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Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 June 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 June 2007. It was answered by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Monday, 18 June 2007 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Cotswolds Conservation Boards: Finance

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the grant aid settlements given to the Cotswolds Conservation Boards by Natural England were in each of the last five years for which figures are available; what recent discussions he has had with Natural England about the level of these grants; and if he will make a statement.
Answer

The Cotswolds Conservation Board was established in December 2004. Responsibility for its funding initially lay with the Countryside Agency but, since its creation, lies with Natural England. The funding is as follows:

£
2007-08 617,314
2006-07 631,816
2005-06 810,387
2004-05 456,192

The figures represent total funding for core (administrative) costs, specific projects and the Sustainable Development Fund. However, the 2004-05 figures do not include the Sustainable Development Fund (created in June 2005) nor one-off set-up costs for the board which were met by the Countryside Agency. The reduction in funding from 2006-07 to 2007-08 is attributable to a reduction in support for specific projects. There has been no reduction in core funding.I have not had any discussion with Natural England about this matter.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
143695; 461 c1430W
Session
2006-07
Subjects
Finance Cotswolds Conservation Board
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk