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Key Messages

  • Strong emphasis on delivering outcomes which benefit the Scottish people, and to help make Scotland 'greener', 'wealthier and fairer', 'healthier' and 'smarter'
  • Funding will be targeted to where they will provide the greatest public benefits through adopting local solutions, with each region setting its own priorities, to delivering national outcomes
  • The SRDP will be delivered through eight mechanisms, with the majority of the budget distributed through non-competitive elements. The new competitive element is Rural development Contracts (RDC) - Rural priorities
  • Wider range of potential applicants under RDC - Rural Priorities, though most are likely to be dependant on land, proposals can come form other sectors of the rural economy, or from community groups
  • Reduced bureaucracy with applications for RDC - Rural Priorities handled through a one 'stop shop approach' e.g. Rural Priorities brings 6 previous schemes into a single application process, a one pass assessment (which covers necessary consents - except planning) and an integrated inspection regime
  • The majority of SRDP funding comes from the Scottish Government
  • All applicants to Rural Priorities will have access to an individual case officer
  • Contracts under Rural Priorities will be awarded on the basis of a transparent selection process based on 'contribution to regional priority', 'value for money' and 'management of risk'
  • Rural Priorities offer applicants greater flexibility to support specific aspects of businesses and set the timetable for undertaking activity
  • Rural Development Contracts (Land Managers' Options and Rural Priorities) offer the opportunity for land managers to demonstrate the benefits they contribute in return for public support

Page updated: Tuesday, April 15, 2008