National Park funding boost 

22 December 2006

The Council for National Parks (1) has welcomed the government's continued commitment to ensuring a strong funding base for the English National Parks with its confirmation of the National Park Grant levels for 2007/08, which include increases for inflation (2).

In welcoming the announcement, Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy at the Council for National Parks, said "this is a welcome Christmas present for the National Parks.  It had been feared that the government's spending review might have affected the amount of money available for the Parks but Barry Gardiner, the Government's Landscape Minister, worked hard to secure this funding settlement which takes account of inflation and should be congratulated."

Ruth added: "The Parks provide tremendous value for money and as people head off to enjoy their spectacular landscapes and tranquillity over the holiday period they will do so knowing that the government remains committed to supporting our finest landscapes."

Government funding is essential to maintain and enhance the Parks' landscapes, bringing benefits to wildlife, cultural heritage and people's health and well being.   In addition, new research published by the Council for National Parks (3) shows that National Parks are not just wonderful places to visit: they bring prosperity for businesses in and around them and for the regions in which they are found.

Notes to editors
1. The Council for National Parks is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales, and areas that merit National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.
2. The funding allocations for each Authority are as follows:

Broads Authority                                           4,126,763
Dartmoor                                                        4,521,078
Exmoor                                                          3,793,578
Lake District                                                   6,606,508
New Forest                                                    3,713,810
Northumberland                                             3,155,757
North York Moors                                          5,179,335
Peak District                                                   7,923,294
Yorkshire Dales                                            5,150,942
Discretionary fund (to be allocated later)      67,993
Total                                                              44,239,058

3. The Prosperity and Protection report was launched in Harrogate on 11 December 2006.  It looked at the economic impact of the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Peak District National Parks on Yorkshire and Humber, the English region with the highest proportion of its land designated as National Park.  More information can be found at www.cnp.org.uk  The project estimated that sales by all businesses in the Parks are worth £1.8 billion annually, supporting over 34,000  jobs and around £576 million of Gross Value Added; and that visitors to the Parks spend £440 million in the Parks and £260 million in the region, supporting about 12,000 jobs.  With 'knock on' effects, the total impact of spend by visitors to the Parks is likely to be almost £1 billion.

Contact: Ruth Chambers on 020 7924 4077 ext. 222

 

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222