Communities to share £5bn government funding boost

• The government has unveiled an investment of up to £5 billion for its new 'Pride in Place' programme, aimed at revitalising high streets, parks, and public spaces across the UK.
• The funding includes £3.5 billion for 169 areas over a decade, an existing £1.5 billion for 75 areas, and an immediate £1.5 million for 95 other locations to upgrade public amenities.
• Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said local residents, described as those “with real skin in the game”, will be central to deciding how these funds are utilised.
• The initiative grants communities enhanced powers to safeguard local pubs and libraries, and to block the establishment of unwanted betting shops, vape shops, and fake barbers.
• The announcement has been welcomed by health organisations, with Dr Eman Zied Abozied highlighting the importance of tackling “unhealthy amenities”.

IN FULL

Communities gain power to block vape shops and save pubs in £5bn plan