Long Term Plan for Towns
In October 2023, Smethwick was named as one of 55 towns to receive up to £20million funding from Government over a 10 year period to invest in local people’s priorities. To access the funding, a Long-Term Plan for Smethwick will be produced based on local priorities, developed by a board of community representatives engaging with local people (Smethwick Partnership Board).
The Long-Term Plan is to comprise the 10-year vision for Smethwick and a 3-year investment plan, setting out how the funding will be allocated and spent, with Sandwell Council as the body ultimately accountable for the funding.
The funding is to be focused around three investment themes: –
- Safety and Security
- High Streets, Heritage and Regeneration
- Transport and Connectivity
Update July 2024
To shape the Plan for Smethwick, communities were invited to share their views through our survey between April and June, ready to send to Government by 1 August 2024. This first stage of community engagement has completed and the survey is now closed.
We thank everyone who contributed.
The new Government postponed the submission of all Long-Term Plans across the country, and we currently await further information. Future updates will be published here.
Future Engagement
We are planning more engagement activities across Smethwick later this year to hear from local people how the £20m funding can help improve Safety & Security; Heritage, High Streets and Regeneration; and Transport & Connectivity. If you would like to take part email town_deal@sandwell.gov.uk and you will be added to our mailing list.
The Smethwick Partnership Board
A Smethwick Partnership Board has been established and will oversee both the Smethwick Town Deal and the Long Term Plan Programmes.
The Smethwick Partnership Board comprises a wide range of key stakeholders from community, business, voluntary, public-sector and faith organisations as well as local councillors, the MP, and the Police & Crime Commissioner. All board members are required to read, sign and complete the Code of Conduct.