Question reference: S3W-28979
- Asked by: Aileen Campbell, MSP for South of Scotland, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 16 November 2009
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Current status: Answered by Richard Lochhead on 18 November 2009
Question
To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in taking forward the intention, announced at the Rural Gathering on 25 September 2009, to pursue transfer of the measure dealing with supporting community facilities from the Rural Priorities scheme to the LEADER programme and increase the potential LEADER intervention rate.
Answer
The Scottish Government supports the LEADER approach of local projects determined by local decision making. In relation to the proposed change to the delivery mechanism for community facilities support to LEADER, Local Action Groups (LAGs) support the strategic direction but have made representations concerning certain practical issues.
My immediate aim is to support applicants and potential applicants. As a transitional arrangement, to ensure continuity of support for delivery of community facilities, new applications should continue to be submitted through the Rural Priorities framework. Appropriate procedures for handling these applications are currently being worked up by officials. Applicants who have already submitted applications through Rural Priorities will not require to submit a fresh application.
The amount of funding to transfer and the timing has yet to be determined. It is intended that any funding transferred would be added to the current LEADER allocation. There is currently no intention to change the process under which LAGs administer LEADER funding.
I also wish to address some of the match funding concerns of applicants during the current economic position and help get more good projects off the ground. I have therefore decided to increase the potential funding support available from LEADER for new projects from up to 50% to up to 90% from 1 January 2010. LAGs will still maintain the discretion to vary the rate as they see fit. Projects that have already been approved will not be able retrospectively to apply for an increased rate. I have decided that, initially, this increase should operate for a trial period of one year.