Barry to benefit from up to £20 million in government funding following budget announcement

Barry has again been selected as one of 75 towns across the United Kingdom to receive up to £20 million of funding under the UK Government’s Long-Term Plan for Towns programme.

• Thursday, 31 October 2024

  Vale of Glamorgan

This funding, part of a reformed initiative, is aimed at revitalising towns and empowering local communities to create sustainable change.

• The Barry Partnership, facilitated by the Vale of Glamorgan Council and led by David Stevens, co-founder and former CEO of Admiral, has recently been instrumental in developing a vision and comprehensive 10-year plan for the funding. Over the past year, the partnership has worked to identify local priorities, and it will now collaborate with both the UK and Welsh Governments to accelerate the delivery of the programme’s five national missions.

• Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Member of the Barry Partnership, said: "We are thrilled to see this investment coming to Barry. This funding gives us the chance to address long-standing challenges. We look forward to working closely with our residents, businesses, and partners to build a future that Barry’s people can be proud of.”

• David Stevens added: “We’re excited about the opportunity to bring real change to Barry, investing in the people and places that make our town special. By working together with residents, businesses and community representatives we can create a brighter future that targets the root causes of deprivation and unlocks new potential.”

This funding is designed to give communities the resources and support needed to build their vision for renewal and address local needs. The programme will prioritise inclusivity, ensuring that every resident can benefit from the town’s regeneration efforts regardless of their background.

A revised prospectus for the programme will be published in due course, setting out updated timelines and new strategic objectives that are closely aligned with the government’s national missions.

The Council will continue to play a central role in coordinating efforts to create a lasting positive impact for Barry’s residents.

On that point, Rob Thomas, the Council’s Chief Executive, said: “Confirmation of this funding is welcomed. It comes at a time when the Council itself is consulting on ambitious plans through the new Corporate Plan, which sets out a vision for the Vale of Glamorgan for the next five years. This gives us an excellent opportunity to invest in communities within Barry for the benefit of all residents.”