I propose to take Questions Nos. 493 and 510 together.
Significant matters regarding LEADER funding for the 2014-20 period are yet to be agreed, including the value of fun ding and the regulations governing implementation. In the absence of these , and ahead of the submission of local development strategies, it would be inappropriate for me to commit to any contractual arrangements for a future LEADER programme.
My Department is engaged with various stakeholders in considering the arrangements to pursue greater alignment between local government and local development, in line with the decisions on reform set out in Putting People First - Action Programme for Effective Local Government. It is my intention that local development companies will continue to have an important role in implementing the programmes for which they are contracted by my Department and others. I acknowledge the work they have undertaken to date in implementing publicly-funded local development programmes, and I look forward to their continued participation in the local government reform programme currently underway to ensure that all local development funding, including LEADER, will be delivered in a way that maximises impact for communities and value for money.
