Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, for what reason her Department is setting up new neighbourhood boards to decide how to spend funding from the new Plan for Neighbourhoods.

The new £1.5 billion Plan for Neighbourhoods will deliver up to £20 million of funding and support over the next decade into 75 communities across the UK, a long-term commitment to building the foundations to kickstart local growth and drive-up living standards.

Communities are at the heart of this programme, and Neighbourhood Boards should therefore comprise of members with a deep connection to their area to consult the wider community and work with the local authority to develop their Regeneration Plan.

As outlined in the Plan for Neighbourhoods’ governance and boundary guidance, published on 12 March, Neighbourhood Boards should comprise representatives from a cross-section of the local community to promote community leadership.