The future of ‘pride in place’ funding for extra Somerset areas remains uncertain, as local officials await clarity on whether more neighbourhoods will benefit.
The Labour government launched the Pride in Place programme in September 2025, targeting 169 of the UK’s most deprived neighbourhoods with £20 million over ten years. Its goal is to foster strong, resilient, and integrated communities through regeneration initiatives.
Within Somerset, only the Bridgwater South neighbourhood—covering significant parts of Hamp—was included in the initial phase.
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In late January, a new phase was announced, promising £800 million alongside the original £5 billion budget to support 40 additional neighbourhoods nationwide. However, the precise designation of further Somerset areas remains unknown.
Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox appealed for Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge to be included when Bridgwater’s inclusion was announced. While welcoming the funding for Bridgwater, he expressed disappointment that these neighbouring communities were left out despite their pressing needs.
“Bridgwater has already received nearly £45 million through prior government initiatives,” Fox stated. “This extra £20 million over the next decade will build on that. But I am saddened Burnham and Highbridge were not included given their challenges.”
Somerset Council is currently forming the neighbourhood board to oversee regeneration efforts. A spokesperson highlighted the focus on appointing an independent chair, engaging the community, and creating a regeneration plan to submit by the end of 2026. Projects funded from 2027-28 will align with this plan.
Conversations continue between the council and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) about expanding the programme within Somerset. Officials emphasize that future designations will rely on centrally determined statistical criteria, and local bodies cannot directly influence which communities qualify.
With the programme’s next steps pending, the fate of additional Somerset neighbourhoods in the Pride in Place funding remains unclear.