Walsall regeneration plans set for £1.5m boost

Walsall Council is set to receive a cash boost from a central government regeneration fund in early 2026, according to papers published by the local authority.

The report, due to be put before full council next week, falls short of naming which schemes could benefit from the extra government cash – with the funding coming on top of a specific £20m investment in Blakenall from the same fund, announced last year.

However around £750,000 will be spent in each of the next two financial years on projects designed to tackle problems in some of the borough’s most deprived areas, if Walsall Council votes to accept the funding.

The authority declined to comment further on the proposals, however the £1.5m funding award is pooled from a £5bn central government funding pot known as “Pride in Place”, which the government says could be used to tackle a range of social issues.

Schemes benefitting from the fund must fall into at least one of three categories, which include town centre generation schemes, new or improved public spaces and building and refurbishment projects for “underused” community assets.

Walsall Council says project ideas will be developed by a working group over the next four weeks, with the authority required to consult with local MPs and community groups as it begins to draw up a shortlist of schemes, in order to ensure the funding “achieves the greatest impact”.

“Given the tight delivery timescales, new projects will need to be substantially developed to be deliverable in time, or existing projects where additional funding can provide more impact,” said a report due to go before councillors.

“Funding may be spent anywhere in the local authority area, whilst being mindful of the importance of supporting communities most in need.”

Walsall is one of seven West Midlands councils in line to receive direct support from the scheme, as confirmed by government ministers in December.

Responding to a question from Telford MP Shaun Davies on 11 December, government minister Ian Murray told the House of Commons the government is investing “up to £570.5 million” across the West Midlands through the programme, across seven local authorities and via direct support for 28 named areas.

The authority will vote on whether to formally accept the funding at a meeting of full council on 12 January.