northlincs.gov.uk

74        (15) RDPE LEADER PROGRAMME – TRANSITION ARRANGEMENTS – The Director of Places submitted a report to provide an update on the transition arrangements for the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) LEADER Programme, and sought approval to establish a fixed-term post for the RDPE LEADER new programme.

The RDPE LEADER Programme in Northern Lincolnshire had operated since 2008 and had supported 91 projects.  The Programme was due to end in March 2014.

It was explained that the council had applied to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for £33,360 of transition funding which would cover a nine month period from 1 April 2014.

DEFRA had approved the application and it was confirmed that a transition plan would be submitted to DEFRA for approval.  The work between April and December 2014 would provide continuity between the current and next programme and would ensure that the Local Action Group, and the individuals on it, were in a position to develop.  This would allow them to take on the new challenges to support greater economic growth in the rural areas.

It was proposed that a post be established to co-ordinate and develop a new Local Development Strategy for the new programme.  This was due to start in January 2015.  The post holder would be responsible for all aspects of transitional activity during this time in order to ensure that Northern Lincolnshire was able to benefit from the next round of LEADER funding.

Resolved – That the establishment of a fixed term post of LEADER Development Officer for a period of 9 months from April 2014be approved.

75        (16) EUROPEAN 2014-2020 REGIONAL ASSISTED AREA MAP STAGE 2 CONSULTATION – The Director of Places submitted a report to provide an update on the draft revised European Regional Assisted Areas Map for 2014-2020 and the Stage 2 consultation process and timeframe, and sought approval to submit a response to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills in support of the revised Assisted Area Map.

The first stage of consultation on updating the European Regional Assisted Area Map for 2014-2020 was undertaken in July 2013.  This followed new European Commission guidelines on regional aid.  Local enterprise partnerships and local authorities made responses and the Council submitted comments direct to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, as well as via the Humber and Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnerships.

It was explained that Assisted Area status allowed small businesses and large companies in less economically advantageous locations to benefit from additional financial support and encouraged businesses to grow and thrive

The revised map was launched on 18 December 2013 for a second stage of consultation.  A map showing the existing and revised assisted areas in the Humber sub-region was included at Appendix A to the report and the revised map included an additional six wards: Barton; Brigg and Wolds; Burton Upon Stather and Winterton; Crosby and Park; Frodingham and Town.  These Wards were identified as those that had the greatest potential for economic growth

Resolved – That the council respond direct to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills in support of the revised map.

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Where there is no report this is because it is exempt, as it contains information which is considered to be of a confidential nature, as detailed in the Local Government (Access to Information) Act.