Member

Neil Duncan-Jordan: My hon. Friend is right to highlight that many public buildings, such as community centres, are languishing, unused and unloved, and could be regenerated for the community with some investment. I hope that the Pride in Place programme, along with other programmes that have been mentioned by my hon. Friend the Member for Chelsea and Fulham, could kickstart that happening. For many people, all they have ever known is the decline on their doorstep. This welcome and much-needed Government support sends a real signal that local communities and their organisations will be in charge—not some elected official or council bureaucrat, but those who actually live in the area. This support also recognises that areas have been long forgotten and they need a helping hand. For the groups to thrive and the areas to improve, someone has to put faith in the local community and say, “We think you can run your own affairs. We think local groups know best what their areas need.”