Budget availability versus demand for a particular theme being developed Whether the EOI covers more than one theme Selection of EOI’s for submission to the LAG The selection process will require the following criteria to be considered; Extent to which projects contributes to achievement of the LDS and complements other activities and initiatives; That the EOI is in line with the specific themes criteria; Extent to which the EOI responds to identified need and is supported by evidence of prospective demand; Inclusion of realistic and measurable milestones and targets associated with Performance Indicators ; The project selection will use the following techniques; Use an averaging scoring process which is theme specific and weighted by the LDS and WG priorities which will; Be robust and consistent in its use; be approved by the LAG before use ; be quantitative; and have a minimum project acceptance threshold score agreed Have a methodology to rank EOI’s where multiple EOI’s for the same theme may be considered; Have a mechanism for deferring EOI’s even if the threshold score is achieved; Have a mechanism for project approvals containing caveats; Have a mechanism for rejection or recommendations for resubmission of EOI’s; and Have a mechanism for recording as evidence the decisions that have been reached 2.1.8 Declaration and Management of Conflict of Interest In line with the LAG Terms of Reference the LAG will seek to reach agreement on recommendations by discussion and consensus. LAG members with any personal or financial interest in a matter being discussed, must declare that interest and will not be entitled to vote on that item. This written declaration will be included in the minutes of the meeting to demonstrate non-discrimination and transparency. DELIVERY Description of the Strategy and hierarchy of objectives How can the LAG improve the area? A mild expansion of the economy is taking place in the Vale of Usk area as population growth is causing growth in the labour force. However planning policies are restrictive as the environment and landscape are important and need protecting. The area is comfortable but not rich: unemployment and deprivation are low but wages and incomes are relatively low and there are small pockets of
and visitors (3) Environment and lifestyle is a strong attraction for businesses and investment (3) Tourism experience is of the right quality and range due to investment to date (3) Unique identity – location (2) Strong social enterprise environment (2) Physical heritage/cultural assets (churches, castles, museums) (2) Good examples of community hubs and facilities (2) Enhanced walking and cycling provision but need for maintenance (2) Strong social capital (2) Recognition of need to change in terms of local service delivery (2) Local produce becoming more visible and known (2) Strong brands in food and cycling (2) High number of micro enterprises and businesses being run from home (2) Diversity of business across territory (2) Some digital experience e.g. Wikipedia, WIFI towns, community broadband (2) Commitment from communities to renewables (2) (3) Interest from groups and communities in digital infrastructure (3) Opportunities for developing/extending community transport (3) Use of underused land for pollination and local enterprise ideas (3) Sustainability of rural services, halls and buildings – local service delivery is key to viability (3) Greater use of social media and communications within communities (3) Develop local enterprise hubs – extension of village hall (3) Key strategic trails need to be supported through rural support e.g. Wales Coastal Path (3) Untapped leisure and tourism clusters e.g. St Pierre area, lakes, Wales Coastal Path, etc. (3) Support green vehicles and community transport (3) More promotion of good practice, showcase and development studies on renewable projects (3) Improve digital infrastructure and access for small businesses (3) Extend farm/agri diversification and sustainability (3) More mapping, community visioning support (3) Bring back tradition e.g. orchards on levels (2) Small renewable demonstration projects on village halls and community buildings (2) More co-ordinated approach to