A.108 Regional Growth Fund - The Government will increase the Regional Growth Fund for England by £1 billion, plus Barnett consequentials for the devolved administrations, and extend it into 2014-15 to provide ongoing support to grow the private sector in areas currently dependent on the public sector. The Regional Growth Fund has already allocated £1.4 billion to 169 projects supporting an estimated 325,000 jobs.10 (d)
A.109 Enterprise Zones: 100 per cent enhanced capital allowances - Following applications from LEPs, the Government announces 100 per cent capital allowances will be made available in the Black Country, Humber, Liverpool, North Eastern, Sheffield and Tees Valley Enterprize Zones.
A.110 Enterprise Zones: additional locations - The Government will be approving proposals from the Lancashire and Humber LEPs to form Enterprise Zones, and will consider an Enterprise Zone in Battersea linked to the redevelopment of the power station. Subject to due diligence, the Government will expand the existing Enterprise Zone in the North East to include land around the Port of Blyth, encouraging business investment in the renewables industry. Enterprise Zones are a key part of Government's commitment to deliver TIF.
A.111 Rural broadband - The Government will support rural broadband by:
• opening the £20 million Rural Community Broadband Fund to help ensure more rural homes and businesses receive superfast broadband. If it is successful the Government will consider extending it;
• working closely with North Yorkshire County Council, one of the pilot areas for superfast broadband rollout, to ensure businesses and consumers get greatest benefit from the new service and to allow other local areas to learn from this experience; and
• considering new approaches to make the roadside telecommunications network available to enable points of access for third party services such as broadband for rural businesses.
A.112 Rural Growth Networks - The Government will provide approximately £15 million to fund up to six pilot Rural Growth Networks to demonstrate how local authorities and LEPs can use the planning regime and targeted infrastructure investment to support economic growth in rural areas. This includes £2 million over the next three years to support rural enterprises led by women, particularly in Rural Growth Networks.
A.113 Farming Regulation Task Force - The Government accepts a number of recommendations of the task force and will:
• consult on exempting organic farmers from regulations controlling the use of nitrate-based fertilisers; and
• recognise third-party certification schemes such as the Red Tractor in its inspection regime to reduce compliance burdens on agricultural businesses.
A.114 Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) - The Government will invest £100 million from the RDPE to help small businesses improve their skills, facilities and competitiveness.
A.115 Rural tourism - The Government will commit £25 million to promote rural tourism, including a new £10 million fund within the RDPE to develop rural tourism destinations.
A.116 Food and drink - The Government will launch a food and drink export action plan in January 2012, including development of a cross-Government strategy on removing animal health trade barriers in key markets such as China and Russia; regional road-shows for prospective exporters; a food and drink business ambassador; and steps to reduce blockages to UK food exports. In addition a summit will be held in March 2012 to boost innovation in small agri-food businesses.
A.117 Rural Community Renewable Energy Fund - The Government will launch a £15 million Rural Community Renewable Energy Fund to help communities meet the upfront cost of developing renewable projects.
A.118 Rural employment - The Forestry Commission England, working with private companies, will offer 45 training opportunities for new forestry apprentices.
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10 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills estimate.