Powys LEADER evaluation

Client​

Powys County Council​

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Objective

Catalys were commissioned to undertake an evaluation of the 2014-2022 Powys LEADER programme.  The programme was delivered county-wide and supported 68 projects, plus two small grant schemes, with widespread benefits across Powys.  The programme engaged over 5000 stakeholders and supported over 9000 participants, which in a large, sparsely populated county such as Powys is significant result.  With 44 new networks established, 40 feasibility studies and over 90 pilot activities undertaken the programme has established a substantial legacy.  LEADER is however not just about its projects, but it is also about the process of community development, the capacity built and the foundation it lays for the future.  In this regard the programme can be seen to have had an impact in a number of diverse ways:

• Provided a space for engagement between private, public and voluntary sectors, building significant social capital in the process.

• Established a bank of feasibility work, which could have significant longer term effects, which has already in fact begun.

• Enabled communities to equip themselves for remote working during the pandemic through the community venue digital fund, with 50 grants of maximum £4k.  A very small outlay of £122k has therefore led to the digital inclusion of 50 communities across rural Powys.

• Influenced the important NRW People and Places programme[1]

• Undertook the initial risk-funding of the stage 1 feasibility of the Home Grown Homes project, which is now influencing national programmes and is now into its 2nd £1.5M follow on project, i.e., the Leader programme’s £90k investment has led to £3m further funding and a positive policy initiative.

• Crickhowell Corn Market feasibility has unlocked a mixed use development which is bringing life back to the town.

• Black Mountain College – the feasibility work has prepared the ground for potentially very positive work in future.

• Bronllys Wellbeing Park – although the idea has met with some issues due to a lack of access to the land needed, the feasibility studies are a very significant body of evidence of needs and viability.

 

[1] as stated by the NRW representative.​