Introduction and LAZ Location Map
Funding is available through the LAZ Local Action Group (LAG) for projects that are located within the LAZ area and are eligible for funding.
Click here to view eligible area/ wards - LAZ RDPE Map (PDF)
Types of Eligible Project Activity
LAZ funding is available in the following areas:-
- Diversification into non agricultural activities - Helping land based businesses in the Lindsey Action Zone to find new income streams to increase their viability.
- Support for the creation and development of micro businesses - Stimulating and supporting new and developing business growth.
- Encouragement for tourism activities with the emphasis on diversification and quality enhancement, marketing of tourism and developing the cultural offer.
- Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage - Creating sustainable employment and visitor interests in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the character areas that surround it.
- Training and information- Encouraging provision of training and skills development to assist long term sustainability in the area for those involved in diversification into non agricultural and tourism activity, Micro business development, conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage. In particular projects that address the issues of low levels of achievement and the out-migration of young people.
Who can apply?
- Farmers and members of a farm household undertaking farming activity
- Micro -Enterprises (includes social enterprises and individuals wishing to start a micro enterprise)
- Businesses, social enterprises, charities and other formally constituted group
Grants
- Grants are available between £3,500 - c.£150,000 for eligible activities (subject to de minimis rules)
- PRIVATE SECTOR funding must be used to match fund projects where applicable (normally at least 50%)
- All applicants will be required to register with the Rural Payments Agency
Application process
- Project applications will be assessed through the Local Action Group – comprising representatives from the Private, Public and Voluntary sector.
- There are two stages to the application which will take approximately 3 months if information is received promptly;
- Submission of an Expression of Interest application to the Local Action Group
- If the Expression of Interest is eligible and sufficiently meets LAZ objectives and priorities, the project will be asked to submit a full application.
We can receive Expressions of Interest applications at any time. These will be processed within 6 weeks. Once EOIs are endorsed applicants will be invited to submit a full application which must be with us by set deadlines in order to be considered by the Local Action Group Approval Panel meetings. Full applications and all associated documentation including planning permission, quotes and business plans must be received by the following dates:-
Deadline for submission of Full Applications LAG Approval Panel Meeting Dates Friday 30 March 2012 Wednesday 23 May 2012
How to Apply
If you have an idea for a project please contact the LAZ Local Action Group Manager to arrange a meeting to discuss your proposals and the application process. The form and guidance notes are available to download here.
Click here to download the Expression of Interest form
Click here to download the Expression of Interest Guidance note
Click here to view the LAZ information leaflet
State-aids Regulations
The European Commission takes a strict stance over State Aid rules. State Aid rules apply to funding under RDPE in different ways depending on which Programme measure the support falls under. The EU Rural Development Regulation (Council Regulation 1698/2005) provides the basis for the State Aid rules for most of the programme measures. Please see the Defra website for RDPE State Aid guidance information, http://www.archive.defra.gov.uk/rural/documents/rdpe/stateaidguid.pdf.
Measures supported under RDPE/LEADER funding are only allowed to be delivered if ‘de minimis’ rules are adhered to. RDPE projects which are subject to de minimis rules can only be awarded up to a maximum threshold of €200,000 over a three-year rolling period, including the current and two previous financial years (i.e. it is cumulative). Therefore, grant support awarded to businesses, groups or individuals in previous years may prevent or limit the amount of RDPE grant funding that can be offered.
If you are concerned that the State Aid rules may affect an application to LAZ, please contact Judy Bell via the contacts page to clarify your position.
Does the project have to meet minimum quality standards?
Leader projects are expected to encompass the best possible standards relating to project management, financial management, people management, production methods, buildings and facilities, environmental management and energy usage.
For further details or to discuss a project idea please contact:
Judy Bell
Local Action Group Manager
Lindsey Action Zone
Navigation Warehouse
Riverhead Road
Louth
Lincs LN11 7AZ
Tel: 01507 354561
Email: Click here to Contact Us
