Ten areas set to benefit from £2.8m ‘Forgotten Communities Fund’

The Reform UK-led authority said the financial boost was designed to support projects in some of its “most deprived” towns and villages.

The communities set to benefit from the scheme include:

– £500,000 for South Elmsall, South Kirkby and Moorthorpe

– £500,000 for Pontefract

– £450,000 for Knottingley and Ferrybridge

– £450,000 for Hemsworth, Fitzwilliam and Kinsley

– £325,000 for Normanton

A further £640,000 of contingency funding will also be allocated if senior councillors agree to the proposal at a meeting on November 17.Matthew Pinder, the council’s cabinet

member for district regeneration and regional growth, said: “Helping our towns and villages to succeed is one of the main reasons I came into politics.

“Too many of our areas have been left behind for far too long.

“That’s why we’re announcing a multi-million pound commitment to our most deprived communities today.

“This is all about placing our resources where it will have the most impact, ensuring all areas have regeneration opportunities.”

The funding comes from the remaining amount in the council’s £10m Town Centre Regeneration Fund (TCRF), a ten-year capital programme which was set up in 2020 to support regeneration and community projects.

A review of the initiative identified approximately £2.86m of unallocated funding.

A report to cabinet members said: “The review has provided an opportunity to consider how the remaining funding can best support regeneration priorities across the district.

“In particular, investment could be targeted towards the Five Towns and adjacent urban centres, complementing existing regeneration activity, building on ongoing investment, and helping to maximise the impact of available resources.

“Investment will focus on initiatives that improve town centres and neighbourhoods, enhance community infrastructure, support local economic activity, strengthen civic pride and contribute to wider regeneration objectives.”

According to the report, the new scheme will be led by councillors in each area and projects will be delivered in phases over the next three financial years.

During 2026/27, councillors will be asked to identify and develop project proposals, with approvals and delivery commencing from 2027/28 to 2029/30 “subject to project prioritisation, eligibility and capacity.”

Coun Pinder added: “Investment into communities that have been left behind by political choice for generations, has driven me to ensure regeneration funding is directed towards some of our most deprived areas.

“Regeneration sometimes involves major projects but smaller improvements can often make huge differences too.

“This funding will help make sure communities across our district benefit from the investment they need to succeed, and that no community feels forgotten.”