Exmoor National Park Authority

Exmoor was designated as a National Park  in 1954. Since then the co-ordination of work to achieve National Park purposes in the area has been undertaken by local government – first by the county councils and, since 1997, by a free-standing authority. The authority decides what measures can be taken to achieve these purposes, which are:

To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Parks and

To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Parks by the public

Like other public authorities it has a range of statutory duties and one of these is to foster the social and economic well-being of the local community. However, this is mainly the responsibility of the District and County Councils. The authority works in partnership with local councils, other public sector organisations and businesses to try to ensure a viable, vibrant and sustainable community. It does not have the range of responsibilities of such councils and is known as a ‘single purpose’ authority.

The money spent by the Authority comes from a variety of sources. About 80% comes as a direct grant from the Government. The amount depends upon the Government’s own priorities and their reaction to the Authority’s bid and performance. Of the remaining income about half comes from the District and County Councils represented on the Authority, although most of this also comes to them as a direct grant from Government. The remainder is made up from grants from other statutory bodies, including European funding, and self-generated income.

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Chairman:
• Mr John Dyke
Deputy Chairman:
• Miss Andrea Davis
• All members of the Authority