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SECTION 5 National policy framework - funding
Overview of current funding arrangements
5.1 Local goose management schemes are funded by SNH under arrangements linked to its Natural Care programme. The aims of this programme are to secure positive management of Sites of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSI) and Natura sites and to ensure that available resources are targeted as effectively as possible. However, since SNH does not have sole responsibility for the design and implementation of goose management schemes, the approval process differs somewhat from other Natural Care schemes. The critical decisions on goose management are taken by Ministers, on the recommendation of the NGMRG.
5.2 SNH Natural Care funding has increased annually as new management schemes are introduced. £5.1 million has been allocated in 2005-06, representing some 8% of SNH's overall Grant-in-Aid from the Scottish Executive (£62m). By 2008-09 it is planned for this to rise to £7.8m. Expenditure on local goose management schemes in 2004-05, some £940k, accounted for over 20% of SNH's Natural Care budget (this excluded SNH staff and administration costs).
Financial propriety and compliance measures - adequacy of current arrangements
5.3 SNH has fulfilled the role of the designated funding body proposed in NGF Recommendation 27 and the NGMRG believes that this arrangement has worked successfully. As the funder of the schemes, SNH is formally responsible for ensuring that schemes are run in accordance with public sector principles of financial propriety and value for money. Occasionally, the separation of the financial administration role from that of design and approval has given rise to minor issues in relation to budget management but these are being addressed.
5.4 To administer the financial elements of each scheme, SNH currently offer five year Management Agreements to members of most schemes, in line with the operation of other SNH Natural Care schemes. This is also necessary to comply with the terms of the state aid approval of SNH's Management Agreement programme. SNH also administers funds used for the purchase of shared scaring equipment and acts as employer or contract manager where a scheme includes arrangements for the use of paid goose-scarers. Through representation on each local goose management group, SNH also has a role in advising on the operation of each local scheme and in reporting to NGMRG. Although current arrangements are considered adequate, the NGMRG has proposed a number of recommendations within Section 4 of this report which are intended to improve transparency and accountability, including in relation to financial management.
Recommendation 28: SNH should continue to act as the funding channel, and should be responsible for the funding and financial administration of approved local goose management schemes.
Future sources of funding and the changing context of agriculture
5.5 No consideration has been given in the past five years to obtaining financial support from the EU as suggested by NGF Recommendation 26, due to the changing agricultural context. Until final decisions have been taken in relation to agricultural and rural development support payments, SNH's Natural Care programme should continue to provide funding. The NGMRG proposes that they should keep the anticipated changes at EU level under review, to ensure that the approach to funding goose management schemes is consistent with other funding opportunities.
Recommendation 29: During the next review period SEERAD, SNH and the NGMRG should continue to give consideration to the most appropriate methods for funding goose management against the changing context of agricultural support.
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