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2 CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF LAGs
Applications to form Local Action Groups and bids for LEADER funding will be invited from rural areas (as defined in Annex 2) across Scotland regardless of participation or not in earlier LEADER programmes. Decisions will be based on the quality and content of the strategic proposals and competition based on criteria benchmarks. As we said in section 1 we are looking for information in 2 stages. By 22 August we would like your proposed Partnership details, and by 31 October your Local Development Strategy and Business Plan. These should all be completed on the same template form found at Annex 1.
2.1 Partnership Details
LAGs should inform the Scottish Executive of their proposed geographical boundaries and deliver a note of who is represented in the partnership, their skills, experience, and role in rural development. The Executive will consider this information to ensure there is no duplication of area cover and that the partnerships satisfy the regulation criteria and represent as wide a rural view between public agencies and private groups as possible. Any LAGs submitting proposals which involve duplication of boundaries or partnerships which do not provide a wide rural engagement will be contacted and given an opportunity to amend the detail of their proposals before proceeding much further in preparing their local strategy.
The following baseline details are required to enable appraisal and approval of LAGs to move to second stage:
- basic information - name, geographic area, Local Authority/Authorities for the area
- eligibility criteria - explanation of why an area has been chosen
- population - total population of area to be covered by LAG
Guidance on Partnership Details can be found atAnnex 2
2.2 Local Development Strategy
Potential LAGs who have provided the basic information required and who satisfy the baseline eligibility criteria will be asked to provide more detailed information along with a local Rural Development Strategy and Business Plan for their chosen area. These should be submitted by 22 October. In submitting the strategy LAGs should provide an indication of likely parties (public and voluntary) who will be involved in the LAG. If successful, before the LAG receives any funding, a full list of all parties, noting skills and attributes should be formulated. A Service Level Agreement will then require to be signed by all parties. Selection decisions will be based on the quality and content of the proposals. The Local Development Strategy must show clearly that it is based on an integrated approach. To this end the Local Development Strategy must describe how the following will be achieved:
- themes to be addressed
- specific needs, target groups
- outcomes
- innovation
- co-operation
- fit with other programmes
- sustainability
Guidance on selection criteria for Local Development Strategies can be found atAnnex 3.
2.3 Business Plan
At the same time as submitting their Local Development Strategy, potential LAGs should draw up a Business Plan indicating how they intend to implement their respective strategies and submit bids for Leader funding. The first Business Plan should cover the period 2007 - July 2010 with further plans required during the lifetime of the programme. The Business Plans should be updated regularly and at least on an annual basis indicating how LAGs propose to implement the strategy and animate the LAG area. LAGs will select projects which fit the objectives of the Business Plan and which will deliver their local rural development strategy. The Plan should contain the following:
- delivery mechanism and process for applications, approvals and claims
- job description of project officer and administrative arrangements
- communications and publicity strategy
- equal opportunities policy
- programme of planned activities
- project selection criteria
- plans for monitoring and evaluation
- financial plan
Guidance on Business Plans can be found atAnnex 4.
Guidance on Actions under LEADER can be found atAnnex 5.
2.4 Selection Process
The Local Action Groups to be funded through the LEADER programme to implement the Local Development Strategy they have submitted must be selected within a maximum period of 2 years from the date that the European Commission approves the Scottish programme under the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development. It is therefore hoped to have the first round of LAGs selected before the end of 2007; a second round will be selected in 2008 thus allowing time for the current areas of Scotland not covered by LAGs under Leader+ to develop their strategies and submit them for selection.
Selection will not take place until after approval of the SRDP.
The selection of a Local Action Group's Local Development Strategy by the selection panel does not imply any binding commitment to provide the level of funding outlined in the Strategy's financial plan, nor any commitment to fund the individual projects/proposed developments contained in the Local Development Strategy. The level of funding will be determined by the Scottish Executive based on total funds available and the level of bids received.
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