ISLE OF COUNTY COUNCIL

Committee: Economic Development Scrutiny Committee

Meeting date: 19th July 2011

Relevant Corporate Director: Arthur Wyn Owen

Relevant Commissioner: Alex Aldridge

Rural Development Plan 2007-2013 – Funding and Activity on Anglesey

1.0 Purpose of Report

1.1 The purpose of this report is to increase Scrutiny members’ understanding and awareness of RDP (Rural Development Plan) activities on the Island to date with a view to improving dialogue and input to ensure IACC fully utilises opportunities in the future for the Island’s benefit.

2.0 Issues for Scrutiny

2.1 The projects submitted to the Welsh Government had to meet criteria laid down by them and the E.U. Within those parameters there still remains an element of flexibility in terms of the type and location of the activities that are undertaken. The scrutiny committee is asked to:

Indicate the kind of activities they wish to see prioritised (within the parameters of the project/programme).

To consider how the County Council can utilise the RDP in future to further its corporate objectives.

3.0 Background

3.1 The Rural Development Plan 2007-2013 (RDP) is a joint E.U. and Welsh Government programme. Although primarily to support the agricultural

Page 1 of 2

sector, it includes a competitive element for wider rural economic development.

3.2 The attached report:

Provides background information on the Rural Development Plan.

Summarises the wider rural economic development achievements under Business Plan 1 of the RDP on Anglesey, and

Outlines the projects approved under Business Plan 2.

Officer Name - Eifion Lloyd Jones Job Title – Rural Development Plan Co-ordinator Department – Economic Development Unit

Date – 7th July 2011

Appendices

Appendix A - Rural Development Plan 2007-2013 – Funding and Activity on Anglesey

Appendix B – Table of projects under Business Plan 1

Appendix C - Table of projects under Business Plan 2

Previous Relevant Council or Executive Decisions or Local Service Board *List here any previous relevant decisions. *If none, state “No previous relevant decisions”.

Background Papers

Officer Contact:

Page 2 of 2 Rural Development Plan – Funding and Activity on Anglesey

1 Introduction

1.1 The Rural Development Plan (RDP) 2007 - 2013 is the mechanism by which the Welsh Assembly Government delivers activities to support the countryside and rural communities with elements of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funding. The Plan consists of four main parts, or Axes, which can broadly be described as:

Axis 1 is focused on increasing competitiveness in the rural economy, especially in farming and forestry; Axis 2 focuses on conserving the landscape and environment for the benefit of everybody; Axis 3 aims to improve everyday life and diversify the rural economy. Axis 4 (LEADER) is about helping local people to develop their own communities.

1.2 Interventions under Axes 1 and 2 are co-ordinated and delivered through National schemes, Axes 3 and 4 are delivered through local Partnerships. In the case of Anglesey, this is the Anglesey Economic Regeneration Partnership (AERP).

1.3 The Programme has been split into two Business Plan Periods, the first runs until February 2011 and the second from March 2011 to December 2013.

1.4 Each local area is obliged to produce a Local Development Strategy (LDS). This describes the main strategic priorities for Anglesey, setting out the wider strategic local context, challenges, and how the objectives of Axes 3 and 4 LEADER of the RDP for 2007 – 2013 will be achieved locally.

1.5 The aim of this LDS (2011 – 2013) is to:

‘Respond to the current generational change and create a prosperous future for rural Anglesey through sustainable economic regeneration’.

1.6 The strategic objectives are to:

a. Retain our able young people and ensure the Island’s residents and business can understand, recognise and take full advantage of new economic opportunities to create prosperity;

b. Capitalise on opportunities for new low carbon energy production, innovation and efficiency improvements to contribute towards the Energy Island aspirations and create a low carbon economy;

c. Enhance rural tourism products, services, and sectors to increase the Island’s attractiveness as a destination for more discerning visitors with specialised interests;

d. Capitalise on the potential of the Island’s unique natural environment, built environment, cultural and agricultural heritage to create sustainable communities;

e. Develop products which generate positive national and global attention to raise the Island’s profile; and

f. Release untapped human capital and increase capacity within individuals and communities to develop and sustain a vibrant rural economy.

1.7 This paper deals specifically with Axis 3 funding because of the IACC’s direct role, and not Axis 1, 2, and 4.

2 Role of the AERP (Anglesey Economic Regeneration Partnership)

2.1 As prescribed by the Welsh Government, the AERP comprises equal representation from the Public, Private, Community and Voluntary sectors. IACC is represented by the Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development.

2.2 In accordance Welsh Government Guidance the AERP undertakes the following key functions as the recognised Local Partnership for Anglesey: Develop and review a Local Development Strategy (LDS) to target and secure available resources for local areas of need and opportunity; Develop submit and review a Business Plan for Axes 3 and 4 which meets the aims and objectives of their approved Local Development Strategy; Ensure that robust, good value for money and well developed projects are considered, appraised, and approved for funding support; Monitor and approve reports on progress with regard to implementation of both Axes 3 and 4 of the business plan and identifying gaps in provision; Monitor the activities of the delivery organisations; Identify and integrate opportunities which add value to the RDP; and Promote the Programme and its positive impacts locally.

2.3 Projects for submission to the Welsh Government were selected, following an open call for project ideas, according to the scheme criteria and their fit with the RDP Local development Strategy.

2.4 Payments for LEADER projects under Axis 4 are made directly by the Welsh Government to the Local Action Group (Menter Môn in Anglesey’s case) but activity and progress is reported regularly to the AERP. 2.5 IACC is represented on the AERP by the Leader and the Economic Development Portfolio Holder. Officers from the Economic Development Unit provide the secretariat for the partnership and attend in an advisory capacity.

3 Role of the Council

3.1 In addition to delivering some of the projects under Axis 3, the local authorities have a direct programme management role, acting as an intermediary and assisting the Welsh Government and those involved in direct project implementation. This is a funding condition by the Welsh Government.

3.2 The management responsibilities and activities include: Administration of the Anglesey Economic Regeneration Partnership; Monitoring of project expenditure; Monitoring of project performance; Ensuring compliance with Welsh Government and EU requirements; Payment of RDP funds to projects on behalf of the Welsh Government; Publicity and Promotion; Development of future projects.

3.3 Under Business Plan 1 the County Council was responsible for delivering two of the eight Axis 3 projects and will be delivering the “Ymweld â Môn” project under Business Plan 2.

3.4 IACC’s Programme management role is undertaken jointly by the Economic development Unit and the Finance Department.

4 Progress under Business Plan 1

4.1 Eight projects were approved under Axis 3 under Business Plan 1 with a value of £2,175,000. These commenced in mid 2008 and were due to be completed by 28th February 2011, although some were granted extensions. An overview of each project follows, together with details of activities undertaken. The table in Appendix B gives a summary in terms of activity and funding.

4.2 Outdoor Pursuits Enterprise Project

4.2.1 The project was designed to support the development of an Island wide sports and outdoor activities cluster. Grants were available to support the development of businesses within the sector but these have not been as successful as anticipated because of the need to comply with match funder conditions of providing community benefit, which proved unattractive to businesses. Accordingly £62,202.60 has been reallocated from this project to the Rural Services Social Enterprise Project. Nevertheless, the following businesses have benefitted from this project.

Y Cwt Trwshio Cartio Mon Outdoor Active Sports Beics Môn Mam Cymru Adventure Elements Anglesey Allsports

Joint Activity has also been undertaken e.g leaflet, website, brown signs, interpretation and promotional activity.

Other businesses e.g. Anglesey Riding Centre and Presaddfed Shooting and Fishing have benefitted from assistance for marketing purposes which included signage.

4.3 Coastal Development Project

4.3.1 This was an IACC project to enhance and improve coastal infrastructure and facilities, develop new and enhance existing walking and cycling routes and provide improved interpretation of the Island’ coastal assets. It was extended to the end of June 2011 to enable work which had been delayed to be undertaken. The project has involved: Creating a North Anglesey cycle route (Lon Las Copr); Improvements to public transport facilities; Enhanced existing and created new walks and trails; Traditional Interpretation points; Improvements to the Slipway and St George’s pier; Marketing and promotion.

The approval of the Ymweld â Môn - Sustainable Tourism project under Business Plan 2 will enable a seamless transition between the two projects.

4.4 Rural Services Enterprise Development

4.4.1 This project provides a support fund to develop new and existing social enterprises as a sustainable means of delivering local services. In all eleven schemes have been supported under this project including:

Talwrn Village Hall and Community Shop; St Gwenfaen Church Hall; Hall;

The project timescale has been extended and unspent funds in other projects have been transferred to it. This will enable further development of the Holyhead Weightlifting Club, bringing it up to world class facility and centre of excellence. 4.5 Town and Village Environment Project

4.5.1 This project provides funding to support environmental improvements whilst involving the community during the design, planning and procurement processes. Communities that have benefitted comprise: X2 Penysarn Marianglas

4.6 Natural Environments

4.6.1 This project has undertaken environmental work on Community Nature Reserves at: Llanddona & Llaniestyn Common LNR Llandegfan Common LNR Llangoed Commons & Aberlleiniog LNR Coed Cyrnol LNR Wygyr Valley pLNR

As well as control of road verge flora

Work to encourage native Riparian Mammals included the monitoring of mink at sites including; ; ; Cors Erddreiniog; Lower Braint; and Upper has been undertaken. This project will continue under Business Plan 2

4.7 Mona Antiqua

4.7.1 This project provides funding for initiatives that draw on the language and cultural inheritance of the Island as a heritage asset as a means of enhancing economic value. Some activities under this project were unable to proceed resulting in the transfer of £50,285 to the Rural Services Social Enterprise Project. Even so, there have been 18 activities supported which recently include:

Brynsiencyn Snooker club – Museum Development Llys Heritage DVD Secret Lakes Leaflet GeoMôn Maritime Museum and Prosiect Menai .

4.8 Rural Tourism

4.8.1 This IACC project was aimed at developing the tourism information provision by:

Provision of a mobile Tourist Information Point; Supporting local festivals and events; Developing first person interpretation at key sites; Establishing a walking activity network; Supporting a network of Anglesey guides.

The approval of the Ymweld â Môn - Sustainable Tourism project under Business Plan 2 will enable a seamless transition between the two projects.

4.9 Copper Kingdom

4.9.1 The project was aimed at involving businesses in and around in the industrial heritage of the area, particularly the Copper Industry. Through the Amlwch Street Scape Scheme over 20 businesses will have benefited from improvement s to their properties. In addition, the following businesses have benefited from more extensive assistance. Morio Môn Parys Mountain Interpretation Project Adelphi Vaults Beer Garden project – Family Themed Play Area/Beer Garden Project Sportsmans Lodge Mini Mart/The Quays

4.10 The 1st business plan period of the RDP has proved to be challenging due to its bureaucratic nature. Also, because of Welsh Government delays in approving the programme, projects had to be condensed within shorter time periods. Nevertheless it is clear that the much has been achieved under the programme, providing lasting benefits for the Island.

5 Business Plan 2.

5.1 Six projects have been approved under axis 3 for the Business Plan 2 period. These will run from 1st March 2011 until the end of 2013. They have a combined value of £2,743,000. An overview of each project follows, together with details of activities to be undertaken. The table in Appendix C gives a summary in terms of activity and funding.

5.2 Monamaeth

5.2.1 Monamaeth consists of a grant fund to assist farming families to realise diversification aspirations through the establishment of new products and services unrelated to agriculture. The project is based upon 10 grant awards being made at an average award of £21,110. This project is being delivered by Menter Môn

5.3 Mentergarwch

5.3.1 This is an Entrepreneurship project that will provide young people with an understanding of key economic concepts and how business works. It also aims to develop enterprise skills, including problem solving and risk taking etc, together with a greater knowledge of the local economy. It will comprise an out of hours entrepreneurship academy, Product Development workshops, Fabrication and ICT development laboratory and a bursary fund.

5.4 Sustainable Tourism Project

5.4.1 The project aims to harness the environmental quality of Anglesey, providing a high quality, sustainable visitor experience by focusing on developing a number of outdoor leisure based projects which will be financially sustainable long term, ensuring any developments continue to harness the tourism potential long into the future. These include cycling and walking infrastructure improvements, introduction of development groups and officers to improve tourism offer and the Development of an Anglesey Visitor Payback Scheme.

5.5 Gwasanaethu Bro

5.5.1 A project to provide basic services for the rural economy, which bring demonstrable benefit to the rural population, e.g. Rural Transport, Personal or Care Services for the elderly; Post office and community owned retail services etc. Green ventures which reduce community carbon footprint will also be eligible. The project will include a two-tier Grant Scheme (small and medium scale) £0- £10,000 & £10,001 - £50,000 for which community based groups can bid. The project will be delivered by Medrwn Môn & Menter Môn.

5.6 Adfywio Pentrefol

5.6.1 This project aims to improve the attractiveness of village environment and to mobilise communities to engender pride and community confidence. Working with rural councils and social enterprise networks; environmental improvements which elevate the visitor experience and attractiveness of rural communities will be prioritised. The project is based on undertaking 10 environmental improvements at around £22,000 each.

5.7 Mona Natura

5.7.1 This continues the work done under business plan 1 namely maintaining and enhancing the natural and visitor quality of 5 popular existing village nature reserves and heritage sites on Anglesey and to develop such sites on the Island. It is based on environmental and improvement works in 5 popular existing village nature reserves.

6 Conclusion

6.1 By comparison with other sources of European Funding, the RDP is a modest but important source of funding for undertaking community scale economic development activities on Anglesey until the end of 2013. Funding has been secured following a competitive national process.

6.2 At a time of pressure on public funding the RDP offers opportunities for the County Council to add value to its own activities by enabling the private / social sectors to deliver services and activities usually undertaken by ourselves.

6.3 The diverse and wide ranging actions successfully undertaken during the business plan 1 period will continue to provide economic and community benefits for Anglesey into the future. This is set to continue with local businesses, communities, individuals and the environment benefitting from projects under Business Plan 2.

6.4 Collaboration is a key element of the RDP, not only between the Welsh Government, the local authority and the project deliverers, but also with the Island’s communities. IACC has a vital facilitating role in ensuring that the programme is implemented successfully.

6.5 IACC also has an important role through formal and informal networks at Welsh and European levels to influence the support that is available to rural areas in the period after 2013.

Appendix B Axis 3 Business Plan 1 Projects

Levered Funding Delivery Project Name Description Value Levered Funding Source Organisation

The projects supports the development of an Island wide Outdoor Pursuits sports and outdoor activities cluster. Available grants are £240,000.00 £60,000.00 Sports Council for Menter Môn Enterprise intended to assist the development of businesses within Wales this sector

Provides a support fund to develop both new and existing Rural Services IACT social enterprises as a sustainable means of delivering £240,000.00 £60,000.00 Menter Môn Social Enterprise local services whilst mobilising communities.

A capital fund provided to support environmental Town & Vilage IACT improvements whilst involving the community during the £330,000.00 £75,000.00 Menter Môn Environments design, planning and procurement processes.

The project supports the engagement of local communities Natural in the creation of local nature reserves and the continued CCW £225,000.00 £60,000.00 Menter Môn Environments development of the Island as a haven for riparian mammals.

The project provides funding for initiatives that draw on the Mona Antiqua language and cultural inheritance of the Island as a £240,000.00 £90,000.00 Menter Môn Restorata heritage asset as a means of enhancing economic value IACT

This project, spatially targeted towards the North East of the Island, enables local businesses and cultural Copper Kingdom £270,000.00 £60,000.00 Menter Môn entertainment agents to upgrade their services and co- IACC operate under a 'Copper Kingdom' brand.

The projects enables work to be undertaken to enhance and improve current coastal infrastructure and facilities; Rural Coastal develop new, and enhance existing walking and cycling Isle of Anglesey £330,000.00 £66,000.00 Development routes and trails; and improve the provision and standard County Council IACC of information and interpretation of the Island's coastal assets.

The project develops the Island's tourist information provision by developing ecotourism; improving the quality Rural Tourism and professionalism of local festivals and events; and Isle of Anglesey £300,000.00 £60,180.00 Actions provide excursions for cruise ship passengers to enhance County Council IACC the overall visitor experience, whilst extending the benefits of tourism to peripheral communities. Appendix C Isle of Anglesey RDP Business Plan 2 Projects (Axis 3)

Levered Total Project Levered Delivery Project Project Description Funding - Cost (£) Funding(£) Body Source

Monamaeth consists of a grant fund to assist farming families to realise diversification Monamaeth £280,000 £56,000 Private Menter Môn aspirations through the establishment of new products and services unrelated to agriculture.

An Entrepreneurship project that will provide young people with an understanding of key economic concepts and how business works. It Mentergarwch £340,000 £68,000 IACC Menter Môn also aims to develop enterprise skills, including problem solving and risk taking etc, together with a greater knowledge of the local economy.

The project aims to harness the environmental quality of Anglesey, providing a visitor experience which exceeds all expectations - through the provision of high quality, sustainable Sustainable Tourism visitor experience, focusing on developing a £686,167.68 £137,233.54 IACC IACC Project number of outdoor leisure based projects whci will be financially sustainable long term, ensuring any developments continue to harness the tourism potential long into the future.

A project to provide basic services for the rural economy, which bring demonstratable benefit to Medrwn the rural population, including Rural Transport, Cronfa CFAP / Môn Personal or Care Services for the elderly; Post £770,000 £204,000 Gwasanaeuthau Bro IACT Menter office and community owned retail services etc. Môn Green ventures which reduce community carbon footprint will also be eligible.

Aims to improve the attractiveness of village environment and to mobilise communities to engender pride and community confidence. Adfywio Pentrefol Working with rural councils and social enterprise £385,000 £77,000 IACT Menter Môn networks; environmental improvements which elevate the visitor experience and attractiveness of rural communities will be prioritised.

To maintain and enhance the natural and visitor quality of 5 popular existing village nature Mona Natura £282,337 £57,000 CCW Menter Môn reserves and heritage sites on Anglesey and to develop such sites on the Island.