Labour MPs and the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (Icon) are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to prioritize funding for 'social infrastructure' such as libraries, parks, and community centres in 'left-behind' areas of the UK. They argue these grassroots schemes are 'mission critical' for local regeneration, social mobility, and fostering community pride, complementing larger transport projects.
Reeves urged to fund libraries, parks and social centres in left-behind areas
Rachel ReevesSocial exclusionNorth of EnglandCommunitiesPoliticsTax and spendingEnglandSocietyEconomicsBusiness
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Labour MPs and the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (Icon) are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to prioritize funding for 'social infrastructure' such as libraries, parks, and community centres in 'left-behind' areas of the UK. They argue these grassroots schemes are 'mission critical' for local regeneration, social mobility, and fostering community pride, complementing larger transport projects.
Trending- 1 1987-2010: Hilary Armstrong served as the Labour MP for North West Durham.
- 2 Last month (May 2025): Many 'left-behind' neighbourhoods voted Reform in local elections.
- 3 Next week (June 2025): Spending review is anticipated.
- 4 Next five years (2025-2030): Rachel Reeves plans an additional £113bn in capital spending.
- 5 Next year (2026): Big Local, a national lottery-funded project, is due to end.
- Potential for improved local regeneration and social mobility in 'left-behind' areas
- Increased sense of pride and community connections
- Addressing higher unemployment, welfare spending, and lower productivity in disadvantaged neighbourhoods
- Potential shift in government spending priorities to include 'day-to-day' social infrastructure projects
- Greater declines in crime and smaller increases in economic inactivity in areas receiving targeted funding
What: Labour MPs and the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (Icon) are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to fund 'social infrastructure' (libraries, parks, social centres) in 'left-behind' areas. Icon has identified 613 'mission critical' local areas. They argue that these projects, often classified as day-to-day spending, are essential for improving local areas, alongside high-profile transport projects.
When: The call comes ahead of 'next week's' spending review. Many of the identified neighbourhoods voted Reform in 'last month's' local elections. Rachel Reeves plans an additional £113bn in capital spending over the 'next five years'. The Big Local project, which Icon analyzed, is due to end 'next year'.
Where: United Kingdom, North of England, London, south-east, Rother Valley, Wolverhampton, Blackpool South, North West Durham.
Why: The aim is to ensure voters in left-behind areas benefit from growth and feel in control of what's happening. These areas are characterized by higher unemployment, 'dramatically higher' welfare spending, and 40% lower productivity. Investing in social infrastructure helps people gain skills, confidence, and build opportunities, contributing to economic growth and community pride.
How: Icon, chaired by Hilary Armstrong and supported by backbenchers, is calling on the government to pilot community-led regeneration schemes. They advocate for considering social infrastructure when disbursing funds, arguing that it transforms lives by enabling people to connect and build confidence.