2016 Vale of Usk LEADER Funding Application Form Title of Your

2016 Vale of Usk LEADER Funding Application Form

Title of your Project: Llanover Ward village halls training hubs for community, business and friends. (T5006 Llanover Halls Digital Cluster)

Section 1: Information about your group or business

Main Contact Details

Name: Andrew Nevill Telephone Number: 07702799156

Your role in the Co-ordinator Email address: [email protected] Group: About your Group

Group Name: Llanover Community When was it established? Current committee Council April 2015 Your Group’s To support the local Do you have a bank Yes main purpose: community in the account? Llanover ward

Section 2: Details about your project – please see attached score sheet to see how your project will be scored.

2a Project Post Code Project Start Date Project End Date Four village halls in the Llanover May 1st 2017 April 30th 2020 ward: The Bryn village hall, The Bryn: NP79AP Llanfair Kilgeddin village hall, Llanfair Kilgeddin: NP79BD Llanddewi Rhydderch village hall, Llanddewi Rhydderch: NP7 9TS Llanover village hall, Tre elidyr, Llanover: NP79HB

Please give a detailed description of your project.

AIM: To trial the digital exploitation of community hubs by focusing on four villages within the Llanover ward of Monmouthshire.

(To complement and enable the LEADER application, we have completed an application for RCDF capital funds to equip each hall with broadband, all halls internal building modifications for disabled access, improved digital environment and Wi-Fi equipment. The RCDF application will bring superfast broadband to the four village halls in the Llanover ward. Currently none of the halls have broadband. The RCDF element will be managed and delivered by Monmouthshire County Council. The LEADER element will be managed and delivered by the Llanover Community Council. The delivery of the RCDF and LEADER will be overseen by a steering group consisting of representatives of the Llanover Community

Council, halls representatives and officers from MCC. This will be a new partnership approach for the community)

The internet facility in each hall will provide doorstep opportunities for the local community to access high quality ICT for training (e.g. computer clubs, office, Skype, coding), social activities (e.g. films, music events, sport, shared experiences), economic benefit (new activities in the halls, business forums and training opportunities), community cohesion (joint activities for all ages, wider range of offers from the halls, clustering to boost facility profiles) and improved communication (marketing and media training, access to community council meetings)

This application will support some elements of the project such as equipment (printers and consumables), hall hire for Digital inclusion activity, mini bus hire to enable local rural access for all abilities, notices and noticeboards, generic stationery, insurance surcharges, publicity and booking support.

The project will seek to include all sectors of the Llanover ward community in its development and delivery and operation wherever possible which includes any involvement from volunteers in the community.

We will design a project that is simple, easy to manage and generates a sustainable and reliable income that will be used to enable the project to continue after the end of the pilot period. The project will have a regularly reviewed business plan and activity programme with continual monitoring of use, uptake and feedback from users and user groups. There will be an emphasis on the sustainability of the project to ensure the project continues and grows beyond the funding deadline. This will be included in the delivery plan.

The project will use tried and tested systems and methodology for procurement, delivery and sustained use. We will incorporate a new and different approach to ICT use and engagement, not previously seen in the Vale of Usk region such as access to community council meetings for local residents via Skype or similar who are remote from the meeting location or are unable to drive but still wish to raise issues face to face with their local community council.

2b Please describe the objectives, benefits and priorities of your project

Objectives Our project seeks to reverse the digital exclusion within our rural community and to address the needs of the community in response to the Llanover village community led plan. We will do this by starting with one hall as a kick-starter and mentor. The hall will become a digital hub with the added facility to provide a resource and space for training and complementary activities. We will engage with training providers, community support and business support providers to develop and signpost to a complementary range of training and awareness raising on-line courses and opportunities. The offer for access to the hubs will extend beyond the Llanover ward to neighbouring communities such as Llanvapley and Goytre

The principle objectives are to:  Utilise the superfast broadband facility set within a new and appropriate environment with supporting equipment and improved access within each of the four village halls.  Create a new resource for the community to use and share  Create a new resource that attracts training providers to support all age groups, all abilities and that complements job seekers initiatives, national educational and adult education services

 Create a new resource that attracts small businesses to use the facilities  Create a facility that attracts the less able and sectors of the community that are harder to reach and engage with.  Create a sustainable ICT facility, support sustainable training programmes that people need and to encourage greater use of the village halls

The principle benefits to the community will be:  To address issues relating to social inclusion i.e., encouraging greater interaction between villagers, businesses and age groups through training activities, social initiatives and shared cultural experiences  To help to reduce poverty both financially, intellectually and socially e.g., by increasing opportunities for locally delivered training such as free open university courses, easy access to the internet, seeking online job opportunities, online benefits claims and enquiries, online services and facilities  To encourage economic development in the ward by providing access for SMEs and part time start up businesses to online business training courses, improved access to banking and marketing, faster connectivity and more secure systems.  To provide additional opportunities to those that have limited scope to change their circumstances e.g. improved disabled access in the village halls to reduce barriers for the less able to attend training classes, computer clubs.  To provide a platform and facility that is currently not available to enable residents and businesses in our rural community to develop the resilience and capability to be able to cope with and adapt to change i.e. keeping abreast of new technology through over 50s ICT training, ICT security awareness training, additional early years educational training and classes  The superfast connectivity through the hubs will also provide access to vital services within the area such as: o Access to on-line training and learning facility such as the Open University, other distance learning, webcasting, Skype and video conferencing; o Access to on-line reporting of crime, fly tipping, anti-social behaviour and flooding; o Access to social services and banking, on-line payments such as for farmers or for use of credit union, on-line banking, child care advice; o Access to on-line job opportunities and applications; o Access to download and upload large files for business, manage large file graphics, CAD and media with improved distribution through Dropbox and the cloud. Broadband speed and bandwidth is a major constraint for small firms working from home or rural locations. Improved connectivity gives improved competiveness and reliability; and o Access to healthier lifestyle options including on-line self-improvement, dietary advice and control, NHS direct and opportunities for volunteering.

We envisage that the direct beneficiaries of the project will be members of the four communities and nearby rural settlements.

The members of the community who will directly and immediately benefit will be young adults and teenagers, the elderly, newly retired, the less mobile, young mothers, young families, job seekers, farmers, SMEs, part time workers, volunteers, external service providers and the village halls themselves.

The project will aim to increase both social interactions and capacity building within the community and generate an increase in economic activity through improved opportunities to consolidate and explore entrepreneurial opportunities through focused training programmes.

The Welsh Government has highlighted the need for a significant improvement to the digital infrastructure across Wales to be able to compete as a nation in the 21st century and recognises that the sustainability of the rural communities will increasingly rely on fast broadband capability, upskilling, increased rural economic activity and robust community infrastructure. The Vale of Usk Local Action Group through the RDP LEADER programme has focused on digital inclusion as a key theme recognising the need for improved capability.

Our project will also seek to improve the opportunity for educational and skills attainment through a local facility for local people. This will improve opportunities for employment, business development, creation and community cohesiveness through a range of focussed training opportunities and will meet the aspirations of the three drivers for social and economic inclusion and prosperity.

The key priorities of our LEADER project are to:  Bring, promote and engage our communities, businesses and individuals in the opportunities that enabled superfast broadband in each of the four village halls will bring.  Provide the introduction to ICT information and the facilities in each of the village halls  To enable, attract and link together a broad range of users (residents of all ages, ability and backgrounds, groups and businesses) and providers (training providers, support teams, local and regional services) to utilise the halls individually and as clusters and offer services to the community  To create bridges between our communities via the shared use of the ICT hubs, cluster offers, co-ordinated programmes of activity and to explore other opportunities as yet unrealised

2c Why is your project needed and what evidence do you have of the need for it? (please list sources, where possible)

Although superfast broadband is gradually arriving in the ward and North Monmouthshire via the principal network arteries, the system is still not reaching into the rural communities due to the poor intermediate infrastructure, (copper wire in old cables) and the cost of installation.

Inconsistent low broadband speeds range from 0.05mbs – 5mbs speed download. Clearly small rural businesses that would rely on effective and speedy connectivity will not be economically advantaged by the inability to connect to and use the nation’s broadband networks effectively.

The public policy institute for wales ‘Rural Poverty in Wales: Existing Research and Evidence Gaps May 2016’ states that … A significant urban-rural digital divide exists, with a high percentage of rural residents unable to secure an effective internet connection. Wales had the lowest availability of superfast broadband provision in the UK in 2013 with just 6 percent of its rural areas having access to superfast broadband compared to 88 percent in urban areas and 32 percent in semiurban areas (The National Assembly for Wales, 2013). The new superfast Cyrmu project set out to address this and has made some significant improvements in both rural and urban areas. However, in its most recent progress report the Counties of Powys, Monmouthshire and Ceredigion still had some of the lowest rates of uptake .

Our project will improve this uptake by providing superfast broadband in the village halls, it will enable the communities in and close to each of the four villages in the Llanover ward to have the same opportunities as those of the less rural urban settlements nearby of Abergavenny, Pontypool, Newport and Cwmbran.

The village halls themselves without the modern broadband and wifi connectivity are not providing the ‘connected’ environment that a modern society expects and needs from its local facilities. Whether its social nights, lectures, community council meetings or simple presentations that benefit from wifi connectivity the halls are not able to compete with their urban neighbours, disadvantaging the community, alienating the younger generation and reducing the economic viability in comparison to ‘connected’ halls , clubs and venues in the nearby urban areas. These concerns are minuted in the various village hall committee minutes.

A recent survey of the community in the shape of a Community Led Plan Process in 2015/2016 in the Llanover village and upper Llanover village included the following questions and responses from 63 community respondees: Q18: Are you happy with your broadband? 75% of responders said No. Q20: Would you support bringing high speed broadband connections to your whole community? 58% said yes if no additional cost 41% said yes and would be prepared to pay extra Q41: What prevents you starting or expanding a business in your local community Over 88% of respondees said poor broadband connections Just under 77% said lack of a reliable mobile coverage 75% said lack of affordable workspace

We as a community need to be able to offer the same levels of connectivity at a central, affordable and accessible location so that  those on ordinary and lower incomes are not disenfranchised  there is less reliance on the existing poor ICT infrastructure serving each of the villages away from the exchanges  businesses have the same access to reliable internet / broadband connectivity  training providers for computer clubs, over 50s ICT training, coding clubs and focussed ICT training are able to come to the villages to offer training facilities with access to good quality connectivity and a conducive setting in which to train .

Recent Welsh Government and Monmouthshire County Council reports, studies and programmes have stated the need for improvements to the rural broadband roll out in order for MCC communities and businesses not to be disadvantaged.

To address this we as a community council in partnership with the local authority, village hall committees, specialists in community liaison, training providers and organisations representing different sectors of the residential, business, voluntary and educational community will seek to engage with as many of our local community as possible to understand more fully the problems and needs for digital training at the outset of the project to ensure that the digital training meets the current and future needs of the community . This will be undertaken through workshops during 2017, meeting training providers and direct contact and coordination with organisations representing sectors of the community.

For instance the Llanover community council meets once a month at rotating venues between the four village halls. Each meeting consists of activities and topics that would

benefit having wifi connectivity in the hall eg for accessing google earth to be able to view planning application geographic locations, accessing MCC planning portal and online information, providing the opportunity to connect via skype to the local community for arranged questions, to review and update the LCC website, to view new comments and questions for the meeting, to access minutes and agendas online. Currently the community council is unable to do this but would do if wifi was available.

For instance we will seek to engage with the farming community through the national union of farmers wales representatives within the Monmouthshire area and the local hill farming community eg commoners, small holders, dairy and arable farmers to set up and run digital training courses that they need eg applying for funding , understanding single payments schemes, opportunities for food and marketing development, farm diversification and understanding any new procedures as a result of leaving the EU. We know that many of the rural farms have poor connectivity and a farming community not keeping up to speed with online information and registration techniques. Our local hubs will be able to provide local support, training and networking opportunities when it suits the farmers.

We know that Care leavers quite often have a difficult time leaving care and fending for themselves. Care leave mentors quite often need neutral locations where they can provide guidance and assistance with activities that support confidence and development such as reaching for jobs, training opportunities or CV writing. Our digital hubs will be able to provide local quiet resources for drop in use for care leavers and their mentors.

We know that two of the halls have active gardening clubs and interests and would like to form a joint hub to share information and opportunities without necessarily having to travel to each others halls. This could be accommodated via skype or video conferencing.

2d What feasibility/survey and planning work have you undertaken with regard to the proposed project? Please indicate if these are part of the proposed project.

A project plan will be provided for the overall project i.e., for the RCDF and LEADER programmes to show a holistic approach.

With regard to the development of the LEADER project the following items of consultation, planning, volunteer activity and support works have been undertaken. All items have been part of the development of the proposed activity to date

Llanover Community Council and “Community Partnership”: The community council has undertaken planning and feasibility meetings as part of the proposed project :  to commit to seeking funding though the LEADER programme to support digital inclusion projects in the four village halls in Llanover for the benefit of the local community, local businesses, halls and clubs.  The LCC has committed community councillor volunteer time to progress the projects in partnership with the four village hall committees and Monmouthshire County Council.  The community councillors have met with the respective village hall committees to: Ascertain interest: Each hall committee confirmed an interest and consulted informally within each respective hall committee membership. Each hall committee agreed that there would be distinct benefits to each community.  The “Community Partnership” consisting of the four village halls and the Llanover Community Council with support from Monmouthshire County Council agreed to seek to submit this application to the RDP LEADER programme.

 The community council has met with representatives of Monmouthshire County Council Rural Programmes Team, Sara Jones, County Councillor for Llanover ward, SEWREC, Kath Morton-Smith The Digital Volunteers and Llanover Estate.  The community council has obtained online product and hire costs for revenue elements of the project such as consumable items, printers, pin boards, leaflets, hire of halls , additional insurance, monthly broadband rental, promotional events, mini bus hire and furniture (LEADER)  The community council has obtained commitments in principle (subject to the RCDF grant offer letter) from each of the village hall committees to accept the broadband facility, increased use of the halls, respective improvements and minor alterations and to manage any additional booking use.  The community council submitted applications for both the LEADER and RCDF programmes. Both are currently with Monmouthshire County Council and Welsh Government respectively.

The volunteer activity in connection with the project to date has been:  Community council meetings  Village hall meetings  Feasibility consultations and discussions with broadband providers  Meeting quantity surveyors and planners  Meeting security firms  Completing and submitting applications,  Development of briefs  Meeting prospective training providers and end users  Informally consulting with other potential users e.g. residents, local businesses, community groups  Emailing and telephone communication These pre-approval volunteers include:  Community councillors (11)  Village hall committee members (24+)

The Digital project is essentially a partnership between

 Llanover Community Council (principal activist)  The four village halls in the Llanover ward (principal recipient)  Vale of Usk Local Action Group

The project partnership board is represented by:  Llanover Community Council: Chair and and two community councillors with relevant background experience supported by the community council clerk  Village halls committees: Two representatives from each committee  MCC: Michael Powell Rural Programmes Manager and Andy Smith Strategic Funding and Investment Manager.

The Llanover Community Council manages the LEADER revenue budget and reports to the Project board to include

 advertising and literature  insurance  hall hires  stationery  ongoing BB/Wi-Fi payments to halls to pay for use

 refreshments  transport element for training activity

LCC procurement would be compliant with MCC standing orders

 A project funded aftercare programme will be in place to maintain installations funded through this pilot LEADER project  After programme closure it is anticipated that the additional revenue for the halls generated by the increased hall hire will cover the cost of ongoing broadband rental and aftercare costs.

Anticipated activity by the project partnership Year one: Promote and attract new users to the hall. Set up computer clubs and ICT training. Establish an offer to local businesses to use halls for training and work. Years two –three: Continue to build on the promotion and diversify. Establish an effective collaboration as a cluster to attract new clientele Year 4: develop a post project strategy to sustain the project and viability of the halls. On completion and closure of the RCDF programme and hand over and guidance for potential future investments will be provided by the LEADER team.

2e Does this project have links to other projects and initiatives? (please list and explain)

Our digital inclusion project will enable hub facilities and further opportunities to be available to our local community, businesses and those disadvantaged in the community. This project would help the community to avoid expense, travel and time by having to use urban facilities for example in Abergavenny. We intend to complement and build on existing training and access opportunities provided elsewhere without duplication and meet the aspirations and goals of Welsh Government to local and national training providers.

Welsh Government: Our project will meet the aspirations of elements of the WG Well-Being of Future Generations Act. The Act is about improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. It will make public bodies think more about the long-term, work better with people and communities and each other, look to prevent problems and take a more joined-up approach. The 7 key goals are:  A prosperous Wales;  A resilient Wales;  A healthier Wales;  A more equal Wales;  A globally responsible Wales;  A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving welsh language;  A Wales of cohesive communities

Vale of Usk local development strategy (LDS) Our project will aspire to meet and deliver some of the strategic aims and objectives of the following LDS policy, plans and compliance:  Exploitation of digital technology  Tackling poverty action plan  i-County Digital Roadmap Framework Strategy for Monmouthshire

European Initiatives

 Digital single marketing policy  Digital agenda for Europe

The RDP LEADER initiatives aim and objectives is to improve the quality of life and prosperity of the rural areas of rural Newport and Monmouthshire through the delivery of locally inspired and driven projects. The key themes are:  Local identity, natural and cultural resources;  Pre commercial development; business partnerships and short supply chains;  Providing non-statutory local services;  Renewable energy for community projects;  Using digital technology for community benefit; and  Cross border projects.

LDS: Exploitation Of Digital Technology Actively linking with LDS training initiatives that support  Rural community training and support in developing digital skills;  ICT support for farmers and land based producers;  Sector specific support for short supply chain development;  Rural informal ICT clubs to enhance understanding and use of digital technology;  Support for community led rural tourism and heritage interpretation content development; aimed at visitor and delivered using digital technologies;  Trialling of new digital products which largely benefit community learning and local rural economic development;  Explore the feasibility of linking rural producers/businesses with urban web portals.

i-County Digital Roadmap : Actively linking with initiatives inspired and motivated by Monmouthshire County Councils wish to co-create the County’s smart, connected and digital future through effective public, private and community collaboration..

SEWREC (South East Wales Regional Equality Council) Actively seeking to engage SEWREC to provide training and support services for impartial information, advice and support for people who think that they may have been abused, harassed or discriminated against.

SEWREC is focused on helping parents develop their skills in order to achieve one or more of the following:

 Improving your chance of getting a job  Moving from a low wage to a better wage  Feeling more secure in your job  Improving your family finances and the security of your children along the way

SEWREC offer courses in: Finding Your Focus, Confidence Building, Employability, Numeracy & Literacy, ESOL, Money Matters, Cooking on a Budget ,Emergency First Aid, Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene, Health & Safety, Customer Service, Safeguarding

SCDWP (Social Care Development Workforce Partnership) To engage with the Training Unit within Monmouthshire County Council who exist to ensure that the social care workforce in the county of Monmouthshire have access to relevant qualifying and non-qualifying training, information and guidance.

A typical example of what our project will offer might be as follows. “Should a resident wish to become a childminder but has poor ICT skills, poor broadband connectivity, lacks space to study and cannot afford to travel to internet cafes or ICT hubs in neighbouring towns due to either fuel / transport poverty or lack of good local transport connectivity then our project will provide an easy to access local superfast ICT hub.”

The first step to become a childminder is to register on-line, download ‘how to become a childminder’ and complete a 15hr on-line CYPOP 5 child minder course. We will provide the facility to be able to improve ICT skills via outreach training at our venue. The resident will be able to download the course and have a neutral but local location at which to study. We will run short courses supported by outreach training from the likes of SCDWP (Social Care Development Workforce Partnership) which currently operates from 3 venues, Shire hall Monmouth, County Hall Usk and Llanfoist village hall. There will also be the ability to use Skype with mentors for assistance and view training videos. In is anticipated that the use of the ICT hub will be free of charge for the first three years of operation.

The Digital Volunteers Helping young people volunteer their digital skills in schools, clubs and events. The Digital Volunteers is a specialist volunteering organisation offering 14-25 year olds the opportunity to volunteer their digital skills in schools, after school clubs and events. The aim is align them to teachers and pupils to share and progress digital skills. Everyone can benefit – teachers get informal training, pupils increase their digital competence and the volunteers develop their soft skills and increase their career prospects.

WCVA Course for communities Actively seeking to engage with the programme of courses which are arranged under four key areas:

 Setting up and running your organisation  Managing resources and people  Working with others/working in partnership  Finding and getting money

Other initiatives include: Welsh Hearts : CPR and defibrillator training One voice wales : Training for councillors

2f Describe how the project is innovative (see guidance for definition) and has a similar project been successfully undertaken in any other area (details, if possible)?

The project will use tried and tested systems and methodology for procurement, delivery and sustained use. As well as incorporating elements that we believe are a new and different approach to ICT use and engagement with communities not previously seen in the Vale of Usk region within the project programme. Such innovation will include:

The clustering of four village halls to share and co-ordinate ICT experience, resources and communication e.g.,  Working as a community partnership with the local community council to deliver a joint project for mutual benefit  To act as a cluster to share and coordinate end use programmes  To use the broadband connectivity to communicate between each other during activities such as partnership meetings, events and committee meetings  To possibly co-ordinate and share procurement of services

To provide access to community council meetings for local residents via Skype or similar who are remote from the meeting location or are unable to drive but still wish to raise issues face to face with their local community council. This will involve  Setting up the systems and connectivity  Provide training for councillors and clerk in the practical operation  Setting up a ‘how to use’ section on the community council webpage  Setting up protocols for use  Offering during the period of the project at no cost to users and community council the ability to use the welsh language as the communication medium with advance notice  Setting and managing the Skype or similar appointment within the agenda and how to minute the information plus responses  Setting up the monitoring process to record use and success

2g Are any of the Welsh Government strategies listed in the guidance notes covered by your project (please list)

 Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020  Building Resilient Communities: Tackling Poverty Action Plan – Welsh Government  Digital Inclusion– Welsh Government  Partnership for Growth – The Welsh Government Strategy for Tourism – 2013-2020  Digital Wales – Welsh Government  One Wales, One Planet – Welsh Government  Energy Wales: A Low Carbon Transition – Welsh Government  Vibrant and Viable Places – Welsh Government  Youth Entrepreneurship Strategy – An Action Plan for Wales, 2010-2015  Future Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015

Our digital inclusion project will enable hub facilities and further opportunities to be available to our local community, businesses and those disadvantaged in the community. This project would help the community to avoid expense, travel and time by having to use urban facilities for example in Abergavenny. We intend to complement and build on existing training and access opportunities provided elsewhere without duplication and meet the aspirations and goals of Welsh government to local and national training providers.

2h Does you project consider the following cross-cutting themes and economic benefits?

Cross cutting theme Explain how Equal opportunities YES The project is open to all to be involved regardless of and Gender age, race, gender, disability. Modifications to the halls Mainstreaming will provide improved accessibility, toilet facility and information for all Make provision for YES The Welsh language act will apply to all written the use of the Welsh information funded by the project. The Welsh Language translation service via MCC will be used to translate and will be paid for by the LEADER programme. Tackling Poverty YES To help to reduce poverty both financially, intellectually and Social Exclusion and socially e.g., by increasing opportunities for locally delivered training such as free open university courses, easy access to the internet, seeking online job opportunities, online benefits claims and enquiries, online services and facilities. Sustainable YES The project considers environmental issues as part of Development the procurement and delivery plan environmental issues will be taken into consideration and will include: sustainable procurement, recycled and recyclable materials wherever possible, locally sourced, fit for purpose, noise impact during works, H/S, energy efficiency ratings, carbon use and any impacts on biodiversity. Children’s rights YES The project will include an assessment on the impact Impact Assessment on children, and how this aligns with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act Will your local YES The village halls will generate additional income economy benefit The local businesses, SMEs will be able to use the from the project? facility to improve efficiency, marketing and training to improve economic viability. Current users of the halls will be able to offer additionality to the current activities

2i Please give details and supply evidence of all other sources of funding secured or being sought for the project.

Is this project dependent upon finding additional funding? YES

Source of funding Amount Date of decision For the RCDF capital element of the programme RCDF for capital works element of the overall project £77,500 May 2017

For the LEADER element of the programme £8,290 Subject to approval Wales: People and Places of LEADER and RCDF applications

Section 3: Delivering & managing your project

3a What do you hope to achieve with this project and explain when you think the key steps will be achieved?

(The applicants’ representative Andrew Nevill will not be standing for re-election as a Community Councillor in May 2017 as he intends to devote the time spent as a councillor delivering this project.)

A project plan will be provided for the overall project i.e., for the RCDF and LEADER programmes to show a holistic approach.

With regard to the development of the project the following items of consultation, planning, volunteer activity and support works have been undertaken. All items have been part of the development of the proposed activity to date

Key step 1: Development of the project Llanover Community Council and “Community Partnership”: The community council has undertaken planning and feasibility meetings as part of the proposed project :  Commit to seeking funding though the LEADER and RCDF programme to support digital inclusion projects in the four village halls in Llanover for the benefit of the local community, local businesses, halls and clubs.  The LCC has committed community councillor volunteer time to progress the projects in partnership with the four village hall committees and Monmouthshire county council.  The community councillors have met with the respective village hall committees to: Ascertain interest: Each hall committee confirmed an interest and consulted informally within each respective hall committee membership. Each hall committee agreed that there would be distinct benefit’s to each community  The “Community Partnership” consisting of the four village halls and the Llanover Community Council with support from Monmouthshire County Council agreed to submit full applications to LEADER and RCDF capital fund.  The community council has met with representatives of Monmouthshire County Council Rural Programmes Team, Sara Jones, County Councillor for Llanover ward, , SEWREC, Kath Morton-Smith Digital volunteers and Llanover Estate  The community council has obtained online product and hire costs for revenue elements of the project such as consumable items, printers, pin boards, leaflets, hire of halls, additional insurance, monthly broadband rental, promotional events, mini bus hire and furniture (LEADER)  The community council has obtained commitments in principle subject to the RCDF grant offer letter detail from each of the village hall committees to accept the broadband facility, increased use of the halls, respective improvements and minor alterations and to manage any additional booking use.

The Digital project is essentially a partnership between

 Llanover Community Council (principal activist)  The four village halls in the Llanover ward (principal recipient)  Vale of Usk Local Action Group

The project partnership board are representatives from:

 Llanover Community Council: Chair and two community councillors with relevant background experience supported by the community council clerk  Village halls committees: Two representatives from each committee  MCC: Michael Powell and Andy Smith.

The Llanover Community Council manages the LEADER revenue budget and reports to the Project board to include

 advertising and literature  insurance  hall hires  stationery  ongoing BB/Wi-Fi payments to halls to pay for use  refreshments  transport element for training activity

LCC procurement would be compliant with MCC standing orders.

The revenue project team will consist of : The Llanover Community Council clerk who manages the finances and purchasing on behalf of the community council. The chair and two community councillors will be responsible for identifying products, procurement sources and installation / dissemination in partnership with the MCC RCDF appointed project manager and team

Key stage 2 : Project delivery Application approvals Spring 2017 The capital programme will be delivered by May 2018.  The capital works will be handed over to the respective halls on practical completion and formally accepted in writing  The capital works and products will have a 12 months defects period to remedy problems and products will have manufacturers warranty’s and guarantees against failure. This will be monitored by the project partnership  A project funded aftercare programme will be in place to maintain installations. Funded through the LEADER revenue programme  After programme closure it is anticipated that the additional revenue for the halls generated by the increased hall hire will cover the cost of ongoing broadband rental and aftercare costs

We intend to undertake the capital project during the calendar year of 2017 to May 2018. Starting in June 2017 and completing by May 2018, subject to funding approvals.

Defects will apply for 12 months from practical completion of capital works and all products will be expected to have a manufactures guarantee and warranty

We intend that the LEADER revenue programme will start in June 2017 and will be sustained at least until the end of the programme March 31st 2020. This will include training, computer clubs, block hall hire and support.

We intend that the project evaluation and monitoring to run to March 31st 2020

The project will be delivered under a Prince 2 project management framework suitable for working with community groups

Anticipated programme once all funding is approved: assuming June 2017

Date Activity Year 1: June 2017- May 2018 Development period to procure and install Wi-Fi, improve halls for digital use, as hubs and accessibility for all, develop training programmes, promote and run community and interest group workshops to build a sustainable activity base and use . June 2017 Inception meeting of project / steering group and agreeing the programme, meeting dates and key milestone dates , communications, site visits, access, RA’s, roles and responsibilities, development of sustainability programme, business plan and finance protocols July –August 2017 RCDF: Survey halls and develop specifications and schedules for tendering LEADER: Engage with BB providers LEADER: Development of business plan and sustainable delivery, maintenance and management programme to 2020 to include review milestones. July –October 2017 LEADER: Liaise with training providers, local groups, organisations representing community sectors such as business, MCC digital inclusion programmes, social services, clubs, community groups and farmers etc. to develop a sustainable programme of activities and training meeting the needs of the community . Develop an outline programme of introductory workshops and a sustainable programme of digital training activities to start before completion of capital works in May 2018 LEADER: Seek best options for BB provisions and develop contractual arrangements in preparation for commissioning in May 2018 September- December RCDF: Tendering and procurement process complying 2017 with MCC standing orders and EU procurement guidelines. LEADER: Enter into provider contracts with contract start dates to be set. October 2017 – April / LEADER : Promote and set up new programmes of training May 2018 activities and run initial community engagement and awareness raising workshops January/ February 2018 RCDF: Award contracts and undertake hall improvements and installation of broadband connectivity

LEADER: Quotation and procurement process for stationery, advertising and promotional material and equipment March-May 2018 RCDF: Capital works managed by MCC, May 2018 RCDF :Handover of practical works Year 2: June 2018 – May 2019 BB and WIFI installed in year 1 ready to use from yr. 2. Halls adapted and improved for digital inclusion activities. New live digital training and engagement programmes set up and running from June 2018 or earlier with options for new programmes to develop and be included. Review of business plan and programme to ensure sustainability beyond funding end Year 3: June 2019 – March 2020 BB and WIFI installed in year 1 ready to use from yr. 2. Halls adapted and improved for digital inclusion activities. New live digital training and engagement programmes set up and running from June 2018 or earlier with options for new programmes to develop and be included. Review of business plan and self sustaining programme to ensure sustainability beyond funding end Year 4 onwards: June 2020 onwards Continuation of cluster steering group and programme of self sustaining activities within halls.

3b What risks have you identified that might affect your project?

The project will need the finance from the Welsh Government’s RCDF and the Vale of Usk LEADER programmes to be able to deliver the project successfully

The key assumptions:  The funding will be available in a timely fashion. We have assumed that the approval decision times are as stated and will not be delayed due to external influences  The Welsh Government RCDF and the Vale of Usk LEADER officers will be able to provide consistent and timely support and advice at all times throughout the project lifetime. We have assumed that officers will be available to the programme  The village halls do not close. We have assumed that the village halls will not close as this programme seeks to create more economic activity leading to a more resilient halls for the future.  Broadband technology will not significantly change over the lifetime of the project. We have assumed that the line of sight and cable technology will not change significantly rendering the installations obsolete.  The Welsh Government supports its training provider programmes through the lifetime of the project. We have assumed that the successful training programme for ICT in wales will continue and keep improving

What is the What is the What would the consequences be if it did happen? risk? likelihood of it happening? Unable to Low The project would not be able to be delivered. obtain Local ICT training programmes in the village halls approval for would not be delivered funding from Residents and business in rural areas would not have the RCDF the same economic playing field as those in the urban programme environs

The viability of the halls may be threatened

Unable to Low Complementary support would not be provided to obtain promote the opportunities for training and economic approval for benefits of the capital investment funding from the LEADER programme Unforeseen Low Re-profiling of the capital works programme capital works Low uptake in Low Underutilised facility. use of the halls Inadequate training for those in need for training activity Capital works Low Unfinished works contractors Delays to programme ceasing to Impact on spend profiles and claims trade or under resourcing projects

3c How do you intend to deal with these risks? (support may be available if you require it)

We will seek additional support from the project management team within the RCDF element of the project to assist with procurement and compliance for the delivery of the LEADER element of the programme

What is the What is the What would the What might avoid it risk? likelihood consequences be if it did happening or, how of it happen? might the effect be happening? reduced? Unable to Low The project would not be Approval of funding obtain able to be delivered. and a strong approval for Local ICT training application. funding from programmes in the village Site visits by WG the RCDF halls would not be officers to each hall programme delivered and to use BB/Wi-Fi Residents and business in to understand the rural areas would not have issues the same economic playing field as those in the urban environs The viability of the halls may be threatened

Unable to Low Complementary support Approval of funding obtain would not be provided to and a strong approval for promote the opportunities application. funding from for training and economic Site visits by WG the LEADER benefits of the capital officers to each hall programme investment and to use BB/Wi-Fi to understand the issues

Unforeseen Low Re-profiling of the capital Competent surveys, capital works works programme accurate costings with adequate contingencies. Advise WG RCDF programme officers to ensure the audit trail is in place to verify claims Low uptake in Low Underutilised facility. Buy in by training use of the halls Inadequate training for providers pre full for training those in need application, activity Engagement as the project proceeds with trials / taster training session as soon as the facility is ready. Targeted promotions Capital works Low Unfinished works Financial, contractors Delays to programme recommendation, ceasing to Impact on spend profiles accreditation (CHAS trade or under and claims etc.) and viability resourcing checks on pre let projects contractors. Use of MCC approved framework contractors. Advise WG RCDF programme officers to ensure the audit trail is in place to verify claims

3d Please submit a copy of your Group’s constitution and explain what experience members of the group might have that will be of benefit to the project.

Copy of the Llanover Community Council constitution is attached.

The project team for the RCDF and LEADER programme consists of

Llanover Community Council: Chair: currently Graham Thomas Two community councillors with relevant project management background experience The community council clerk Hugh Candler: Finance and legal experience Village halls committees: Two representatives from each committee (chairs and secretaries) MCC: Michael Powell, Rural Programmes Manager Andy Smith, Strategic Investment and Funding Manager

Section 4: Long term impact of your project

4a What do you expect to be the next steps for this project, and how will the project be sustained following this funding? (We may be able to help you find capital funding)

Following the LEADER evaluation and monitoring which will to run to March 31st 2020, the project will be handed over the the relevant village halls to continue with financing of the broadband contracts and hiring out of the halls.

The project team will develop a business plan with assistance from MCC one year in advance of the project end to provide a clear and sustainable continuation of the project. This will be based on the continued monitoring of the cost and success of the use of the halls and projections to form a 5 year business plan for each hall in relation to the digital inclusion project

4b How will you raise awareness of your project to your community and maintain the community interest in the future (if applicable)?

Awareness of the project will be raised via the following mediums:

 Llanover Community Council website, noticeboards and minutes  Village hall websites, minutes and facebook / twitter pages  Newsletters: e.g. Llanover Estate  The diary: free quarterly periodical to the Vale of Usk area  Abergavenny chronicle, free press and Wales online articles  MCC website and communications team  Training providers web sites  Notice boards within each of the village halls  Open days in advance of works starting and at the end of the capital works programmes  Flyers in each village hall

Section 5: Financial information

5.1 Project Costs (This section will be completed jointly with the project officer)

LEADER project only

Cost breakdown How is this cost calculated. (Please indicate where the cost is estimated. If you are able to reclaim the £ VAT paid please add costs without VAT

Block booking of halls on a regular slot each week over the three year period for free use by the community to access superfast broadband (this does not include use by training providers and organisations who will need to book and pay for the hall hire)

Room Hire £23,040 Cost based on the following: 2hr sessions twice a week for 48 weeks each year. The period is 3 years at a hire rate of £10/hour. Totals for the 4 halls

Hall hire costs cover heating, lighting, electricity use and management

Consultancy £0.00 no consultancy costs incurred £0.00

Estimates; Marketing & PR Hall hire for events : £150 £5,760 Adverts in media: £9,000

Broadband subscription for 30mbs speed over three years to the four village halls

Procured Services AB internet price: £5,760 £40/month broadband for 4 halls over 3 years

Stationery and consumables for one hall e.g. ink for printers etc., £1,000 Purchased items 1 wireless multi purpose printer @ £300 <£10,000 4 pin boards @ £ 50 each = £200

1 printer cabinets @ £275

4 foldable tables per hall for use for computer clubs £9,655

and users @ £250/table x 4 x 4= £4,000

8 new stackable chairs per hall for use with folding

tables @ £65 each x 8 x 4 halls = £2,080

1 new screen, 2 speakers and digital projector inc installation: £1800.00 based on internet prices

Increased hall insurance to cover DI equipment Lump sum estimate £250 per hall per year x 3 x 4 = Other Costs £3,000 £3,200 (please list)

Refreshments for marketing activities: £200.00

Total Project Cost (Do NOT include VAT if you are VAT registered) £50,805

Match Funding Must be a minimum of 20% of the total project cost. (Refer to Appendix 1)

Type Provide details of your sources of match funding £ below

Cash Contributions Wales: People and places 8,161 New Grove Trust 2,000

In-kind funding you will provide

Total match funding 10,161

LEADER Funding Must be a maximum of 80% of the total project cost.

Funding Required % of total project cost £40,644 80% (Maximum 80%)

5.2 Profile of Expenditure (This section will be completed jointly with the project officer)

Type of expenditure First Qtr. Second Qtr. Third Qtr. Fourth Qtr. Total

6 What will this project achieve in summary, these are called indicators.

6a Indicator:- LD-CL.006. Number of information dissemination actions/promotional and/ or marketing activities to raise awareness of the LDS and/ or its projects. Definition:- The number of actions undertaken by the Local Action Group to raise awareness and explain the aim, objectives and activities undertaken via the Local Development Strategy to the rural population. The number of planned and targeted activities undertaken by the Local Action Group that promote the Local Development Strategy and its projects OR the production and distribution of materials aimed at marketing and promoting the Local Development Strategy and its projects.

Quantit 0 Brief details y

6b Indicator:- LD-CL.008. Number of participants supported. Definition:- Participants: number of people who attend an event to disseminate information, etc. Please note that the number on receipt of any kind of mail-shot associated with the dissemination of information (e.g. the distribution of a report summary) cannot be counted as participants.

Quantit 0 Brief details y

6c Indicator:- LD-Cl.001. Number of Feasibility Studies Definition:- Number of specific feasibility studies commissioned or undertaken through the programme to provide the background research for a specific problem or issue and the production of a comprehensive written appraisal of the issues, the alternative solutions, the financial costings, a detailed risk analysis and recommendations for the next steps. (refer to LEADER guidance Version 1 Sept 2015 paragraph 31). Available as a download from the web site

Quantity 0 Brief details

6d Indicator:- LD-CL.004. Number of pilot activities undertaken/ supported. Definition:- Number of pilot activities undertaken/ supported through the capacity building activities, broken down as defined in characteristics breakdown. Characteristics:- New approaches, new products, new processes, new services

4 Brief details The project is being piloted in each of the four village halls in the Quantit Llanover Parish y

6e Indicator:- LD-CL.007. Number of stakeholders engaged. Definition:- Stakeholder: Any group or individual who can affect or is affected by the achievement of the project objectives. These can be people, groups or entities that have a role and interest in the objectives and implementation of a project. They include the community whose situation the project or programme seeks to change. Engagement: Stakeholders who become actively involved in the project’s implementation at any stage.

Sector Qty Explain how Youth 50 Students schools leavers and unemployed having access to new training opportunities, online access and social activities within the halls Employed 100 Working population having access to new training opportunities, online access and social activities within the halls Retired 75 Retried population over the age of say 50 inc. semi retired having access to new training opportunities, online access and social activities within the halls Disabled 20 Less able bodied members of the community having access to new training opportunities, online access and social activities within the halls Low 50 Young families, unemployed, minimum wage members of the income/une community having access to new training opportunities, mployed online access and social activities within the halls at no or low cost Other 25 Clubs, groups, carers and local organisations such as gardening clubs, over 60s, new computer clubs having access to new training opportunities, online access and social activities within the halls

6f Indicator:- LD-CL.005. Community hubs. Definition:- The number of new community hubs that were formed as a direct result of this project. Quantity 4 Brief Four community hubs will be formed from the people engaged detail in digital learning activities s 6g Indicator:- LD-CL.002. Number of networks established. Definition:- Number of formal networks that have been created as a direct result of this project and were not in existence prior to programme involvement. (Each network can be scored only once over the life of the approved LEADER programme) Quantity 1 Brief A network formed by cooperation between the 4 details village halls committees 6h Indicator:- LD-CL.003. Number of jobs safeguarded through supported projects. Definition:- Jobs safeguarded are where jobs are known to be at risk over the next 12 months. Jobs should be scored as FTE and permanent (a seasonal job may be scored provided the job is expected to recur indefinitely; the proportion of the year worked should also be recorded). The job itself should be scored, not an estimate of how many people may occupy the job. If the job is not fulltime then the hours per week will need to be divided by 30 to find the proportion of FTE represents (e.g. 18 hours per week would be 0.6 FTE). Quantit Brief At this stage it is not possible to state but the project aims y details to safeguard jobs by having access to good quality internet

facilities

6i Indicator:- R.24. Jobs created through this LEADER project Definition:- Total number of jobs created in FTE through support for implementation of operations under the LDS funded through the RDP under LEADER.

Quantity Brief At this stage it is not possible to state but the project aims details to promote job creation by allowing unemployed access to good quality internet facilities to promote their ICT literacy

7. The Rules and Regulations 7.1Statutory requirements and permissions

Do you require: Yes No Attached (Please tick) (Please tick) (Please tick) Landlord, landowner or lease holder consent

Planning permission

Building regulations

Licences

Specific permission for continued general public access Any other statutory permission e.g. Natural Resources Wales consent etc.

If yes please state: If yes to any of the above, please provide copies of the approval documentation with this application. If “no” where appropriate please provide written confirmation from the relevant authority that permission is not needed.

7.2 Data Protection and Publicity

The information provided on this application will be used in connection with the processing of the projects application and publicising, administration, evaluation and monitoring of the LEADER programme. To progress this application we may disclose the information we receive from you to others including public bodies and other Government Departments. To publicise, administer, monitor and evaluate the programme we may also disclose information to other Groups or consultants which we consider appropriate. The project description and details, if approved, may be used in various forms of publicity for the Vale of Usk LEADER programme, including being placed on the Vale of Usk web site. We will not however disclose personal details submitted as part of this application.

7.3 Signed and confirmed on behalf of the applicant.

I declare that to the best of my knowledge the factual information contained in this form is correct and complete. I understand that if I have given information that is incorrect or incomplete, the offer of any LEADER funding may be withheld and action taken against me or my Group. I also declare, unless otherwise stated in this application form, that I/the Group has not started activity or committed expenditure that relates to this project. If any information changes I will inform the Vale of Usk LAG project immediately.

Signed: Andrew Nevill

Name: Andrew Nevill

Position: Community Councillor for Llanover Parish

Date: 5th April 2017

Check list:

Have you attached a copy of the group’s constitution (if applicable)

Do you need support or training for project delivery?

Do you need support finding additional funding?

PLEASE RETURN TO: [email protected] or to the relevant officer