§ Mrs. BrowningTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received about Vital Village grants; and if she will make a statement. [124884]
§ Alun MichaelWe have received 14 representations from MP's and members of the public about uncertainty that was caused by the temporary hold the Countryside Agency put on decision making in the Vital Villages grant programme.
The Countryside Agency lifted the hold on decision making in the first week of July 2003 and is now assessing grant applications.
45WThe Agency tells me that the hold was put in place in order to decide how to cope with a very high demand for grants. High demand for the Vital Villages grant scheme is a feature of its success, but the Agency has reviewed its priorities and will ensure that those communities in most need receive support.