Derelict high street buildings will be transformed into shared workspaces, cafes and community hubs, to bring people back into town centres as part of a £210m package announced on Friday (25 September).
People are proud of where they live, but too many have watched their high streets be hollowed out, with shops shuttered, buildings boarded up and once-busy hubs left empty.
Now the UK government is putting that right, by revamping vacant shopping centres, disused cinemas and abandoned local eyesores.
Through the new £125m Derelict Buildings Fund, government will support local authorities to transform these buildings into what their communities need, from health centres to civic spaces.
An additional £65m will be invested in helping communities right across England rescue and revamp beloved buildings and businesses at risk of closure, like pubs and sports clubs. This builds on existing schemes like the Pride in Place programme, which has helped locals take over the youth centre in Ramsgate and redevelop the former Brunswick Shopping Centre in Scarborough.
And a further £20 million will be split equally between High Street Rental Auctions, letting out properties vacant for 12 months or more, and a new Co-operative Development Programme so local people share in their high street’s success.
This drives forward the Prime Minister’s mission to shift power back to communities, from letting mayors keep a share of income tax to reinvest in local priorities, to supporting the establishment of strategic authorities in every part of England.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “People don’t measure growth by looking at a spreadsheet. They measure it by looking at their local high street. Are shops opening or are the shutters down? Does the place feel like it’s moving forward or being left behind?
£The truth is that too many high streets have been left to hollow out, leaving town centres a shell of what they once were. That must change, and today’s funding will help put power back into the hands of locals who know their area best.
“That’s how we restore pride and bring hope back. Not by telling people things are getting better, but by giving them the power to see and feel the difference where they live.”
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner, said: Nobody knows a high street better than the community that it belongs to. That’s why this money puts power directly into their hands.
“We’ll see boarded-up buildings that have been left to rack and ruin turned into places people are proud to visit again, the pubs and clubs that mean so much to them thriving once more, and local businesses growing and creating jobs that put money back into their own community.
“That’s what this government is about. Backing the people who know their communities best, and giving them the tools to shape their own future and breathe new life into their high streets.”
First Secretary of State, Louise Haigh said: “For too long, places in every part of the country have been overlooked by Westminster. High streets neglected, town centres left in decline and local assets left to decay.
“This investment will help to regenerate and breathe new life into our communities – giving local people the resources and powers they need to make a real change.
“This is what devolution means in practice – empowering local leaders to fix things that are broken and protect the things that matter most to people.
“This is what a rewired state looks like: a Government focused on delivering for the people of the country and empowering communities in the hands of the people who live in them.”
The £10 million regional Co-operative Development Programme will help mayors and strategic authorities set up more co-operative businesses, owned and run by the staff, customers and communities who use them, so local people share directly in their high street’s success.
Work forms part of a broader programme coordinated through the Place Regeneration taskforce, spearheaded by the First Secretary of State along with departments, ministers and local government to deliver a roadmap to rebuild Britain. This work will regenerate communities, breathe new life into our high streets and deliver maximum benefit to the people who live there.
Later this year, the government will go further still, publishing a full high streets strategy to transform town centres across England and bring lasting pride back to Britain’s communities.
The £210m package confirmed today is from MHCLG funding already earmarked for high street support and regeneration.
Empowered Communities? Proposals outlined to shape consultation
Initial proposals designed to deliver fundamental reform of local governance have been set out to help shape the debate on improving public services.
The possible changes, if implemented, could help achieve a better balance of decision-making powers across the public sector to ensure investment is focused on delivering improved services.
Initial proposals – which have been shared with COSLA and Holyrood Committees – include:
Replacing current local government arrangements with a smaller number of regional authorities to focus on strategic decision-making alongside a substantial number of community authorities with a focus on local decision-making
Separate arrangements for island communities have been suggested in recognition of their particular needs
Councillors sitting on both community authority and the associated regional authority to remove the need for a further layer of elections or additional tiers of bureaucracy
Ensuring regional administrative corporate structures support both regional and community authorities
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “Reforming Scotland’s public sector is about delivering the best public services for people across Scotland.
“We need to ensure investment is focused on frontline delivery, with the right staff in the right roles to empower communities and deliver real improvements in public services.
“Some decision making is best delivered at national level and regional level while others better sit closer to communities and we must get that balance right. Existing local government responsibilities could also be extended, including enhanced roles in economic development and business support so that individual areas can reflect local strengths and ambitions.
“These proposals are intended to provide a starting point to facilitate debate and discussion as we work to deliver reforms that strengthen public services and improve outcomes for the people and communities we serve.”
Commenting on the Scottish Government’s public sector reform proposals for local governance, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said:“Whilst the Scottish Government have the laudable ambition to strengthen local democracy, it’s absolutely for the birds to think the sheer scale of this local government reform can be achieved without the initial and substantial investment required to bring about change in our communities.
“There is an argument that community authorities can improve decision making but only if the funding exists to deliver these services. The Scottish Government must be clear that, in the short-term, this will cost money – not save it.
“You cannot credibly claim to empower communities whilst looking set to cull 20,000 public servants who would, in reality, be required to get these reforms off the ground in the first place.
“Unions will continue to monitor the government’s proposals and will engage in good faith. However, we must be clear that any reforms forthcoming must not be a mere smokescreen for brutal cuts cosplaying as progress.
“Real progress means ending the £3 billion outsourcing within the public sector, delivering sectoral bargaining within social care and properly funding our public services through progressive taxation that builds, not bulldozes, our local government and public services.”
Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU),said: “Today’s proposals for reform of local governance are ill-advised and entirely impractical. Expecting councils to engage in meaningful discussions and reach an agreement based on this within a mere 10 weeks is entirely unrealistic.
“The plan is clearly half-baked and raises numerous unanswered questions, such as what exactly will the new regions be and how will the geographies of community authorities be decided and by whom?
Crucial service sectors are similarly glossed over without practical detail. On education, suggesting that certain responsibilities be devolved locally to community authorities while empowering headteachers effectively strips local councils of education oversight.
“Transitioning to these regional and community tiers will also incur significant financial costs that remain totally uncalculated. Meanwhile, the statement provides zero clarity on social care: is it destined for nationalisation, takeover by two new NHS Boards, absorption into the new regional authorities, or some confusing hybrid of all three?
“Scottish Government must learn from England’s failings on reorganisation and understand how notoriously complex, costly, and difficult it is. It consumes immense energy and attention, distracting everyone from core priorities. If you are going to attempt it, you need absolute clarity on geographies rather than rushing straight to structural fixes.
“Real regional collaboration and stronger community engagement can easily be achieved within existing local authority structures—it doesn’t demand structural change. Substituting structural upheaval for real progress simply reflects a lack of imagination, a reluctance to put in the hard yards of true collaboration, and the vanity of chasing a political legacy.”
COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, has responded to Scottish Government’s proposals for Local Government reform:“Today’s statement gives some clarity to the Scottish Government’s intentions around the future of local government and public service reform.
“COSLA has been clear that public service reform will only succeed if it is rooted in communities and that any changes to our governance landscape must enhance local democracy and bring decisions closer to communities.
“Councils will engage with Ministers to shape the future of local democracy. We will not support reforms that dilute local democracy or remove accountability from the people we serve.
“COSLA’s membership will consider these proposals from Scottish Government and continue constructive dialogue on what may be a fundamental restructuring of governance in Scotland.”
COSLA Leaders will meet on Friday to discuss public service reform proposals.
Earlier this month (11 September) COSLA confirmed that Local Government will engage constructively in the Scottish Government’s proposed three-month dialogue on public service reform, but participation must not be mistaken for agreement to any predetermined structure or transfer of responsibilities.
Councillors are elected by their communities to represent their interests. It is therefore vital to public trust that engagement is meaningful and truly informs any change to public services.
Council Leaders are clear: public service reform must be developed jointly by Local Government and Scottish Government, grounded in evidence, focused on outcomes, and shaped by the communities and workforce who will be most affected.
COSLA President, Cllr Shona Morrison, stated clearly:“Public service reform will only succeed if it is rooted in communities, not organisational charts. Local Government will engage with Scottish Government, but we will not support reforms that dilute local democracy, centralise decision-making or remove accountability from the people we serve.
“Decisions around public service reform must be made in agreement between Local Government and the Scottish Government and have the endorsement of councils on any issue affecting them.”
There will be no “one size fits all” approach
Public services should be designed with the focus being on outcomes, not organisational structures.
Services should remain local and closest to communities by default, work regionally where scale adds value, and operate nationally only where there is a clear benefit. Protecting local accountability of our public services is essential. Councils already have practical proposals for greater collaboration, shared services and stronger partnership working across the public sector.
Social care must remain local
Council Leaders have once again reaffirmed that social care and social work services must remain within Local Government and be accountable to local communities.
Social care and social work should be an equal partner to the NHS not subordinated to it.
Any approach to social care reform must recognise that it is not simply about meeting individual needs, but about removing societal and structural barriers, advancing inclusion, and supporting people have choice, control, and be able to participate in their communities. Local Government must be an equal partner in shaping future arrangements.
Communities and Staff Must Be Heard
COSLA is seeking assurance that communities, the workforce and their Trade Unions will be fully involved, and that evidence is not sidelined by a compressed timetable. Scotland already has a strong foundation for reform through years of work on local democracy and democratic literacy.
The Financial Case for Public Service Reform
Councils need clarity on expected costs, savings, risks and the investment required to make any change successful. Public Service Reform cannot become a vehicle for cutting the Local Government settlement, and we cannot afford to put our communities at risk like that. Sustainable reform requires funding certainty, investment in prevention and resources that match responsibilities.
Looking at the Whole System
A debate on local governance must not focus solely on councils. COSLA believes there is a strong case for considering whether some functions currently delivered nationally could benefit from local democratic accountability. Councils recognise and have been progressing opportunities for greater collaboration across the wider public sector – but these should be underpinned by local knowledge and understanding of needs.
Key Messages from COSLA Leaders
A planned approach to Public Service Reform must be agreed jointly between Local Government and Scottish Government, be flexible and asymmetric recognising the different geographies, demographics and needs across Scotland.
Consideration should be given to a range of services not currently within the remit of local government that should be brought closer to local democratic accountability, such as public health, transport and further and higher education;
Council Tax reform must be delivered on – Local Government has been seeking this for over a decade and the analysis published today shows public support for the case for change.
Social care and social work services must remain within Local Government and not be over-medicalised.
Communities, staff and trade unions must have a meaningful role in shaping Public Service Reform.
Public Service Reform must respect the Verity House Agreement, the European Charter on Local Self Government, and local democratic mandates.
Local government elections in May 2027 should not be affected by Public Service Reform proposals, and the election timeline should be considered in this process.
The workforce impacts must be carefully considered and addressed, prior to any agreement on change.
Greater clarity is needed on the financial implications of Public Service Reform.
Scotland’s public services will be strengthened not by imposing structures from the top down, but by working with councils, communities and the workforce to deliver better outcomes for people.
Helping community groups cut energy bills and reduce carbon emissions
Community groups that want to install renewable energy projects and decarbonise their buildings will be able to access additional Scottish Government support this year.
Funding available from the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) will increase to £15 million this year, meaning more groups will be able to develop their own renewable energy projects such as onshore wind and solar, and cut the energy bills for their buildings by installing heat pumps and solar panels.
CARES has already delivered more than £83 million to communities across Scotland, supporting more than 1,200 projects and 75 Megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity.
The increase was announced by First Minister John Swinney ahead of a visit to Scalpay Community Centre in the Western Isles, which received CARES funding previously to install a heat pump, solar pv and battery storage.
Mr Swinney said: “We are moving beyond the idea of communities as passive hosts of energy infrastructure. Our approach supports them to become active partners by helping them to invest in, own and benefit from the clean energy future.
“That is why we are increasing the funding available from CARES to £15 million each year. More than 1,000 groups have already benefitted, empowering them to generate their own clean energy through local solutions, not only cutting emissions but also reducing costs and creating resilient communities.
“I would encourage organisations who have not already applied to check what support they may be eligible for.”
Gordon Ness, Chair of Scalpay Community Association said: “CARES funding has been instrumental in helping Scalpay Community Association SCIO transform our Community Centre into a more energy-efficient, sustainable and welcoming facility for everyone in our community.
“The support has enabled us to reduce our environmental impact while creating a warm, accessible space that will benefit local people for many years to come.
“Continued investment in CARES gives communities like ours the confidence to develop ambitious local projects that strengthen resilience, reduce carbon emissions and help secure a sustainable future for Scotland’s islands.”
CARES provides advice and funding, via grants and loans, to communities looking to develop renewable energy, heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency projects. It is administered by Local Energy Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government wants communities to benefit from the opportunities presented by renewable technologies, and make the best use of the land and assets Scotland already has.
To deliver that, the Scottish Government will refresh guidance for public bodies to remind them of the ways they can help community groups to deliver renewable projects on public land and encourage them to make land and buildings available for such projects.
The Scottish Government is also assessing the potential for deploying solar technology in underused spaces, so that even more of Scotland’s land and infrastructure can contribute to our energy ambitions.
Lottery funding worth millions to power community energy projects across Scotland
Community groups across Scotland are to receive further help to cut their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions, thanks to a £10 million investment over five years from the largest community funder in the UK.
The National Lottery Community Fund investment will help to fund the installation of renewable technologies like heat pumps and solar panels, as well as energy efficiency measures through the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) Community Buildings Fund.
CARES provides advice and funding to communities looking to develop renewable energy, heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency projects. It is administered by Local Energy Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.
The investment was announced by Energy Minister Stephen Gethins during a visit to Shetland, where he saw how CARES funding helped Scalloway Youth and Community Project install a heat pump, solar panels and a battery.
The Minister said: “Scotland’s communities are at the heart of our transition to more affordable energy, and this £10 million investment over five years from The National Lottery Community Fund will help even more of them benefit from it.
“By supporting the installation of renewable technologies and energy efficiency measures, we can cut costs for organisations serving some of our most vulnerable people, reduce emissions from community buildings, and strengthen local supply chains.
“CARES has already delivered over £83 million to communities across Scotland, supporting more than 1,200 projects and 75MW of renewable energy capacity.
“This new funding will enable more communities to build on that progress in the places that matter to them, and I would encourage any organisations who have not already applied to speak with Local Energy Scotland to see what help they may be eligible for.”
Kate Still, Chair or The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to have established this partnership with the Scottish Government and Local Energy Scotland.
“Supporting communities to be environmentally sustainable is one of our key missions at The National Lottery Community Fund. That’s why we are investing £10 million in the CARES Community Buildings Fund. It significantly increases CARES funding while keeping access to support and funding straightforward for community groups.
“Community buildings are often at the heart of local communities across Scotland, bringing people together to connect and support one another.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding will help organisations invest in renewable and carbon-saving technologies, making these valued local spaces greener, more sustainable and more resilient.
“We know communities want to play a leading role in responding to climate change, and this investment will enable organisations of all sizes to take meaningful action while creating lasting benefits for both people and the environment.”
Laura McGadie, Operations Director at the Energy Saving Trust, said: ““We’re incredibly proud of everything CARES has achieved so far in supporting communities across Scotland.
This funding from The National Lottery Community Fund will help us build on that success, enabling us to reach even more communities and support them on their journey towards a more sustainable future.”
A search for 129 local heroes from all over Scotland has today been launched by the Scottish Parliament.
Each Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) is being asked to nominate a person in their constituency or region who has made an extraordinary contribution to the lives of other people or who has made a significant impact on their community.
Local heroes who have been selected will be invited by the Scottish Parliament, as a special guest of their MSP, to attend the Parliament’s Opening Ceremony. The event will take place on Saturday 27 June to formally mark the new session of the Parliament.
Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Kenneth Gibson MSP said:“The start of a new Parliament is to me all about optimism, hope and a renewal of the purpose behind why the Parliament exists.
“It’s about bringing the people of Scotland along with us at the start of that journey as well as celebrating the very best of our culture and heritage too.
“People from all over Scotland, from Shetland to Selkirk, from Aberdeen to Arran, are at the centre of our plans to commemorate this milestone. Which is also a reflection of our aim – to be at the heart of communities across the country.
“I am always humbled by the selflessness of people across the country who go to extraordinary lengths to give back to their communities. I look forward to celebrating our local heroes and hearing more about their achievements.”
Local Heroes have taken part in the opening ceremonies of the Scottish Parliament in 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2021. Previous local heroes have included people who have volunteered their time for charities, set up creative ways to fundraise to help local causes or supporting others.
To find out more please contact one of your local MSPs. You can find out who your MSP is by searching by your postcode on our website.
. Don’t miss out – Glasgow 2026 funding won’t last forever!
Communities across Scotland are being invited to go All In — but you’ll need to move fast!
Up to £10,000 is available through National Lottery Awards for All to support sport, arts and community activities inspired by the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026.
. You can use the funding to bring people together, get more people active, support well-being, celebrate culture and diversity and create something lasting for your community.
Funding is open to new and existing projects – current grant holders can apply too!
There’s no deadline – but funding will close as soon as the money runs out.
Council Leader Jane Meagher reflects on the strength of Edinburgh’s diverse communities
I’ve used the time since the knife attacks in the Calders last Monday to reflect on the strong sense of community that we enjoy here in Edinburgh – and on the many benefits that come from our incredible diversity (writes City of Edinburgh Counci leader JANE MEAGHER). As Nelson Mandela famously said, ‘our differences are our strength ’.
What has struck me most following this isolated, albeit frightening incident, is the way that those in the community were able to rally and unite in the face of adversity.
This was abundantly clear when I visited the Calders to spend time with the community and with council colleagues in our schools, early years centre and in our housing service – all of whom were impacted by what had happened.
What stood out was the selfless way they focused on the safety and wellbeing of those in their care – and I want to thank everyone who played their part during and after the incident, including of course the Police and other emergency services.
I was particularly heartened by the conversation I had with local shopkeeper, Mr Hussain, whose store was badly damaged by the attacker. Despite what he’d been through, he spoke proudly of the kind-hearted support he’d received from across the community and how they’d helped him clear up his shop.
We are all reminded in these circumstances of the need to stand together – and of the importance of community spirit and tolerance.
From our long-standing links with the Norwegians and Poles during and after World War II to the thousands of Ukrainians, Afghans and Syrians who now call Edinburgh home, we’re proud to be a city of sanctuary – welcoming all those who come here in search of a better life.
Many have lived here for generations and some of our best loved institutions – cafes, bars, restaurants and other family businesses – are only here thanks to incomers. Those who care for us, either in the community or in hospitals include people from other parts of the world. Our city and its culture are all the better for it.
Sadly, there are those who will seek to spread hate, division and misinformation on the back of last week’s incident. Of course, people have a right to make their views heard, and to travel great distances to do so, but I condemn the opportunism and ignorance shown by some, particularly online.
One way we can combat such intolerance is to recognise and celebrate the strength and diversity of our communities across the city, comprising people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds.
It was timely, then, that earlier this week councillors agreed a new Equal Edinburgh framework, which will help us do just that. We want all residents to be able to easily access and benefit from the services that meet their needs – without stigma and in a way that suits them.
Developed in partnership with our communities and partners, we hope that this will also help to reduce isolation, while fostering good community relations across the city.
We’re lucky to live in such a welcoming and diverse city. Our strength lies in all those who call Edinburgh home – our shared experiences sit alongside our differences – and we all have a part to play in keeping it that way.
This article first appeared in Edinburgh Evening News (12 March)
. Don’t miss out – Glasgow 2026 funding won’t last forever!
. You can use the funding to bring people together, get more people active, support well-being, celebrate culture and diversity and create something lasting for your community.
. Don’t wait — apply on our website now: 
