Defra's Rural Social and Community Programme is a Government response to the Haskins' report and the subsequent publication of Defra's 5-year Rural Strategy, which commits to supporting sustainable rural communities and to tackling rural social exclusion wherever it occurs. 

The Programme runs until March 2008 and consists of an element for core funding of Rural Community Councils in recognition of their pivotal role in supporting the rural voluntary and community sector and a "flexible fund" aimed at tackling issues of rural social exclusion and community capacity building, through locally determined projects that reflect local needs.

Defra devolved responsibility for the "flexible fund" to sub regional partnerships, subject to the preparation of a business case for the proposed investment to be submitted to Government Offices for approval.  The programme comprises revenue funding only and aims to kick start projects that identify and address unmet needs or explore new ways of working together for the benefit of rural communities.

The Northumberland Programme consists of seven project areas:

• Developing Community Transport
• Enabling Affordable Rural Housing
• Community Buildings
• Developing the Role of Parish Councils
• Rural Volunteering
• Advice and Policy
• Rural Voices

Click here for more information on Defra's Rural Social and Community Programme in Northumberland.