Havant has been awarded funding of £40 million from the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government’s (MHCLG) Pride in Place Programme. The money is for two of our most deprived neighbourhoods: Leigh Park and West Cowplain (Wecock) and will be used for projects that will benefit those communities over the next 10 years (£20 million for each area).
The programme gives control to the community to decide how best to spend the funding with extensive public consultation and engagement. Each area will be led by a Neighbourhood Board which is independent of the council and will bring together residents, local businesses, grassroots campaigners, workplace representatives, faith, and community leaders and those with a deep connection to their area.
Further information about the programme and the type of projects that could be funded can be found on the government website at Pride in Place Programme prospectus.
| Chair recruitment process | February/March 2026 |
| Board recruitment process | June 2026 |
| First Board meeting | June/July 2026 |
| Approval of the Neighbourhood Board by MHCLG | 17 July 2026 |
| Boards write a Pride in Place Plan and submit to MHCLG for approval | 28 November 2026 |
The Pride in Place Chair is a strategic role that will provide leadership over the 10-year programme. This role will help to recruit the wider board membership, develop the Pride in Place Plan, and drive forward the programme towards delivery. Additionally, the role will lead the transition to a community delivery model in future years.
The Chairs for the two areas have now been appointed, we are pleased to welcome Ann Waters and Marie Hattersley as joint chairs for the Wecock Board, and Chris Anders as chair for the Leigh Park Board.
We are looking for local residents, workers, community leaders and partners to join the Neighbourhood Boards. This is a chance to help shape a long-term vision for the area, influence local investment and ensure the voices of the community are at the heart of decision-making.
If you are interested in sitting on either board please download the recruitment pack for more information
Leigh Park Neighbourhood Board Recruitment Pack
Wecock Neighbourhood Board Recruitment Pack
If you would like to be considered for either board please complete the Expression of Interest Form and return to prideinplace@havant.gov.uk by Monday 22 June 2026.