£17 million boost for rural and coastal areas

A multi-million-pound investment is set to protect the North East’s unique rural and coastal landscapes while supporting sustainable growth and addressing key challenges facing rural communities.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness and the North East Combined Authority’s leaders are set to approve, at a cabinet meeting on November 26, a £17 million Environmental Stewardship, Coast, and Rural Growth Investment Plan aimed at safeguarding over 3,000 square miles of diverse landscapes, including Northumberland National Park and over 500km of coastline.

Mayor McGuinness said: “When I was elected mayor I promised to represent and invest in all places across our great North East.

“We are making good on that promise, using our devolved powers and investment fund to back our rural villages, market towns and coastal communities. 

“I live in a rural town and know first-hand the North East’s beauty makes our region one of the best places in the world to live, work and visit. However, that beauty must be nurtured and protected, now and for future generations. 

“From Berwick to Barnard Castle, we will ensure no place in the North East is overlooked and left behind, and that we create opportunity for all areas across our region.” 

The plan will attract investment to support farming, food production and tourism businesses, protect landscapes from climate change, and tackle issues such as affordable housing and digital exclusion.

This initiative will be led by the Environmental Stewardship, Coast, and Rural Taskforce, with the formal launch of the investment plan scheduled for December. The plan aligns with the Combined Authority’s devolved powers and reflects the importance of the region’s visitor economy and natural resources.

Cllr Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council and cabinet member for environment, coastal and rural at the North East Combined Authority, added: "This Investment Plan, the first developed by a Combined Authority, sets out a fresh approach to investing in our unique natural environmental, economic and cultural assets. 

"There are strong interdependencies between the North East’s rural and coastal areas and neighbouring urban population and business centres.  

"This ambitious plan recognises this and many of our ambitions will benefit the entire region, including accelerating the transition to net-zero through investment in natural assets, supporting local nature recovery, building resilience to climate change impacts, and improving people’s health and wellbeing." 

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