The LEADER Programme provides a total of £138 million in England and £95 million in Wales for rural development between 2015 and 2020.
Local Action Groups
You can apply to your Local Action Group (LAG) for funding for projects that help local businesses to grow or benefit the rural economy.Towns within LEADER areas defined by DEFRA as ‘Hub Towns’ should normally be eligible for funding as well as smaller, subsidiary towns that usually have a population under 10,000.
A LAG is made up of people from the local community and the local public and private sector. Each LAG decides which projects they will fund in their area. This depends on their priorities.
Our tip would be to speak to your LAG at an early stage. If you are a well organised group or business and have a project idea that fits their priorities, they will probably be keen to help you to develop a viable proposal.
Eligible Projects
LEADER funding is available to local businesses, communities, farmers, foresters and land managers.
In England all projects must support one or more of the 6 LEADER priorities. These include:
- supporting micro and small businesses
- boosting rural tourism
- providing rural services
- providing cultural and heritage activities
In Wales, LEADER projects must be consistent with at least one of the following 5 themes:
- adding value to local identity and natural or cultural resources
- facilitating pre-commercial development, business partnerships and short supply chains.
- exploring new ways of providing non-statutory local services
- renewable energy at community level
- exploitation of digital technology.
Identifying and Contacting Your LAG
England: Click here for list of approved groups
Wales: Click here for details of approved groups
Click here for Top Tips on Generating Income and Investment for town centre regeneration.
