English National Parks' reaction to four year settlement

Monday 20.12.10

England’s National Parks [1] have learnt today (Monday) that their settlement will see a reduction of 21.5% over the next four years, with a 5.4% reduction in 2011/12.  This amounts to a projected reduction of 28.5% over the four years when allowing for inflation.       

The ten National Park Authorities (NPAs) will receive £53.6m in 2011/12.    

John Riddle (Chair of the English National Park Authorities Association, ENPAA [2]) said:

“We recognise that all sections of the public sector are facing significant cuts to address the budget deficit, and National Park Authorities are playing their part.  The settlement is certainly challenging and requires difficult decisions to be made, but we have plans in place to manage the cuts.”

John Riddle added:

“National Park Authorities work closely with local communities and a host of other organisations.  Many discussions have already taken place and more will follow over how to protect services; work with local partners to make savings and undertake activity even more efficiently; and to do things differently in future.  The cuts will inevitably require other activities to stop or be scaled back across the National Park family.”

“Despite the challenges ahead National Parks will continue to be exemplars for sustainable development, rich in biodiversity and offer unparalleled opportunities for relaxation, enjoyment and improved well being.  And through the dynamism of local communities and the support of National Park Authorities they will also remain living landscapes that deliver a green economy in practice.”