Last week’s Spending Review brought fantastic news for Swindon, with our town receiving not one, but two specific mentions in the Chancellor’s statement to Parliament. This is a clear sign that Swindon is firmly on the national radar—and it’s thanks to the tireless lobbying efforts of our local council, our two dedicated MPs, and the strength of our shared vision for the town’s future.

The first major announcement was the Government’s £39 billion investment in social and affordable housing—the largest in over 50 years. I’m proud to say that Swindon was named as one of the key towns set to benefit from this transformative funding. This investment will help us tackle the housing crisis head-on, ensuring more families in Swindon have access to secure, affordable homes. It’s a huge step forward for our community.

The second mention was equally exciting: Trailblazer funding for Penhill. This initiative will bring real, tangible change to the area, with local residents having a genuine say in how the money is spent. It’s a groundbreaking approach that puts power in the hands of the community and will help transform Penhill for the better.

This comes on the back of our ambitious Heart of Swindon plan, which we launched at the Houses of Parliament back in March. That event was a turning point. It brought together national decision-makers, local businesses, and community leaders to showcase our bold vision for Swindon’s regeneration. The success of that launch undoubtedly helped secure the attention—and the investment—we’ve now received.

I want to take a moment to thank our two MPs, Heidi Alexander and Will Stone, for their strong support and advocacy. Their work behind the scenes, championing Swindon’s case in Westminster, has been instrumental. This is a great example of what we can achieve when we work together for the good of our town.

As Leader of Swindon Borough Council, I’ve been proud to lead a team that has worked relentlessly to make the case for investment in Swindon. From detailed policy proposals to high-level meetings with ministers, we’ve made sure that Swindon’s voice has been heard loud and clear. This Spending Review shows that our efforts are paying off.

The funding we’ve secured will help us deliver on our promises—to build more homes, create better jobs, and revitalise our town centre. It’s a vote of confidence in Swindon’s future and a recognition of the progress we’re already making.

This is just the beginning. With continued collaboration, ambition, and determination, we can make Swindon a shining example of what local leadership and national support can achieve together.

Let’s keep going.