Give local Councils a say in spending EU funds

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is backing a call by local government's national body for councils to have a major role in deciding where and how to spend EU money in rural areas.

"It's absolutely essential we are fully involved in decisions about funding priorities and delivery", Deputy Leader Councillor Trevor Russel said after a meeting of the Local Government Association's (LGA) Rural Policy Review Group.  

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is proposing to give regional development agencies (RDAs) responsibility for delivering a new LEADER programme - which uses EU funds to support farming, the environment and micro enterprises in rural communities.  

"The LGA group made it clear to DEFRA officials attending the meeting that local councils must be given a strong voice in deciding where the money is spent and on what priorities", said Councillor Russel.  

"We know what the local needs are, and we are democratically accountable to local communities. Also, councils have responsibilities across the environmental, social and economic agendas, so we should be a vital partner in ensuring those three agendas are delivered in an integrated way, reflecting local priorities.  

"Decisions should always be taken as close as possible to the local communities affected by them. But if decisions have to be taken regionally, as with these funds, the district council will certainly want to be involved with those that affect our communities."   

Councillor Russel said the meeting also stressed that it was critical the new programme ensured the sustainability of the farming and food sector - which "continues to be a bedrock of all rural communities, and is certainly of vital importance to our district."