Issue - meetings

         Report by Dr Carlton Brand, Corporate Director.

Councillor Fleur de Rhé-Philipe presented a report which sought approval to support the unique opportunity that LEADER could provide for a localised and community-led approach to economic development valued at over £11 million in total.

In the course of the presentation and the discussion, the issues discussed

included: that Wiltshire had previously benefitted from two LEADER schemes; that 4 groups had put in bids for the next round of funding; the implications for Wiltshire Council being the accountable body for these schemes; the timetable for the programme; arrangements for accessing the European funding; the local nature of the groups; and how schemes could share management resources to reduce the amount spent on administrative costs.

The Leader requested that, in addition to the recommendations in the report, Cabinet should agree to address the issue regarding the status of the Cotswold area which affected some areas in Wiltshire.

Resolved:

That Cabinet delegate authority to the Associate Director, Economic Development & Planning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy Development, Skills and Strategic Transportto:

(i)              Make final decision to negotiate and agree (or not) to any Funding Agreements offered by Defra in relation to LEADER programme 2015 – 2020.

(ii)             Direct officers and resources towards the effective functioning of an Accountable Body for the LEADER programme.

(iii)            Undertake the required actions to ensure that appropriate resource is in place to manage the LEADER programme moving forwards.

(iv)           Approve the bankrolling of £1.1 million M&A costs of the LEADER programmes.

(v)            Continue to work to ensure that areas, currently linked to other schemes, such as the Cotswold scheme, are not prejudiced by any delays in those schemes.

Reason for Decision:

The Council recognises the unique opportunity that the LEADER programme can provide for a localised and community-led approach to economic development. LEADER programmes are performed by committees of local people, and the approach empowers people to act directly in the economic interests of their localities.

The LEADER approach aligns closely with a number of desired outcomes and the ambitions of the Council’s Business Plan, such as ensuring Wiltshire has a thriving and growing local economy and building on the work of the Military Civilian Integration Partnership.

The projected benefits of the next LEADER programme from 2015 - 2020 include:

·       Over 300 jobs to be created

·       246 individual projects

·       Benefits to business supply chains supporting over 400 businesses

·       The entire area of Wiltshire – outside of major towns – having LEADER programme coverage