Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet has successfully secured £20 million for the Upper Afan Valley over a ten-year period as part of the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme (PiPP).
In Neath Port Talbot (NPT), the Upper Afan Valley has the highest average rank of deprivation and the aim behind the targeted investment is to benefit disadvantaged neighbourhoods by focusing on areas with the weakest social infrastructure.
Neath Port Talbot Council could only recommend one area to benefit from the funding. NPT is one of nine local authorities across Wales to be identified as a PiPP candidate.
The criteria to be considered for the Pride in Place Programme was set by the UK Government and took a range of factors into consideration, including population, economic inactivity, health, employment prospects and more.
Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Councillor Jeremy Hurley, said:
“Upper Afan Valley is – on average – the most deprived area in Neath Port Talbot. Securing this funding means we are listening to local people and businesses about their needs.
“This is great news for the Upper Afan Valley and offers a sense of optimism for the community.”
Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Councillor Steve Hunt, said:
“We are thrilled to announce that we’ve managed to secure this very important funding for Upper Afan Valley.
“I am pleased the UK Government agreed with us and recognised why this community is worthy of receiving this money.”
