LUC Options Appraisal to improve financial sustainability for Cannock Chase AONB
Those organisations responsible for managing AONBs and discharging the responsibilities imposed upon them in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 are – in common with other bodies managing public open space – mindful of the need to manage increased pressures on the AONB with the potential of reduced public funding.
Cannock Chase AONB is no exception and, unlike a park which might be managed by a single council, is managed by the five local authorities within whose land the AONB is situated. Currently over 75% of the AONB’s budget for running the AONB and carrying out projects is provided by Defra, 23% provided by the local authorities with a small amount provided from monies earned by the AONB. While the Defra funding applies to 2019, barring unforeseen fallout from Brexit, there is no guarantee that the funding will be available after 2019. In addition the local authority contribution is under immense pressure as local authorities are forced to cut or rearrange budgets to cope with changing demands.
Many AONBs have already looked into running schemes to allow them to access sources of funding not accessible to the current AONB units, sponsorship, links with businesses, donations for example, and hence provide increased funds to help cope with increased pressures on their AONBs or alternative funding should the current grants be reduced or cut.
Cannock Chase AONB had already reviewed their management structure as a start in this process but felt that it would be useful to undertake an appraisal of the available mechanisms for improving their financial sustainability and in late 2016 let out a contract for this purpose.
To bid for and win the contract, LUC teamed up with:
Robert Deane, a former Director of LUC and now Director of his own consultancy, Rural Focus, Principal author of the LUC reports for Defra on ‘Maximising the Revenues for Protected Landscapes’ in 2014, and the report on the ‘Value of AONB Partnerships’ published in July 2013.
David Dixon, an environmental professional specialising in protected landscapes, research, project delivery and evaluation. He was 8 years as AONB Manager Blackdown Hills. He is currently a researcher and author of ‘New Funding Mechanisms for South Devon AONB Partnerships’.
The project involved 3 stages:
