Priorities - LEADER Programme 2015-2020

THE LEADER PROGRAMME HAS NOW CLOSED AND IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

The new EPIP LEADER programme 2015-2020 launched in April 2016. Our project budget has been confirmed at £1.1m over 4 years. The minimum grant available is £5,000 and the maximum is up to £60,000, at the rates shown below.

There is a strong emphasis on economic growth and job creation in this programme therefore all projects must directly support the rural economy or contribute significantly to improving the local rural economy and be based within the EPIP LEADER area.

The application process will be 2 stage for all projects.

Support for micro and small business (non-agricultural) and farm diversification

To support emerging strengths in local food and drink
To support emerging strengths in the creative sector
To develop the range of businesses servicing outdoor leisure
To address the continuing need to diversify in the traditional agricultural and land based sectors
To address the need to support viable incomes for agricultural businesses

MAXIMUM GRANT RATE FROM 40-100% OF TOTAL ELIGIBLE COSTS

Support for rural tourism

Strengthening the profile of the area as a visitor destination and a location for outdoor recreation
Developing new products for visitors which will lengthen the duration of visits, increase visitor spend and increase the number of overnight stays
Increasing participation in outdoor recreation by both visitors and residents
Maximising the benefits of tourism to local food and drink producers/suppliers, artists and small retail businesses
Addressing the need to improve the visitor experience

MAXIMUM GRANT RATE FROM 40-100% OF TOTAL ELIGIBLE COSTS

Support to increase farm productivity

To improve the performance and sustainability of agricultural businesses

MAXIMUM GRANT RATE 40% OF TOTAL ELIGIBLE COSTS

Support for increasing forestry productivity

Addressing the need to increase the proportion of woodland which is in productive management

MAXIMUM GRANT RATE 40% OF TOTAL ELIGIBLE COSTS

Provision of rural services

Addressing the need to improve the resilience of key rural services provided by the vol/com sector including social enterprises
Ensuring the sustainability of key local services
Supporting the development of services which address barriers to employment

MAXIMUM GRANT RATE UP TO 100% OF TOTAL COSTS

Support for cultural and heritage activity

Further development of ERIH route which promotes collaboration between industrial heritage sites
Actions to support the sustainability of key festivals

MAXIMUM GRANT RATE UP TO 100% OF TOTAL COSTS

All projects must also fit within our local priorities:

a) To support resilience in the farming, forestry and wider sectors of business and to support the business and voluntary and community sectors to retain and develop key rural services in the LEADER area.

b) To achieve sustainable economic growth in the LEADER area and to assist partners to deliver innovative project activity which will enable both businesses (particularly those whose activities reflect the landscape, environment, culture and heritage of the LEADER area and support the visitor economy) and communities to thrive.

c) To address the variations in economic performance in different parts of the LEADER area.

"Bringing rural projects to life"