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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Answer

Mr. Sawford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure that Rural Action continues beyond its current funding cut off date of 31 March 1999. [64831] Mr. Meale: Rural Action for the Environment was established with funding from the Rural Development Commission, the Countryside Commission and English Nature to cover the scheme's initial three-year development phase until 31 March 1995. Following the successful completion of this phase, the three agencies extended their funding until 31 March 1999. By that point it was expected that Rural Action would no longer need to rely on Government funding. Two of the funding agencies--the Rural Development Commission and the Countryside Commission--are due to merge on 1 April to form the Countryside Agency. Both they and, provisionally, English Nature have agreed to commit sufficient funds in 1999-2000 to support the monitoring and advisory costs of the Rural Action county networks which help administer the scheme. This will help to safeguard Rural Action by putting it in the best possible position to bid for project funding, while allowing the new Countryside Agency, together with English Nature, time to consider the scheme and make a decision on its longer term future. I welcome this approach.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

64831; 323 c186W

Session

1998-99

Subjects

Countryside Commission Finance Environment protection English Nature Rural areas Rural Development Commission Countryside Agency Rural action initiative