Defra investment in ACRE Network

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed that it will maintain its £2.3million investment in the ACRE Network for 2015/16.

Defra made £700,000 worth of loan funding available to communities. The money is available through the Rural Community Buildings Loan Fund, which plays a major role in helping to refurbish village and church halls as well as community centres.

It is managed by ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), the national voice for England’s network of 38 rural community councils, on behalf of Defra.

Two of our members, Chief Executive of Community Lincs, Fiona White, and Chief Executive of Rural Action Derbyshire, Sylvia Green said:

“This is great news for our organisation and the nationwide ACRE Network of rural community councils and we would like to thank everyone who showed their support for rural communities and the work we do by signing the online petition or writing to Defra. The level of support we have received from our partner agencies has been extraordinary and very gratifying. We could not have achieved this without their help – thank you.”