One of the most positive things about our Labour Government is its willingness to invest in parts of the country which may have been forgotten about in the past.
The Fairer Funding review was a great example of this, which is levelling up the funding local councils receive to provide services for residents.
Another example is the £40m Pride in Place funding we have been awarded for Paston, Gunthorpe and Welland, and Ortons Malborne and Goldhay.
This will bring around £2 million a year into each of those areas over the next decade to empower residents to shape the future of their neighbourhoods and support projects that matter most to local people.
As part of this a new Summer Pride in Place Grant Scheme launched this week to provide grants in two tiers of up to £500 and up to £5,000 to support projects that bring people together, create opportunities for children and families during the school holidays, and improve local neighbourhoods.
Up to £50,000 has been allocated to each area for this first round of funding. Eligible projects could include summer clubs and activities, community events, environmental improvements, or initiatives that strengthen local pride and community spirit.
From 2027, the Neighbourhood Boards will lead the development of long-term neighbourhood plans, ensuring investment is guided by local priorities and community aspirations.
Applications for the grant scheme can be made by emailing PrideinPlaceGrants@Peterborough.gov.uk. People have until 31st July to apply, with funding decisions being made in time for projects to be delivered over the summer.
Last week I had the privilege of attending the fourth Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Conference hosted by the council.
It was a fantastic event to network and learn about all aspects of domestic abuse. Local agencies attended to share the work they are doing. I’m grateful to council officer Vickie Crompton and the team for organising this.
On the same day, the council launched a new campaign, ‘Is It Normal?’, which is inspired by true stories from domestic abuse victims and was created with the knowledge that many abuse survivors use online platforms to seek answers to help clarify their thoughts during times of confusion. This might be asking 'is it normal to be told to be quiet when out in public' to, in more severe cases, 'is it normal they lock me in the house without a way of escape?'.
We must all reject the culture of misogyny and masculinity that exists in society and call it out when we see it. This is also relevant in the world of politics. I experience elements of misogyny every day in my political role. I refuse to be called a victim. I will continue to call such behaviour out when I see them.
I would also encourage everyone to stand up against male violence by signing up as a White Ribbon Ambassador or champion.
Works will get underway next week for the City Link project – the first phase of the £65m scheme to breathe new life into our railway station and the land around it.
This project will transform our city centre and create a more welcoming and safer route from the train station.
There will be disruption for people whilst the works are taking place – we cannot avoid that - so we are asking people to leave extra time for their journeys and avoid the area if possible. We will also look at how we can flex and adapt during the works to keep disruption to a minimum.
And finally, I’d like to give a shout out to the team behind the World Cup fan zone at The Willow Cafe in Central Park.
I went along last week to watch England’s match with Ghana and the atmosphere was fantastic. You need to pay to get in, but it’s absolutely worth it.