To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on a new People and Place Strategic Framework.

I continue to witness first-hand the excellent work delivered by our community sector partners through the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme. In the last financial year, I invested more than £19.5 million in this programme, which is making a tangible difference to people living in our most deprived communities.

Through my continued investment, during 2024-25 more than 5,500 adults volunteered over 314,000 hours in their communities valued at £3.8 million, enabled support for over 2,500 local community organisations, over 6,000 employees and volunteers trained in community development, and assisted community groups in securing over £40 million in additional external funding.

While the achievements of the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme are significant, I am keen to ensure it continues to deliver even greater benefits for disadvantaged communities in the future. The review of the Neighbourhood Renewal People and Place Strategy has now been completed, and I am considering how to take forward any new Frameworks.

Subject to the agreement of my Executive colleagues, a public consultation on the Strategic Framework will be launched in due course.

It is not anticipated that any changes to the existing Neighbourhood Renewal Programme will take place during the 2026/27 financial year.