RURAL CORNWALL AND THE ISLES OF SCILLY PARTNERSHIP (RCP)
The Rural Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Partnership (RCP) gives vital public sector support to a wide range of economic community development projects in rural areas of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The Partnership includes all the sub-regional local authorities plus the voluntary and private sector.
Situated on the periphery of Europe and Great Britain, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly form a predominantly rural area with a distinct cultural identity. As the region with the lowest GDP per capita in Britain, the communities and people living within the area experience significant disadvantage in terms of services and opportunities. In recognition of the needs of the area, the Rural Development Commission in 1994, designated 93% of Cornwall and all of the Isles of Scilly as being a Rural Priority Area (RPA). In 1999 Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were designated as an Objective One area, in recognition that Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are one of the regions most in need of support within the European Union.
VISION
The vision statement for rural areas reflects the aspirations of different rural communities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, to work towards:
“A sound, sustainable economy and communities that acknowledge and safeguard the high quality of the natural and cultural environment.”
The Main Aim of the Partnership is:
“To contribute to the development of a sustainable
and enhanced rural economy and to assist in maintaining and
enhancing the well-being of our rural communities, whilst achieving
an equitable balance between the competing interests for Cornwall’s
rural resources.”
FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD
The functions of The Board are, within the aim outlined above, to determine strategy for any programmes under its influence and control; acting as the funding delivery body for the area’s Sub Regional Partnership; to bid for (as the Accountable Body for the RCP, Cornwall Enterprise bids for funding on their behalf.) and deliver any funding programmes agreed by The Board or take any action relating to the aim.