A key focus of the initiative is to revitalize local high streets and support community centers and cooperative businesses.

This new approach marks a departure from the previous 'levelling up' strategy, emphasizing direct investment and community control instead of micromanagement.

Each community will establish a Neighbourhood Board to determine how the funding is allocated, fostering local empowerment and involvement.

Rayner's initiative, dubbed the 'Plan for Neighbourhoods,' draws inspiration from the late John Prescott's New Deal for Communities.

Local boards, comprising residents, businesses, and campaigners, will decide on specific projects to fund, including pavement repairs and neighborhood watch schemes.

Local growth minister Alex Norris highlighted that empowering communities to shape their future is essential for national growth.

The initiative aims to create thriving places, strengthen communities, and empower residents to regain control over their environments.

Selected areas for funding include various regions across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and towns in England such as Darlington, Scarborough, and Grimsby.

Funding is set to begin in April 2025, with projects expected to commence in 2026.

The Conservative Party has criticized the funding plan, calling it wasteful and expressing concerns about its focus on urban areas over rural ones.

The UK government, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, has unveiled a significant £1.5 billion funding initiative aimed at revitalizing 75 neighborhoods over the next decade.

This funding plan is designed to empower local communities by allowing them control over how Whitehall allocates resources to deprived areas.