What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the process of allocating funding for the integrated natural resources scheme, following complaints by applicants in South Wales East?
An independent Lessons Learned Review of the first Integrated Natural Resources Scheme (INRS) application window has been completed. The review examined governance, communication, appraisal processes, scheme design and delivery. Its finding will inform the subsequent development of the Scheme.
In response to the issues identified, the Welsh Government has strengthened internal governance arrangements, clarified roles and responsibilities across delivery teams, and improved communication with applicants. These improvements will help shape the design and operation of future application windows.
The first fifteen INRS projects are moving into delivery on the ground. A further six projects are scheduled for final review imminently. These early projects are enabling us to test, refine and improve our delivery systems for future funding windows.
We remain committed to embedding the learning from the independent review and to ensuring that INRS is transparent, outcome‑focused and accessible to applicants across Wales.