HC Deb 30 April 2004 vol 420 c1345W
Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will set out the(a) proposed role and (b) level of funding planned for the Cotswold Conservation Board; whether it will be liable for VAT; and if she will make a statement. [166895]

Mr. Bradshaw

The information requested is as follows:

  1. (a) The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 states that the two purposes of a Conservation Board are:
    1. (i) conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area of outstanding natural beauty, and
    2. (ii) increasing the understanding and enjoyment by the public of the special qualities of the area of outstanding natural beauty.
    • Additionally, a Conservation Board, while having regard to these purposes, should seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the area, but without incurring significant expenditure.
  2. (b) If created, the Cotswolds AONB Conservation Board would receive Countryside Agency funding to meet 80 per cent. of its core costs. This compares to a 75 per cent. contribution in AONBs managed by local authorities, which can reclaim their VAT payments. The increased contribution is to offset the Boards not being able to reclaim their VAT payments.