This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Consultation on future of Rural Partnership Fund
01/03/2004
Proposals aimed at making it easier for people living in
Scotland's rural areas to apply for money to make
improvements in their communities were published today.
Deputy Minister for the Environment and Rural
Development Allan Wilson launched a
consultation exercise seeking the views of a wide range
of interested parties, including local communities and
local authorities, on the future operation of the Scottish
Rural Partnership Fund (SRPF).
The SRPF, which awarded 2.8 million pounds to 85
projects in 2003/04, has funded hundreds of community based
projects across rural Scotland in the last seven years.
Many of these projects enhance the quality of life of
people living in disadvantaged communities by finding
innovative ways of tackling particular rural problems, or
creating a wider range of opportunities in rural areas
The consultation paper invites views on the future
operation of the Fund, including the introduction of a
small projects' fund, increased levels of support for
applicants and the introduction of two application rounds
each
year. Comments are requested by Friday 28 May.
Allan Wilson said:
"The Executive is committed to supporting and enhancing
all aspects of rural life in Scotland. That means
supporting economic development and ensuring better access
to services, as well as providing support for wider aspects
of community life.
"That is why I am committed to the continuance of the
Fund. However I am also very aware that the Fund could be
made simpler for rural communities to apply to,
particularly in disadvantaged areas, and be better designed
to help good projects access the money they need.
"The consultation paper addresses these concerns and
sets out some options for change. It is designed to provoke
discussion and I urge you to share your views with us.
Those views will be fully considered in shaping any
proposals for the future operation of the SRPF. "
The Scottish Rural Partnership Fund (SRPF) comprises
three component grant schemes.
Rural Challenge Fund (RCF) offers grants to rural
projects which propose innovative ways of tackling
particular rural problems, or create a wider range of
opportunities in rural areas .
Rural Strategic Support Fund (RSSF) offers grants to
support Local Rural partnerships or community-led
organisations to promote capacity building
Local Capital Grants Scheme (LCGS) offers grants for the
building or upgrading of community facilities
Awards are made following a process of annual
competitive bidding.
The operation of SRPF will be the subject of a full
three month consultation period. The consultation paper
can be accessed at
www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations/rural/srpc and views
are sought by Friday 28 May.