Northern Ireland residents gain control over £40m funding. They can revitalize their neighborhoods, boost growth, and fix deprivation.
Seventy-five areas get funds over ten years. Each area may get up to £20 million. Ministers want to transform struggling areas, focusing on vital community services. Education, health, and jobs are top priorities, and they’ll also tackle local crime problems.
Neighborhood boards will manage the funds, comprising residents and businesses. They decide locally how to spend the money. They can repair streets and high streets, and also start low-cost grocers offering affordable essentials. Co-ops or neighborhood watches are also possibilities.
The government calls this part of their Plan for Change, aiming to grow the UK economy. The plan should deliver safer streets and create opportunities for everyone. A prior scheme promised similar funding, covering towns across the UK.
Ministers stated many neighborhoods lacked investment. They want to use local insight, and the new plan puts locals in charge. They will control where money goes, deciding which issues to tackle, and lead local regeneration efforts.
The Secretary of State said it will help Coleraine and Derry, with each community getting £20 million. The government will support growth in the area and plans to reshape public services. Funding becomes available in April 2025, and projects could start in 2026.