The Forum received a presentation from the Manager Countryside and Tourism on the outcome of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 and on progress with proposals for the 2014-2020 programme. 

He informed the Forum that the 2007-2013 programme had 4 axes and delivered over two phases 2008-2011 and 2011-2014.  For many, RDP funding through Axis 3 and 4 was the only source of regeneration funding available through the Council which was implemented through the Rural Partnership and the Local Action Group, chaired by the Deputy Leader.  The programme set out to create a cohesive, sustainable and connected rural Bridgend and was aligned to the corporate priorities.  The Manager Countryside and Tourism informed the Forum of the breakdown of the programme finances which totalled £5.5m made up of the RDP and match funded by BCBC and the private sector. 

The Manager Countryside and Tourism informed the Forum that the total value of funding of the new programme in Wales is £953m, with LEADER and Local Development funding of £95m, spilt on a 50/50 basis between LEADER projects and Rural Community Development Fund. LEADER funding would be delivered in rural areas by a Local Action Group through a community-led approach and funding allocated to each Local Action Group by the Welsh Government. There would be 1 LEADER action plan per area, aligned to the 5 LEADER themes with a start date of February 2015.  He informed the Forum of the 7 LEADER principles. 

The Manager Countryside and Tourism also informed the Forum that funding for the Rural Community Development Fund would be allocated by the Welsh Government through competitive bidding rounds and projects must demonstrate alignment to the Local Development Strategy.  Funding was open to all community based organisations including local authorities.  The Fund was expected to be launched in mid-2015.    

The Manager Countryside and Tourism outlined the aims of the Local Development Strategy and Action Plan which had been developed as a mechanism for delivering LEADER funds for the period 2014-2020.  He outlined the next steps for the commencement of LEADER delivery.

In response to a question from a member of the Forum, the Manager Countryside and Tourism stated that officers could assist in progressing a hydro energy project.  He also informed the Forum that officers would look at the funding stream for community led energy schemes. 

A member of the Forum questioned whether the plan should include links between tourism and urban and rural areas as it was an important element of the RDP.  The Manager Countryside and Tourism informed the Forum that there was a need to align the strategies, however tourism resources had decreased due to budget constraints.  A member of the Forum stated that Laleston Community Council had had replaced styles with kissing gates and had seen a fourfold increase in the use of footpaths and if this followed in other areas of the County Borough and co-ordinated could lead to the area becoming a destination for walkers.  The Manager Countryside and Tourism confirmed that the outdoor environment in the County Borough is a big draw. 

In response to a question from a member of the Forum, the Manager Countryside and Tourism stated that information on obtaining funding and all activities was available on the Reach website. 

The Manager Countryside and Tourism informed the Forum that officers were exploring the use of RDP funding for non-statutory services such as parks, pavilions and rights of way.

RESOLVED:                     That the Forum noted the report.