Smethwick Pride in Place Programme
On 4 March 2025, Smethwick was selected to receive up to £20 million of Government investment over the next 10 years, through the Pride in Place Programme (Previously named Plan for Neighbourhoods, which changed to Pride in Place in September 2025).
This long-term funding is a major opportunity to deliver positive change in Smethwick. It puts power into the hands of the community and is designed to ensure that the people who live and work in Smethwick help set priorities and shape the future of the town.
View the Programme Prospectus here.
The programme will deliver against three core Government priorities:
- Thriving Places
- Stronger Neighbourhoods
- Taking Back Control
To access the funding, the Smethwick Partnership Board developed a 10-year Regeneration Plan and 4-year Investment Plan which was submitted to the Government in November 2025. These plans focus on the following themes, reflecting the issues that matter most locally:
- Regeneration, High Streets and Heritage
- Housing
- Works, Productivity and Skills
- Cohesion
- Health and Wellbeing
- Transport
- Safety and Security
- Education and Opportunity
- Community Power (added December 2025)
In April 2026, the Government approved the Plans and the first set of funding was received April 2026. The programme has now entered delivery phase.
How the programme is being delivered
The Smethwick Partnership Board, working closely with Sandwell Council as the Accountable Body, ensures that local voices are at the heart of every decision.
The Board oversees both the Smethwick Town Deal and the Smethwick Pride in Place Programmes and is made up of a wide range of representatives from local residents, community, business, voluntary, public-sector and faith organisations as well as local councillors, the MP, and the Police & Crime Commissioner or their representative.
All board members are required to read, sign and complete the Code of Conduct. View the Smethwick Partnership Board Terms of Reference here.
Funding Launch 2026
Now the Plans are approved, the Smethwick Partnership Board are planning their funding launch for year 1.
Details of the funding launch will be published on the Board's website.
Visit the Smethwick Partnership Board website for updates.