Natural England’s core funding level for the next financial year (2007-08) has been set at £169.53 million, an increase of £6.4 million (4 per cent.) on the equivalent core funding level in the current year. This increase will enable Natural England to strengthen the delivery of its strategic direction and reflects the importance which the Government attach to this area. Natural England also receives further Government funding in addition to this core funding amount.
However, it must be for Natural England to consider any extension to the Access Management Grant Scheme, and the priority that should be allocated to this work as part of its overall corporate planning process.