creating, extending, improving or refurbishing existing community facilities and enabling community organisations to take control or ownership of underused but valued local assets. |
| Public spaces | Enhancing the physical environment in public spaces. Examples include new or improved green spaces or public squares, improved outdoor play, sports and leisure spaces, installing street furniture, public art or improving navigation through signage, etc. |
| High street and town centre revitalisation | Making these areas more attractive and welcoming places where people congregate and which encourage economic activity. Examples of initiatives that could be funded are shop frontage improvements, adaptations that bring premises back into use, streetscape improvements, public art, trails and wayfinding, and creating or improving the infrastructure for regular markets. |
What happens next?
Neath Port Talbot Council will now engage with communities, MPs and Senedd Members to develop a way of delivering the funding, as well as establish which projects to prioritise.
Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice, Councillor Simon Knoyle says:
“This latest funding offers a fair system to ensure no part of Neath Port Talbot gets left behind, and we are thankful this UK Government scheme helps us to invest in all areas of our County.
“The funding also supports our Council’s Well Being Objectives, which aim to improve our local environment, heritage and culture which in turn helps our communities to thrive.”
Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Councillor Steve Hunt says:
“We want all areas of Neath Port Talbot to be proud of where they live, and this UK Government funding helps towards achieving that.
“I’ve no doubt elected members will keep their local community in mind as they carefully consider how the allocated funds should be spent.”
