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PROVISION OF LEISURE, RECREATION, SPORTING, CATERING AND OTHER RURAL COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES
Article 52 (b)(i)
Measure Code (321)
Rationale for Intervention
Ministers committed in the Partnership Agreement to maintaining strong, prosperous and growing communities in rural Scotland. Research suggests that central to the quality of life in rural communities is the importance of securing a small core of key services seen as indicative of a vibrant community. This includes access to a range of services and facilities such as leisure, sports and social activities.
Objectives of the measure
To support and encourage thriving rural communities by helping them address local community needs. These are seen as particularly important for retaining young people within their communities. Neither legislation nor awareness raising will address market shortfalls in rural service provision appropriately. Rural communities require targeted support in order to close gaps in services and enjoy a good quality of life. Lack of access to services can isolate vulnerable members of the rural community. The dispersed nature of the population or the sensitive nature of the requirements mean that public providers cannot address these very specialised requirements.
Scope and actions
This measure will support the provision of or improvements to service and infrastructure provision to address particular local needs and circumstances that would otherwise fall outside mainstream delivery. This includes setting up rural community structures. Pre-condition on applications proposals must include:
- Rural Constituted Community Group.
- Linkage to area strategy.
- Evidence of sustainability.
- Consideration of proposals will be dependant upon demonstration of community need and of demand for the service or facility to be provided.
Type of services supported
Measure will allow promotion of local partnerships within the context of local Community Plans. Areas which the measure could cover:
- Capital costs for rural community structures
- Outline planning permission / professional fees for capital works
- Pre-application evaluation
- Developed business/project plan
- Appropriate training
Type of cost covered
Illustrative community projects may include:
- Capital Works
- Community facility renovation / new build.
- Internet café facilities.
- Sports equipment / facilities.
- Catering accommodation / upgrade.
- Non Capital Works
- Feasibility studies.
- Project Management.
Level of Financial support
The level of assistance available will be a proportion of approved project costs up to 100%.
Beneficiaries
Recognised constituted rural community groups who can demonstrate that the project will bring public benefit to the wider community
Financing
Total Public Support for Measure 321: 177.4 M Euro
Total EU Contribution for Measure 321: 58.4 M Euro
Demarcation line and criteria with other EU financial instruments
Support for plans and strategies is available to improve community services with an economic development dimension, but not direct support to the services themselves through ERDF.
This measure provides direct support for the provision of community facilities and services.
Transition arrangements (including estimated amount)
None.
Quantitative Indicators and Targets
Measure Code 321: Basic services for the economy and rural population |
|---|
Indicator Type | Indicator | Indicative Target |
|---|
Baseline |
Objective 32 | - Internet take-up in rural areas | 21% |
Objective 33 | - Development of the services sector | 69% |
Objective 34 | - Net migration rate | 2% |
Input | - Amount of public expenditure (total) | €57m |
Output | - Number of supported actions (division according to the type of action) | 350 investment projects |
- Total volume of investments (division according to the type of action) | €87m |
Additional Output | For Forestry for people measure |
- Number of schools supported to get involved in woodland based learning activities. | 8 |
- Number of community group partnerships supported to get involved in owning or managing woodlands. | 4 |
For rural services measure |
- Number of rural communities receiving support for improved service provision | 33 |
Result | - Population in rural areas benefiting from improved services | No target set. |
- Increase in internet penetration in rural areas | N/A |
Additional Result | For Forestry for people measure |
- Number of adults supported to visit a woodland. | 80 |
- Number of formal volunteer days associated with woodland. | 600 |
For rural services measure |
- Satisfaction with services | No target set. |
Impact # | - Economic growth (net value added in Purchasing Power Standards | Increase. No specific target |
- Employment creation (division according to age gender and on/off farm) | Increase. No target set. |
Additional Impact | - Health indicator to be developed, e.g.: number of person miles of walking / hours of physical activity in woodland. | No target set. |
N/A Not applicable under this measure.
# Impact indicators will be estimated based on output and result indicators
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