Member Event: Rural Development Strategy Consultation

Norfolk County Council has pleasure in inviting you to attend a consultation event on the Rural Development Strategy for Norfolk 2013-2020

With new EU funding programmes starting in 2014, constraints on public spending and rapid changes in the rural economy and communities, the strategy will be used to focus growth programmes so they benefit rural businesses and communities whilst delivering a healthy environment. As part of the strategy development process 3 events are planned to consult businesses, community groups and other stakeholders on the priorities for rural development and how funding programmes could be used to deliver positive change for rural areas.

Each event will include:

· A welcome from a County Council Cabinet member

· A chance to individually rank your priorities for rural development in Norfolk

· Facilitated discussions on how your priorities could be delivered

You will also be told how you can feed into the development of the strategy after the event.

The three events will be held at:

· 24th May – Santon Downham Village Hall, Brandon, IP27 0TL

· 7th June – Knights Hill Hotel, Kings Lynn, PE30 3HQ

· 14th June – Anglia Farmers, Honingham Thorpe, Norwich, NR9 5BZ

Each event will be structured as follows:

8.00-8.15 Arrival, coffee and light breakfast

8.15-10.30 Consultation on the Norfolk Rural Development Strategy

10.30-11.00 Coffee and networking

11.00-12.30 OPTIONAL – opportunity to stay to discuss the proposed boundaries for Local Action Groups for the 2014-2020 period with County Council staff[1]

To reserve a place at one of the events please contact: eds@norfolk.gov.uk confirming which event you would like to attend.

You will be sent a copy of the draft strategy and questions to be discussed in advance of the event to allow you to consult colleagues and think about the issues you wish to discuss.

Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. If demand exceeds the spaces available the Council reserves the right to limit organisations to one place at each event.