Applications open for Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board in Central Luton

Applications are now open for an Independent Chair and members of the Central Luton Neighbourhood Board. This will direct how £20 million of Pride in Place funding provided by the UK Government is spent in the area.

Secured by Luton South and South Bedfordshire MP Rachel Hopkins, this funding will be delivered over 10 years to revitalise the Central Luton area, countering high levels of deprivation and a lack of social infrastructure, to bring back pride in our local area.  

Central Luton covers a section of the town centre, parts of Park Town and a small section of Farley ward (you can see the exact area via the map on the website).

Rachel Hopkins MP, alongside Luton Council, is looking for people with strong local connections, who live or work in the Central Luton neighbourhood, and have a desire to drive grassroots change to join the Board. This should reflect the breadth of communities in Central Luton and will bring together residents, community leaders, businesses and other organisations.

The Board will carry out community engagement, act as a voice for residents, and oversee the £20 million funding being spent in line with their priorities. It could be used to back grassroots community projects, invest in much-needed local facilities, clean up our streets, and more! Ultimately, the power lies with the Central Luton community to decide.

Applications for the Chair will close on 15 June, with interviews scheduled to take place between 25 and 27 June.
The successful applicant will then help to co-ordinate recruitment of board members. Applications for these roles close on 28 June, with interviews due to be held in July.

All applicants must have close links to Central Luton and either live or work in the area.

Cllr Tahmina Saleem, Leader of Luton Council, said: “This area is such an exciting part of our town, with a huge mix of communities and cultures helping to give it its identity.

“Pride in Place is about putting power in the hands of local people, and making sure this investment reflects what they want to see in their own neighbourhood. This is a great opportunity for residents who are passionate about making a real difference in the centre of Luton to do just that.”

Rachel Hopkins MP said: “I’m delighted to have secured this £20 million investment for central Luton, which is designed to build local pride and create even stronger local connections. 

"I'm looking forward to recruiting an energetic, grassroots Chair to work alongside me in delivering Pride in Place – Central Luton. If you’re passionate about our area and you're up for the challenge, please do apply today!"

For more information on the available roles, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit https://centrallutonprideinplace.org.uk/