Cornwall Not Included in Government’s £5bn Pride in Place Programme

Cornwall has been left out of a £5 billion government programme aimed at regenerating communities across the country, sparking anger from business leaders.

The “Pride in Place” programme, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, promises long-term investment in 339 neighbourhoods to revive high streets, parks, public spaces and community facilities. But Cornwall does not feature on the list of selected areas.

John Brown, Chief Executive of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said the exclusion should “infuriate every single one of us”.

“I’m angry. Properly angry. The government has just announced a £5 billion Pride in Place programme to lift up communities across the country and Cornwall isn’t even on the list. Not a penny. Once again, Cornwall is left standing outside in the cold while others are invited in to share the spoils,” he said.

John warned that without decent housing, transport and thriving high streets, Cornwall would struggle to provide the workforce needed to seize opportunities from new investment in clean energy, mining and manufacturing.

“You cannot raise the ceiling of Cornwall if you refuse to lift the floor beneath our people,” he said, calling on Cornwall Council and MPs to “stop playing to the gallery and start fighting for the prize”.

What the Programme Offers

The Pride in Place programme will see:

• 169 areas each receive £20 million over ten years.

• 95 areas share £150 million for immediate upgrades to parks, play areas and public spaces.

• New community powers to seize boarded-up shops, block nuisance businesses and buy local assets before closure.

The government said the investment is part of its “Plan for Change” to give communities more control over local regeneration.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “We’re investing in the UK’s future, by backing the true patriots that build our communities up in neighbourhoods across every corner of the country. Because it’s people who bring pride, hope and life to our communities.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves described it as “a huge investment” that puts spending decisions in the hands of local people.

Cornwall Calls for Action

John Brown urged Cornwall’s leaders to build a clear and investable case to ensure the Duchy secures future funding.

“Cornwall has the assets. Cornwall has the ambition. What we lack is leadership brave enough to stop playing to the gallery and start fighting for the prize. So here is my demand: get a grip, get serious, and get Cornwall its fair share.”

The full list of areas set to benefit, along with further details of the programme, can be found on gov.uk

📷John Brown, Chief Executive of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce