Allan Bresland (DUP)

3. asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to support rural communities, particularly people in isolated areas who are on low incomes.   (AQO 204/10)

Michelle Gildernew (Sinn Féin)

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is responsible for investing significant amounts of money into the rural economy each year, including single farm payments and investment through the rural development programme. I also argued successfully for £10 million of Programme for Government funds specifically to address poverty and social exclusion in a rural context. That funding is to address five key themes: rural fuel poverty; rural community development; rural childcare; transport; and a rural challenge fund.

Last winter, I supported the Department for Social Development’s warm homes scheme, under the fuel poverty element of the programme, ensuring that up to 600 rural homes received necessary improvements to heating and insulation systems. The rural childcare programme opened to applicants in June 2009, and received 57 applications that are now being assessed. I have confirmed my support for continued community development including the provision of resources for rural support. I am also finalising plans with the Department for Regional Development for improved access to transport for people living in isolated rural areas.

The rural challenge programme is also open to applications. That programme aims to assist in tackling poverty and exclusion in rural areas, and to provide project-based evidence to inform future policy on rural poverty and exclusion. The programme will focus on eight target beneficiary groups in rural areas, including low-paid workers. Potential applicants will be required to attend a best-practice workshop, which will assist applicants with the identification of poverty and exclusion issues in their area; the evidence to support need; the people affected; and the most suitable responses for each local area.

I am also delighted to advise that, in conjunction with the Public Health Agency, I have agreed to a project to maximise access to, and uptake of, grants, benefits and services in rural areas. It is planned that the unique cross-departmental project will target the most deprived rural super output areas across the North. It will seek to assist hard-to-reach people who live in rural areas to access the benefits, grants and services to which they are entitled. I will continue to advocate on behalf of rural people who live in isolated areas and on low incomes, particularly through my membership of the ministerial subcommittee on poverty and social inclusion.

Allan Bresland (DUP)

I thank the Minister for her answer. The Renewing Communities pilot programme, which was delivered by the Department, sought to support isolated Protestant communities that live in border areas. Will the Minister outline the future plans for that programme?

Michelle Gildernew (Sinn Féin)

I do not have that information with me. A pilot project was undertaken in four areas of the North, and we are evaluating that programme. I will come back to the Member with more details on its future.

Tom Elliott (UUP)

The Minister said quite a lot about the rural development programme. Has she sent any letters of support to individual projects that are being under­taken under axis 3 of that programme?

Michelle Gildernew (Sinn Féin)

I am not sure what the Member means by “support”. Axis 3 is being administered by local action groups and, primarily, councils. I do not fully understand the Member’s question.

Michelle Gildernew (Sinn Féin)

My participation in the Planning Policy Statement 21 working group is not related to the original question. I will be happy to respond to the Member’s query if he comes back to me in writing.