LEADERinthenextEnglandRDP

(2014-2020)
ScottishLEADERConference
20thMarch2014

DavidWilford
Head of LEADER and Socio-economic policy, Defra

LEADERinRDP2007-13

46% of current
programme already
directly supporting
rural growth...

Other activity that

also indirectly
contributes to
growth but not
easily measured...
2

LEADERinRDP2007-13
What have we achieved in 2007-13 Programme?
64 LAGs in England covering approximately 70% of Englands rural areas
with a total budget of 138m(5%)
Mainly Axis 3 but also some Axis 1 depending on location
Over 1000 civil society representatives involved.
Over 4,200 projects approved.
Over 2,600 jobs created.
More than 700 micro-enterprises supported, nearly 200 new ones
created.
Over 300 farm modernisation projects delivered
Over 21,000 training days delivered
1,420 villages benefitted from LEADER projects
Tourism: >115,000 overnights stays, >800,000 days visits
3

LEADER
(upto)140M

LEADER in the next RDPE

Overview
Up to 140m LEADER budget - aim is to allocate this more evenly
across LAGs.
Budget may allow slight increase/change in coverage, subject to
approval of final applications.
LEADER will increase support for jobs and growth in rural areas.
Envisage 70% of projects directly supporting the rural economy, with the
remaining 30% all needing to make an contribution.
Six priority policy areas / related measures covering farm productivity,
micro and small enterprises and farm diversification, rural tourism, rural
services, cultural and heritage and forestry productivity
Competitive application process will be open to new / existing groups.
All groups in place by 1st January 2015.
RequirementswillbesetoutinNationalDeliveryFramework
5

WhyaNationalDeliveryFramework?

Applicationprocess2014(4Phases)
Phase1 nowtoMarch/April
Offer of preparatory support to new groups/top up to existing ones.
Phase2 April-May
All potential LEADER groups (existing + prospective) to define their geographic coverage
and submit mapping information to Defra (used for allocation purposes).
All informed of indicative budget allocation.
Phase3 MaySeptember-October
Prospective LEADER groups to develop and submit a full Local Development Strategy.
Deadline 1st September 2014.
Defra national selection Panel.
Phase4 October-November
LEADER groups informed of outcome of Panel.
Programme allocations/adjustments based on LDS.
Contracting arrangements put into place by 31 December 2014.
7

Defrasupportin2014.
3moftransition/preparatoryfundingforLEADER
We have already allocated over 2m of this money to the existing 64 LAGs to help
to retain capacity and expertise and work toward a Local Development Strategy
Up to 20k per group offered for new, prospective LEADER groups
NationalDeliveryFramework
Giving clear direction on policy and delivery requirements
NationalOperatingManual
Covering key and ancillary controls (subject to change throughout programming
period)
Workshops
Workshops on preparing aspects of Local Development Strategies supported via
the RDPE Network (NRN).

AnewCAP-DITsystem

WhatwillmakeLEADERasuccess?

Clear purpose and direction understood and agreed by all

Retaining and building on the 7 rules of LEADER
Developing strong building blocks LDS, RDP, V&C
Making the most of new communication and IT approaches
Starting delivery earlier, managing budgets better
A nationally consistent approach that allows for local distinctiveness
Evolving and adapting throughout the programme period
Making the most of the NRN support
Open and transparent working relations, including a no surprises approach

Understandingandrespectingourroles

10

LEADERinthenextEnglandRDP
(2014-2020)
ScottishLEADERConference
20thMarch2014

DavidWilford
Head of LEADER and Socio-economic policy, Defra