From towns to neighbourhoods: a new approach to local funding

Long Term Plan for Towns funding is getting a fresh new look – and a new name. It’s now the Plan for Neighbourhoods, and the government’s guidance is clear: local boards should think big and look at their communities’ challenges and opportunities in a more holistic way.  

Across the country, 75 communities are now looking afresh at how to prioritise £20 million over the next ten years and local perspectives are essential to pinpoint the projects that are going to be transformational and secure local buy-in. 

Getting the right voices around the table 

One thing we’ve learned from our work in places like Rotherham and Buxton is just how important it is to have the right mix of people on the board. We know it’s not easy to involve people from marginalised or deprived communities, but it is essential. Their perspectives are vital if we’re going to create plans that work for everyone, not just the usual suspects. Diverse perspectives make for better decisions, especially when it comes to deciding how funding should be spent. It’s not always easy to reach consensus, but having a range of voices—especially from those who don’t always get heard—makes a real difference. 

Putting the next generation front and centre 

If Plans for Neighbourhoods are to have a lasting impact, we need to focus on the needs of the next generation. This means making sure children and young people are not just consulted but actively involved in shaping the future of their neighbourhoods. In our projects, we’ve made youth engagement a priority, and the insights we’ve gained have been invaluable. 

Last year, we supported Great Yarmouth Borough Council with consultation on their funding plans. To make sure we captured the voices of younger residents, we visited four schools and colleges across Great Yarmouth. Through hands-on activities and lively discussions, students shared their priorities for improvement and brainstormed creative solutions for their local areas. Their input was thoughtful, practical – often completely fresh ideas – showing just how important it is to give young people a say in funding priorities. 

Listen and adapt to fit the investment themes 

Back in April 2024, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council brought us in to help shape a ten-year vision for the borough, using the Long-Term Plan for Towns funding as a springboard. Deborah and Sam led the consultation, focusing on three big priorities: safety and security; high streets, heritage and regeneration; and transport and connectivity. 

For safety and security, we started with the facts—using police data to highlight local crime hotspots and trends. This helped us create a discussion guide that really got to the heart of how people feel about safety in their communities. We explored practical solutions like wayfinding, better signage, community radios, and CCTV improvements—ideas that could make a real difference if funded. 

 The shift from towns to neighbourhoods is about more than just a new name. It’s about empowering communities, listening to everyone (especially young people and those less often heard), and building plans that genuinely reflect local needs and ambitions. If you're thinking about how to approach your consultation, we’d be happy to chat and share our expertise.