To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the grant aid settlements given to the Cotswolds Conservation Boards by Natural England were in each of the last five years for which figures are available; what recent discussions he has had with Natural England about the level of these grants; and if he will make a statement. (143695)

The Cotswolds Conservation Board was established in December 2004. Responsibility for its funding initially lay with the Countryside Agency but, since its creation, lies with Natural England. The funding is as follows:

The figures represent total funding for core (administrative) costs, specific projects and the Sustainable Development Fund. However, the 2004-05 figures do not include the Sustainable Development Fund (created in June 2005) nor one-off set-up costs for the board which were met by the Countryside Agency. The reduction in funding from 2006-07 to 2007-08 is attributable to a reduction in support for specific projects. There has been no reduction in core funding.

I have not had any discussion with Natural England about this matter.