CLLD/LEADER is a proven method of increasing local engagement, and is modelled on the LEADER approachwhich involves seven key principles to achieves ustainable change.The LEADER approach has been used across rural areas in Europe since the 1990s.
Three Local Action Groups (Clay Country, East Cornwall & West Cornwall) followed the LEADER approach to deliver elements of the 2007 – 2013 Rural Development for England (RDPE) programme. These Groups achieved great success by providing over £7m of investments at grass roots level; creating jobs, supporting startup businesses, getting communities to work together to improve their area, offering training opportunities and improving rural services. In addition, nearly £3m of additional investment was attracted into the local communities.
Details of the Local Action Group’s success stories are on www.localactioncornwall.info
Whilst great impact has been achieved in the existing Local Action Group areas their activity has faced limitations, being restricted to rural areas and most importantly, not covering 100% of Cornwall. CLLD/LEADER in the 2014 to 2020 period offers an opportunity to change this.
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been established by Government to drive local economic strategy development. It will use the Structural and Investment Funds (SIF) received from Europe to deliver sustainable economic growth and jobs across Cornwall. As the LEP wish to try new things to attain their goals, they have indicated 5% of the total SIF allocation will be delivered through a CLLD/LEADER approach. In real terms, his could equate to over £25m ofthe funds from Europe being delivered via a bottom up approach.
For more information on SIF visit http://www.cornwallandislesofscillylep.com/eu-investment-strategy.html
There is now an opportunity to create CLLD/LEADER groups, in readiness to deliver change in their local area via the development of a Local Development Strategy. These strategies needto be prepared in 2014 so that delivery of investments can begin in 2015.
CLLD/LEADER won’t achieve its full potential unless representatives from the business, social enterprise and voluntary and community sector are involved in shaping it. Contributions are needed from town/parish councils, businesses, social enterprises, trade associations, farmers, voluntary groups and charities to ensure bottom up engagement.
March – June 2014 consultation events
April – July preparation of the Local Development Strategy
July draft Local Development Strategy produced for review
July – August preparation of bid and final Local Development Strategy ready to submit to Government
October – November outcome of bid known
January 2015 new rural programme (LEADER) starts, Community Led Local Development tbc
The views given through information supplied and discussions at the events will help shape each Local Development Strategy which will underpin the future funding bids to the LEP and relevant Government Departments.
The Local Development Strategy will identify the priorities, key themes and activities that will deliver growth. These will reflect the LEP strategic priorities (Future Economy, Growth for Business and Conditions for Growth), and EU priorities at local level.
Defra have indicated the priorities for implementing LEADER in the next rural programme will be support for micro and small enterprises and farm diversification, support for increasing farm productivity, support for rural tourism, support for increasing forestry productivity, provision of rural services and support for cultural and heritage activity.
Clarity on eligibility and other elements will become apparent during 2014.
So at this time, whilst we won’t be able to fund specific projects, if you have an idea of how you can improve the economy in your area, get in touch.
Contact details
Clare Leverton or Linda Emmett
CLLD andLEADER Transition Development Co-ordinators
localaction@cornwalldevelopmentcompany.co.uk
01209 611106 or 0752 8983335 01208 265719 or 07528 983334
Tyncroft House, South Wheal Crofty, Station Road, Pool, Redruth TR15 3QG
