ACRE is leading this project commissioned by the Finance Hub. It is responding to the need to carry out research to determine the success or otherwise of mainstreaming rural funding, and which types of support for front-line third sector rural groups are unlikely to retain capacity.
Government’s desire to give freedom and flexibilities to local government to decide on local priorities has led to the pooling of national funding streams within Local Area Agreements (LAA). Third sector organisations that have, over many years, benefited from ring-fenced funding are likely to find this process of ‘mainstreaming’ investment difficult to manage.
WHO?
ACRE Action with Communities in Rural England, or ACRE as it is widely known, leading on this project, is active in promoting the interests of rural communities. It also acts as the national umbrella organisation for 38 Rural Community Councils throughout England.
WHAT?
To determine the change in funding support for rural infrastructure activities, exploring the impact on the rural community sector. It is also aiming to influence government and national funders to acknowledge their own role in mainstreaming rural investment.
The longitudinal research benchmarked the position in November 2007 on what is being funded through RSCP and the likelihood, in the view of local partners, as to which of those activities could be funded from other sources in the future. Potential impact on third sector infrastructure bodies and the consequent impact on front line community groups has been assessed. Issues arising and recommendations that might help the process of mainstreaming have been identified.
The survey will be replicated in January 2008, to establish changes to expectations as the mainstreaming process takes effect.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
The information collected available as a research report on the Finance Hub website. In addition to organisations that participated this is aimed at:
- Government - The main focus of this research will be disseminated to relevant national government departments, government offices and other stakeholders.
- Third Sector - Third sector organisations directly affected by the end of RSCP will be able to understand what others are going through and share experiences.
