Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage Item 2

26 May 2005

Access to Countryside Service Sites for Hampshire County Council Cared for Children

Report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage

Contact: John Tickle extn. 6000 e-mail:[email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

i. That the Countryside Service continues to give free access to Hampshire County Council foster carers and children's homes.

ii. That access arrangements are changed to make them more cost-effective for everyone.

iii. That consideration be given to the production of an informative Countryside Service leaflet in support of the initiative.

iv. That the offer is kept under review through liaison with Social Services staff and the Hampshire Foster Carer's network.

 2. Reason

2.1 This initiative is in direct support of Hampshire County Council's role and responsibility as a `corporate parent'. As such it is in full accord with corporate objectives in relation to this group.

2.2 It also forms part of the wider Recreation and Heritage Department commitment to provide ongoing support to children and carers.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected.

To cancel the arrangements developed through the pilot - rejected as it was a successful pilot and to do so would lose the benefits accrued.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted.

None.

5. Dispensation by the Standards Committee

Not applicable.

6. Reasons for the matter being dealt with if urgent.

Not applicable.

7. Impact Assessment

7.1 This proposal is purposefully targeted at a specific and limited group identified as a key priority for action and support by Hampshire County Council. Within that group efforts have been made to allow ease of access to as many potential users as possible. This has been done through consultation with those users and the professionals supporting them.

Other customer groups are unaffected by this action and may be covered by separate concession regimes.

Approved by: Date:

................................. ...................................

Councillor Mrs M Snaith