Please note: Following the Cabinet Secretary's announcement at the Rural Gathering on September 25, guidance was published on 6 October that the Community Services and Facilities (CSF) option under Rural Priorities was being considered for transfer into the LEADER programme, and that the November 2009 assessment round would be the last opportunity for CSF projects to be considered under the Rural Priorities mechanism.
In response to concerns raised by stakeholders, it has been agreed that, for a transitional period, Rural Priorities will continue to accept and progress CSF applications.
Applicants should therefore note that the November RPACs will consider CSF projects as usual.
We can also confirm that projects containing CSF options which meet the appropriate information requirements and theJanuary deadlinescan be assessed at the RPACs scheduled for March 2010, where the 90% grant rate announced by the Cabinet Secretary will apply.
Projects still in development should continue to follow Rural Priorities guidance and timescales, in consultation with Case Officers. Details on the arrangements for assessment beyond the March RPACs will be announced on the website in due course.
Introduction
This Option is to provide funding for projects that add to or improve local community facilities in a rural area.
What will this achieve?
This Option will allow local communities to address the gaps in their facilities that are not currently being addressed by public or other providers. Its objective is to encourage communities to enhance development in the area in line with local strategic objectives and national outcomes.
What you can do
You can use this grant Option for improvements to the infrastructure, facilities or services in your area that benefit local people, rather than e.g. tourists, and are not detrimental to the environment.
Who can apply?
Only rural community groups are eligible to apply for projects in their local area. A rural community group is defined as a community group which has a written constitution and which holds a bank account for the benefit of that group and whose membership is drawn from a rural settlement, including rural areas. A rural settlement means a settlement which has a population of less than 3,000 according to the Scottish Executive Urban Rural Classification 2003-2004. The membership may include those who represent other local organisations, e.g.: community councillors, school PTA or church representatives, but these should be in the minority.
Independent rural community groups, as described above, which are also members of a national federation, are eligible to apply in their own right.
Who cannot apply?
National, regional or local authority-wide organisations are not eligible to apply because they are not rural community groups as defined above. National organisations include Scottish Outdoor Education Centres and the Scottish Youth Hostel Association as well as national federations, of which independent local bodies are members, e.g. Riding for the Disabled Association.
The following also cannot apply:
- local authorities and other public sector organisations and
- groups largely composed of members which are public sector organisations, e.g. local authority, enterprise company, health board, other agencies, etc..
Additional Eligibility Criteria
There should be a clear demonstration of local community need and demand for the service or facility. Projects should make a contribution to the strategic outcomes for the area and enhance community development. The application should show that the project has taken account of environmental sensitivities.
What costs could be supported?
Examples include:
- Capital costs - building renovation/new build, Internet café facilities, village halls, allotments, sports equipment/facilities, catering accommodation/upgrade.
- Non capital costs related to the capital works - feasibility studies, project management of the build, etc.
More detailed guidance is available at ( Project Expenditure Eligible Costs)
There are a number of key items, which are ineligible for Rural Priorities funding and you should have fairly substantial, unrestricted reserves in your accounts to cover these, particularly:
- Interest on loans, arrangement fees, etc., are not eligible costs for Rural Priorities. You will be asked to demonstrate that you have sufficient resources to be able to manage cash-flow during the project. Rural Priorities funding is paid in arrears and you should anticipate that it will take 3 months to receive payment.
- Contingency costs for capital projects are not eligible costs. You should include provision of at least 10% for unspecified contingency costs in your budget, but you will need to make provision for this from your own resources.
Rate of support
Up to 90% of approved project costs.
Inspections/verification
Capital projects in excess of £5,000 will be subject to a physical inspection. For other projects we will need evidence of expenditure/outcome (invoices, receipts, photos of outcome). In the application you will be asked to explain how the project benefits the local community.
List of links to relevant technical guidance
Guidance for community groups:
Rural Direct is a service designed to help rural community organisations to access funding from a range of sources including the new Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). Rural Direct is a national service delivered locally by SCVO. www.ruraldirect.org.uk
Advice on Business Plans and Financial Plans - http://www.bgateway.com
Community Right to Buy - www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/1112/0005125.pdf