Trailblazer neighbourhoods get the go ahead
There was a good deal to be thankful for in today’s Spending Review from a social business perspective.
In particular, we welcome the announcement of the 25 ‘trailblazer’ neighbourhoods to receive up to £20 million over the next decade.
This is part of the communities funding announced by the Chancellor for up to 350 places, including the 75 places mentioned in the Plan for Neighbourhoods, which was published in March 2025. There are 20 trailblazer neighbourhoods in England and five in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so the potential benefit should be felt nationwide.
Lessons must be learned from previous regeneration programmes, however, to ensure taxpayers’ money is well spent and to ensure that the changes delivered bring lasting economic and social value benefits for local communities.
Other positive announcements include:
- Plans to develop a social impact investment vehicle to support mission delivery and tackle complex social problems. This is a key intervention that could make a major difference to communities.
- It was good to hear the Government recognise the impact of austerity on local services, including parks, libraries, and other vital community resources. We welcome the promised support and look forward to working with local communities to revitalise neighbourhood infrastructure.
- We also welcome the support for community assets, and local energy generation under the auspices of GB Energy. There is much here for entrepreneurial local organisations to work with.