Agenda item

The Programme Manager for the Somerset Levels and Moors LEADER programme provided an informative presentation to help raise awareness of the programme which had been launched in 2015 and was due to run to 2020.  She confirmed that the programme covered virtually all of Somerset and now covered all the parishes within Area North.  She explained the 6 priority areas where applications for funding were sought and detailed the applications already received.

In response to questions from Members, the Programme Manager advised:-

·         The grants were only paid by the EU upon presentation of evidenced invoices.

·         There was an existing contract for the programme with the EU up to 2020 and if Britain voted to leave the EU then there would have to be negotiation if it was proposed to cease.

·         Community groups could bid for up to 100% of a project cost, however businesses could only claim up to 40% and seek match funding elsewhere.

At the conclusion of the debate, the Chairman thanked the Programme Manager for the Somerset Levels and Moors LEADER programme for attending and providing Members with an informative presentation.