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CWA Blog
SRDP: Chaos or Conspiracy?A number of changes to the LEADER programme were announced recently, with much fanfare and to widespread approval: increases in the maximum intervention rates from 50% to 90% for LEADER itself and from 35% to 50% for the associated Convergence funding (in the old Objective 1 area only), and the transfer to LEADER of two Rural Priorities Options - "Community Services and Facilities" & "Collaborative Local Development Strategies".
Good news indeed, you might think, that 3 years into a 7 year programme they are finally getting all the bits in the right place (where many had suggested they should be all along). However, what hasn’t been announced quite so loudly is that the Government intend transferring the responsibility for funding these options from Rural Priorities to LEADER…but none of the budget. So the tiny LEADER budget. £38m for all of Scotland over 7 years, is now supposed to be stretched to cover village hall improvements, playparks, and indeed many potential facilities in community woodlands… no doubt freeing up even more of the supposed "Rural Development" funding to go straight in farmers pockets.
Is this just another case of SEERAD/SGRPID/whateverthey’recalledthisweek incompetence, or more evidence of their utter contempt for community scale activity and determination to keep subsidising agribusiness in any way possible? You decide! Meanwhile, however, the LEADER local groups are quite rightly rebelling against the proposals, leaving community projects stuck in limbo, with more yet delays ahead while the mess is sorted out. Will the SRDP chaos ever end??
Jon
Next entry: It's a good thing trees are made of wood...
Previous entry: What is the land for?
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP/RuralPriorities/WhatsNew
"In response to concerns raised by stakeholders, it has been agreed that, for a transitional period, we will continue to accept and progress CSF applications under Rural Priorities.
Applicants should therefore note that, as previously announced, the November RPACs will consider CSF projects as usual.
We can also confirm that projects containing CSF options which meet the appropriate January deadlines and information requirements can be assessed at the RPACs scheduled for March 2010, where the 90% grant rate announced by the Cabinet Secretary will apply.
Projects still in development should continue to follow Rural Priorities guidance and timescales, in consultation with Case Officers. Details on the arrangements for assessment beyond the March RPACs will be announced in due course."
How much money is in the community pot if they wake up and do the right thing?