NEWSROOM

The announcement follows approval of the Councillors’ Pride Fund 2025/26 annual report at Cabinet earlier this month (Thursday 15 October), which highlighted the continuing impact of the fund in helping local people turn ideas into action, strengthen community spirit and improve neighbourhoods.

Since its launch in 2011, the Councillors’ Pride Fund has allocated more than £2.5 million to local projects and attracted over £1 million in match funding, generating more than £3.6 million of investment in communities across Telford and Wrekin.

Each year, the fund enables councillors to support projects that matter most to their communities. Over the last three years alone, it has backed more than 1,000 projects across the Borough, from youth activities and community cafés to environmental improvements, support for veterans and initiatives tackling loneliness and social isolation. During the same period, the scheme secured more than £438,000 in additional funding from partners, helping community organisations maximise every pound invested.

The latest annual report highlighted this continued success. In 2025/26, £270,000 supported 385 projects and attracted a further £130,635 in match funding, equivalent to 48p for every pound awarded, taking total investment into communities to more than £400,000.

Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said:

“The Councillors’ Pride Fund is one of the clearest examples of how relatively small amounts of grassroots funding can have a significant impact in our communities.

“Year after year, we see councillors using this fund to support local people, community groups and volunteers to make a positive difference where they live. Whether it’s creating opportunities for young people, supporting vulnerable residents, improving local green spaces, celebrating our heritage or bringing communities together, the benefits can be felt right across the Borough.

"What makes the fund particularly valuable is that decisions are made locally by councillors who understand the needs of their communities. It helps back ideas that might otherwise struggle to access funding while also attracting additional investment that makes every pound go further.

“Our councillors are at the heart of their communities and understand the local priorities, challenges and opportunities in their Wards. The Councillors’ Pride Fund gives them the ability to back ideas that might otherwise struggle to access funding and turn them into successful projects.

“That is why I am pleased to reaffirm our commitment to the fund for these next four years, with a £1.08 million investment. It is a proven scheme that empowers communities, supports local pride and demonstrates that grassroots action, backed by relatively modest funding, can achieve remarkable results.”

The Councillors’ Pride Fund supports projects that align with the Council’s priorities of helping people live well in their communities, supporting a thriving economy, improving neighbourhoods, protecting the environment and delivering high-quality community-focused services. It enables councillors to respond to local needs and support community organisations to thrive through targeted investment in projects that matter to residents.

Over the years it has helped fund everything from youth programmes and community facilities to environmental projects and local events, helping to create stronger, more resilient communities across Telford and Wrekin.

The Councillors’ Pride Fund for 2026/27 is open for applications, through Councillors, until 1 February 2027.