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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 says: 

“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.”

What happens next?

Neighbourhood Boards, made up of representatives from the local community, will now be established to decide exactly what the investment will be spent on. The funding will start from April 2026.

Projects could include revitalising high streets and town centres, preserving local heritage, providing housing, creating jobs, boosting productivity and skills, improving health and well-being, creating new transport links, providing education and opportunity and improving safety and security.

There is more information on the UK Government’s Pride in Place Strategy here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pride-in-place-strategy