Druids Heath and Hawkesley in south Birmingham have been awarded £20m each as part of the government’s new Pride in Place programme.

The scheme, which will run for the next decade, aims to help communities take control of how money is spent locally, with residents given a direct say over investment in their area.

It is part of a £5bn national package announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to revive high streets, improve parks and green spaces, and support community facilities.

Under the plan, 169 neighbourhoods across the country will each receive £2m a year for ten years. In Birmingham, eight neighbourhoods have been chosen, including Druids Heath and Hawkesley.

Local people will be invited to put forward their ideas for projects, which could include new play areas, restoring empty buildings, or community safety initiatives. An independent board is expected to be set up to oversee spending, bringing together residents, councillors and community groups.

Al Carns, Labour MP for Birmingham Selly Oak, said the long-term funding would “change lives”. He added:

“No one understands a community better than the people who live there. That’s why the government has chosen a new approach — giving us the power to shape the future of our own area. This funding can be spent on a wide range of projects, and every idea is welcome.”

The Pride in Place programme uses measures of deprivation and community need to identify areas most in need of long-term investment.