Hampshire County Council

Recreation & Heritage Policy Review Committee Item 7

13 November 2003

Review of Community Support Service Strategy

Report to the Director of Recreation and Heritage

Contact: Margaret Plumridge Ext 6173

1 Introduction

1.1 The current Community Support Strategy was agreed by the Sport and Community Panel on 15^th June 1999. A review of this strategy has taken place. The proposals for the future are outlined in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2. It is intended that this document be sent out for consultation to those organisations and interested parties who may be affected by the changes.

2 Background

2.1 There are over 100 community associations and 300 village halls in Hampshire providing facilities and services to support local communities. They may define their activity in one or more of the following ways:-

· Providing services, facilities and resources for other community and voluntary organisations

· Providing a range of services in the fields of education and learning, recreation and leisure and social welfare

· As a premises manager

· As an active partner working to promote, develop, sustain and support its local community and volunteering initiatives

2.2 With appropriate asset management many of these organisations have the means to provide for themselves. However, it must be recognised that in some areas additional support will be required, especially in areas with high deprivation indicators or where there is substantial provision of services by the organisation concerned.

2.3 Often it is not only financial support that is required but also practical advice and assistance about issues surrounding service provision and management.

3 Hampshire County Council's Role in supporting these organisations

3.1 It is the county council's strategy:-

· To maintain the quality of Hampshire's cultural assets

· To facilitate new development opportunities to enable local communities access to the services and facilities they need

3.2 The buildings owned by some of these organisations are of historic importance to Hampshire. They include Victorian schools, reading rooms and listed buildings such as Merchistoun Hall, Horndean. These buildings often have high maintenance costs and financial assistance is needed to enable them to function effectively.

3.3 Additionally many buildings are in need of refurbishment and modernisation including compliance with legislation such as the Disability Discrimination Act. This will enable these facilities to fulfil their potential in the delivery of services and activities.

3.4 Consequently it is appropriate that support be given to maintain and develop these capital assets.

3.5 Additionally to maintaining these physical assets, Hampshire County Council's Corporate Strategy also makes a commitment to:-

· Ensuring that the community plays a central role in shaping our services

· That participation in local issues and activities is encouraged

3.6 Community Associations and Village Hall Trusts play a major role in the delivery of services and encourage participation in local activity. It is important therefore that the county council works in partnership with these organisations, providing advice, support and encouragement to the volunteers and managing trustees so that these organisations are able to effectively carry out this function.

3 Supporting local community organisations - outcomes

4.1 It should be noted that the Community Support Service does not provide any direct provision to the people of Hampshire. The benefit to the public is through the County Council's support to these other organisations that are providing services in the form of recreational, educational and social activities. These local organisations are able to bring local knowledge to their activities. This is advantageous as it ensures local provision meets local need.

4.2 However, it is essential when providing support through a secondary organisation that these organisations are able to demonstrate that they are:-

· Operating within the legal framework governing that organisation

· That they have strategies for reviewing their activity against local need

· That they operate to appropriate managerial and businesslike standards

· That any financial assistance demonstrates value for money

4.3 Providing advice and support to enable them to review their current practices and develop the above activities is therefore a key aim for the community support service.

4.4 The outcomes for the Community Support Service from 2004 outlined below include not only financial support but also reflect this enabling function:

i) The maintenance and enhancement of Hampshire's network of community facilities

ii) The development of local facilities enabling local communities to access the services and facilities they need

iii) Enabling organisations to be more effective at achieving their aims and objectives

iv) Enabling organisations to play a central role in the delivery of services

v) To develop our activities in these local communities through their community organisations

5.0 The Process

5.1 The above outcomes can be achieved by :-

i) The continued provision of financial support through both a capital and revenue programme

ii) An increase in the provision of advice and support through increased staffing. enabling organisations to further develop their business activities as outlined in paragraph 4.4

The implications of this activity can be found in Appendix 2

5.2 The major change from the previous strategy is a greater emphasis on staff support. It is intended that Hampshire County Council should become more pro active in supporting and advising these organisations and should encourage them to increase the provision of services and activities within their communities as appropriate. To achieve this the staff will work in specific localities and districts, establishing networks and partnerships with the organisations in those areas and ensuring that current provision is reviewed and new activities considered.

Recommendation

That members support the following proposal and submit it to the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage for his consideration.

1) That the document "Expanding and Strengthening our Support to Community Organisations" which contains proposals for a new community support strategy is consulted upon in preparation for its adoption in April 2004.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE LOCATION