§ Mr. FlightTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to make an announcement about the future structure and funding of the successor body to the Sussex Downs Conservation Board. [94463]
§ Mr. MullinMy right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 29 September that he was asking the Countryside Agency to consider, in consultation with the local authorities concerned, designating a National Park in the South Downs. In the event of a National Park designation being confirmed, a South Downs National Park Authority could be expected to become the successor body to the Sussex Downs Conservation Board. Arrangements for the structure and funding of National Park Authorities are laid down in the Environment Act 1995. Almost three-quarters of the membership are made up of local councillors, including parish representatives. Current funding arrangements provide for 75% of core budgets to come direct from central Government, with the remaining 25% coming from constituent local authorities, compensated through the revenue support grant.
I met the hon. Member as part of a delegation from East and West Sussex and Hampshire on 12 October. As I indicated then, the Countryside Agency will liaise closely with all the local authorities across the South Downs to ensure that any recommendations it makes for a National Park properly take into account the particular characteristics of the area. I also indicated that Ministers would place importance on there being a smooth transition from the Sussex Downs Conservation Board to a successor body.