How would you spend £20m in Chantry, Stoke Park and Whitehouse?

Why it matters: Ipswich Borough Council has opened applications to join two new Pride in Place Neighbourhood Boards — one for Stoke Park and Chantry, and one for Whitehouse. Each board will decide how £20 million in government funding is spent in its area over the next 10 years.

The details: Board members will listen to what matters most to local people, set priorities for their neighbourhood, decide how funding is allocated, and oversee projects to ensure they deliver real benefits. The roles are voluntary, but the council will provide training, guidance and ongoing support, and reasonable expenses — including travel and childcare — that will be covered.

What they're saying: Cllr Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "Pride in Place is a huge opportunity for our communities. This is about putting real decision-making power into the hands of local people, so they can shape the future of their neighbourhoods for years to come.

He added: "We want to hear from people of all backgrounds and experiences who care about their area and want to make a positive difference."

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott said he was "proud to secure £20 million for Stoke Park and Chantry" through the Pride in Place programme, describing it as a "transformative level of investment, that has the potential to make a real long-term difference to our community."

He said: “Pride in Place is all about putting power back into the hands of local people, giving residents a genuine say over how this funding is used and what priorities it should support over the next decade.

“This is a real opportunity for people who care about their local area to help shape meaningful change in their community, and I’d encourage residents from all backgrounds and experiences to come forward and get involved.”

Who can apply: No formal qualifications are required, and the council is particularly encouraging applications from younger residents and those from under-represented groups. Board members will attend regular meetings, contribute to discussions and help shape a 10-year vision and four-year investment plan for their area.

For context: Pride in Place is a major government-backed programme designed to give communities the power to influence how funding is spent locally. It is part of a national £5 billion scheme covering nearly 250 areas across the UK, with each selected neighbourhood receiving up to £20 million over 10 years to make long-term improvements that residents want.

What's next: Chair applications close at 09:00 on Monday, 15 June 2026, with board member applications closing at 09:00 on Thursday, 9 July 2026. The council expects the first board meetings to begin in August 2026.

The bottom line: Ipswich residents have a once-in-a-generation chance to sit at the table and decide how millions of pounds are invested in their area — no qualifications, just a passion for where you live.

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