Call for Evidence

What future for the LEADER programme?

Rural Services Network is seeking the views of people who have had some experience of Leader, the European funding programme for rural communities.
Leader is part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) 2007-2013. Also known as Axis 4, Leader is designed to support local businesses, farmers, foresters, community groups, those involved in tourism and a range of rural enterprises. With funding from the European Agricultural Fund, Leader is a “bottom up” approach to rural development.  

Defra’s Rural Communities Policy Unit (RCPU) is leading a review to consider what has worked well (and less well) in the current Leader programme, as well as views on what the programme might look like from 2014.

How you can get involved

• Are you a community group, rural business, farmer or forester in receipt of Leader funding?
• Are you a member of a Leader team or Local Action Group?
• Are you living in a rural area with views on the benefits that Leader has delivered (or not delivered)?

If so, we’d like to hear about your experiences. You can respond to this ‘call for evidence’ by clicking here.  If, however, you do not think you are the best person to respond please do forward this information to the relevant person in your organisation or community.

The information gathered will be used to provide Defra with an understanding of the successes of Leader and what could be improved. All responses will be acknowledged.

Responses are requested by Friday 21 December 2012. 
More information about Leader  here.