Issue - meetings

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund Manager presented a report on the Pride in Place Programme Governance Model.

The Committee was advised that an area covering parts of Greenlands and parts of Woodrow had been selected to receive Pride in Place funding, which was the Government’s flagship communities programme.

It was reported that the programme would be community?led, with funding decisions made by a Neighbourhood Board following extensive consultation with local residents. Redditch Borough Council’s primary role would be to act as the accountable body, ensuring that funding was distributed fairly and transparently and that all legislative requirements were met.

Members were informed that the Council was required to appoint an independent Chair, alongside the local Member of Parliament (MP). The Chair would need to have a strong connection to the local area, and officers proposed that the recruitment process should commence immediately after the local elections in May 2026. A full?scale promotional campaign was being planned to ensure that candidates represented a broad cross?section of the community.

Shortlisting and interviews would be carried out by a panel comprising a senior officer, the MP, a Member for the Greenlands and Lakeside ward, and a Member for the Matchborough and Woodrow ward. A Community Panel of local residents would also be invited to provide views on the shortlisted candidates, and other ward Members for the relevant areas would have the opportunity to meet candidates before the final appointment.

Following the appointment of the Chair, they would lead the recruitment of the remaining Board members, with a requirement for a minimum of eight members in total. It was highlighted that representation from the MP was mandatory, and at least one ward Member must also sit on the Board, although officers would recommend two Members to ensure representation from both wards.

Members were advised that the deadline for submitting the final Board membership to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for approval was 17th July 2026.

Following the presentation, Members discussed the report and made the following comments:

• It was clarified that the Chair could not be an elected representative.
• Members noted that there was a prospectus which set out guidance on spending and emphasised the importance of ensuring that Board decisions reflected community priorities while adhering to due diligence requirements.
• The wider implications for residents in surrounding areas. For example, any new facilities would be available for all to use.
• Members welcomed the clear timescales outlined in the report to support strong community engagement.

RESOLVED that:-

1) Authority to recruit and appoint an independent chair of the Greenlands and Woodrow Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board be delegated to the Assistant Director Regeneration & Property following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Environmental Services and in agreement with the MP for Redditch and the Villages;

2) Authority to approve the final membership of the Greenlands and Woodrow Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board be delegated to the Assistant Director Regeneration & Property following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration  ...  view the full minutes text for item 117