Long-term regeneration funding will support community life, skills, safety and neighbourhood renewal in Cardiff’s most deprived wards
THE COMMUNITIES of Caerau and Ely have secured up to £20 million in long-term investment through the UK Government’s new Pride in Place programme, marking a major boost for two of Cardiff’s most disadvantaged wards.
The scheme is designed to support communities most in need across the UK by investing in local priorities, improving neighbourhoods and giving residents greater influence over decisions that affect their areas.
Following the successful bid, both Caerau and Ely will receive funding over the next 10 years to strengthen community life, support local groups, improve streets, facilities and public spaces, boost skills, jobs and economic opportunities, create safer and healthier neighbourhoods, and help residents shape a long-term vision for their communities.
Recent data from the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) 2025 shows that Caerau and Ely have the highest levels of deprivation in Cardiff, underlining the scale of need and the importance of sustained investment.
The funding will build on the Ely and Caerau Community Plan, approved in 2024, which was developed with input from more than 1,200 local residents and partner organisations, including South Wales Police and the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. The new programme is expected to expand this work and deliver long-term improvements across both wards.
Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Huw Thomas, welcomed the announcement, describing it as a significant opportunity for local people.
He said: “Local residents in Caerau and Ely have told us clearly what matters to them through the recent community plan. Now that the funding has been approved for Ely and Caerau by the UK Government, it will give us a real opportunity to support local priorities, improve neighbourhoods, and help residents shape a positive future for their area.
“Given the high levels of need shown through the latest WIMD data, these communities deserve this funding so that a long-term programme of investment can be delivered in these areas.”
As part of the next phase of the programme, a Neighbourhood Board will be established to oversee the funding and regeneration process. The board will bring together local residents, community leaders, businesses, councillors and partner organisations, and will be led by an independent chair.
The Board will be responsible for developing a 10-year Regeneration Plan for Caerau and Ely, setting out how the investment will be allocated and delivered. Governance and community engagement work is expected to begin in 2026, with full regeneration plans due for approval by spring 2027.
Becky Matyus, Partnerships Co-ordinator from Action in Caerau and Ely, said the funding represents a major opportunity for local people.
She said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the people of Ely and Caerau to have a real voice in the creation of a 10-year Regeneration Plan, ensuring this investment meets local needs and brings long-lasting change in our community.”
Most of the funding will be directed towards capital projects, including buildings, infrastructure and major physical improvements, supported by revenue funding to help plan and deliver the programme effectively.
With the UK Government having formally accepted the proposal, work will now begin in partnership with government departments to confirm the next steps and implementation arrangements for the Pride in Place programme in Ely and Caerau.
The investment is expected to play a key role in long-term regeneration, community empowerment and economic renewal for the two wards, with local residents placed at the centre of shaping future development.
