Archived decisions

REPORT OF THE

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Recreation and Heritage

PART II

A NEW CULTURAL STRATEGY FOR HAMPSHIRE

1. The existing cultural strategy "Enjoying Hampshire" is now four years old and needs to be reviewed and updated. The Executive Member has therefore approved the preparation of a new document which will be the subject of extensive consultations during the rest of this year. It is expected that the final draft would then be reviewed by the Culture and Communities Select Committee and adopted by the Executive Member in early 2008.

2. There will be many opportunities for elected members to express their views on the cultural strategy over the next few weeks and their contributions will be welcomed. The cultural strategy was the subject of a recent members' briefing and it is hoped also to arrange a seminar on the subject. The opportunity will also be taken to reinforce the links between the cultural strategy and the plans of other County Council departments. The draft document will be the subject of discussions with partners, other local authorities, government agencies and cultural institutions. Copies of the consultation draft have been placed in the members' rooms. It can also be viewed at www3.hants.gov.uk/cultural-strategy-consultation.htm.

3. A new cultural strategy will contribute to all the corporate priorities, making Hampshire safer and more secure for all, maximising wellbeing and enhancing our quality of place. The approach will also fit in well with the approach advocated in the Government White Paper "strong and prosperous communities", which will involve the production of new sustainable community strategies.

MARGARET SNAITH

Executive Member
Recreation and Heritage