Shropshire qualifies for a range of funding, some geographically targeted, some reflecting an identified need. This funding is in addition to mainstream public services. It is generally aimed at regenerating an area.
The two main sources of this Regeneration Funding are Europe or Regional Agencies (Advantage West Midlands / Countryside Agency).
Rural Regeneration Zone (Regional Funding)
The Rural Regeneration Zone is a new regeneration initiative, started by Advantage West Midlands (AWM), the Regional Development Agency, to target regeneration funding and activity. It covers specific geographical areas of Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire to improve the economic regeneration of these counties. Oswestry qualifies for this funding.
The Regeneration Zone can be used to “match” other funding streams, such as Objective 2 European funding, Objective 3 (none co-financed), European funding and National Lottery funding from appropriate distributors.
The overall vision for the Rural Regeneration Zone in 2020
“is of a connected rural area with a strong local identity, a rich quality of life for all, a healthy environment, and a strong economy”.
What are the requirements for Rural Regeneration Zone funding?
Rural Regeneration Zone funding will only support projects managed or supported by a partnership of organisations that are strategic and offer significant economic benefits to the Zone area.
The Rural Regeneration Zone is also keen to support projects that are benefiting from Objective 2 funding, the Market Towns Programme, High Technology Corridor funding, cluster funding, Single Regeneration Budget Programmes, and other Partnership based funding streams.
The Regeneration Zone is also prioritising the following key packages of actions. Therefore, each project must support one or more of these priority packages:
- Business support packages, specifically: tourism and leisure, food and drink, creative industries, forestry and the land based economy, investment and high tech businesses, social businesses
- ICT packages
- Community regeneration packages
- Objective 2 strategic regeneration packages
- The Market Town Programme
Local contacts
If you wish to apply for Rural Regeneration Zone funding, we strongly recommend that you contact your local Zone contact via Shropshire Partnership Support Team in the first instance. An outline application form is available in electronic format.
The funding stream for the Rural Regeneration Zone works on a financial year basis, and projects need to be identified in advance. Deadline for the receipt of outline application forms for funding in 2004/2005 is 30 October 2003.
SPARKS SRB Programme
Shropshire has around £3 million to spend over five years in defined areas of Oswestry, North Shrewsbury and Highley. Projects have already been identified and are on target to exceed planned outcomes. For further information on SPARKS SRB call the Shropshire Partnership Support Team on 01743 2267 or visit the Advantage West Midlands website.
Objective 2 (European Funding)
This funding is geographically targeted at needy areas in the county. The area is approximately the same as for the Rural Regeneration Zone (above), which includes Oswestry. There are three main strands to the programme in Shropshire: Infrastructure, Business support and Community Economic Development. For further information cal the Shropshire Partnershp Support Team or visit the Government Office for the West Midlands website.
Objective 3
This funding is available countywide to support the development of skills and training in our county. The programme is aligned to the plans of the Learning and Skills Council which means you might not need to find match funding. For more information call the Shropshire Partnership Support Team or the Learning and Skills Council on 01952 235503
LEADER+
A programme to maximise the economic benefit of the natural and cultural environment in the North Shropshire/Oswestry/South Cheshire area has been approved. For information call the Shropshire Partnership Support Team or the Community Council of Shropshire
England Rural Development Programme (DEFRA) 2000 - 2006
This programme is also countywide to assist the broader agricultural economy. Regionally operated grant schemes are available to fund vocational training, processing and marketing and rural enterprise.
Farmers and growers (groups), foresters, rural businesses, community groups and those involved in the conversion of farming and forestry activities are eligible to apply. For information contact: DEFRA (Worcester) on 01905 763355
Supporting Inclusive Communities
Improving the Environment
Promoting Life Long Learning
Stimulating a Thriving Economy
Funding