Issue - meetings

The Committee gave consideration to a report from the Communities Manager, presenting the new Memorandum of Agreement for the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, including the funding commitment matching DEFRA and other Local Authority contributions. It was explained that the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (NPAC Act) established the powers to designate AONBs; with the primary objective of conserving and enhancing their natural beauty, whilst taking account of the needs of agriculture, forestry and other rural industries. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) reaffirmed the duty and obligations for the protection and management of AONBs. Part IV of the Act; Sections 82, 84, 85, 86 and 89 (as detailed within the Management Plan) were of particular relevance, and placed a legal requirement on all relevant local authorities to prepare and publish a partnership Management Plan.

It was highlighted that approval was sought for a commitment of £17,830 per annum for the three financial years 2022/2023 to 2024/2025. There was an ongoing budget provision of £17,900 pa allocated within the MTFP for this purpose.

Debate ensued during which there was cross chamber support for committing the funding requested.  Members spoke passionately of the value of the service, the benefits it afforded to the wider surrounding area, the visitors and additional spend the Wolds brought to the District.

It was even suggested that additional funding should be committed.

A the request of the Committee, the Communities Manager, outlined the history of the funding schedule, why current levels were set as they were and the potential risks in amending the amount of funding afforded directly to the Partnership through this means, including a likely impact on the total amount the Partnership could secure from DEFRA . 

The Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service delivered excellent value and return and whilst having limited operating budgets, Officers advised that this was supplemented with other grant funding.  The Countryside Service were excellent at bidding for community grants and external funding to fund specific project activity beyond the core base budgets.

It was stressed that this decision did not prevent the Authority funding specific projects and events, run by the Partnership in the future. This funding was the amount allocated to the Partnership solely, as part the Memorandum of Understanding  

It was also brought to Members attention that the current Management Plan ran until 2023,  there would be a public  consultation exercise undertaken in reviewing the Plan and Members were encouraged to engage in the process.

The Chairman requested the Communities Manager express the Committee’s sincere appreciation to the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Management Service for the services they provided and work they undertook.

RESOLVED that the 3-year funding commitment for the Lincolnshire Wolds Memorandum of Agreement 2022-2025 be approved.