Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 June 2004. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 June 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the withdrawal of its vital villages scheme and its potential impact of the continuation of voluntary shop initiatives in rural areas; what funding schemes are available for voluntary shops.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will make a statement on the withdrawal of the vital villages scheme and its potential impact of the continuation of voluntary shop initiatives in rural areas; [179295] (2) what funding schemes are available for voluntary shops. [179296] Alun Michael: The vital villages scheme was established in 2001 as a time-limited programme. The Countryside Agency has met its three-year target to help rural communities to help themselves and to demonstrate good practice through the vital villages scheme and the programme is now closed to new applicants. During 2004-05 the Countryside Agency will continue to provide funding to rural voluntary shops from the vital villages programme where existing commitments exist. Other possible sources of funding and support for voluntary shops include: funding from district councils; for those eligible, rate relief from local authorities; community bond and share schemes, through which some community shops have raised funds; and, for those with strong community backing, Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 422 c1427-8W; 179295;179296
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Community development Finance Shops Rural areas Voluntary work Vital villages programme
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk