Archived decisions

1.

Summary

1.1

Background

The rural areas of Hampshire, with their countryside, villages and market towns, are a key part of the County's character which is highly valued by the vast majority of the residents of Hampshire. A MORI survey undertaken for the County Council in 1999 indicated that 98% of residents felt that the Countryside was important to their quality of life in the County.

With the planned level of development in Hampshire over the next 20 years, major changes in agriculture and the expectation of the designation of a second national park, it is of vital importance that the County Council protects and enhances the rural environment, its economy and its communities. Hampshire County Council is uniquely placed through its delivery of services and the management of its assets to influence the shaping of Hampshire's rural areas and their links to urban areas.

This document highlights the key issues and opportunities faced by Hampshire County Council in supporting rural communities and areas. Such a consideration is timely when considering those changes faced by such communities. It also follows on from the successful Rural Pathfinder Programme which was an innovative government initiative to identify obstacles and find ways of streamlining rural delivery by all levels of government to make it more efficient, effective, customer focused and locally accountable. Equally relevant are emerging developments such as the Hampshire Senate, Hampshire Rural Forum and Central Hampshire Conference.

2.

Issues

2.1

Challenges

The main challenge for rural policy and service delivery in Hampshire is to maintain thriving and sustainable rural communities in the face of increasing urban focus by national Government. The continuing drive for centralisation and rationalisation of public and private services is generally to the disadvantage of rural communities. There is a balance to be struck between competing needs, for example between people living and working in the countryside and visitors or tourists. Sustainable rural communities need employment, housing and services in order to prosper and thrive. At the same time the countryside itself, including rural towns and villages, has a special and distinctive character which helps define the identity of a rural county like Hampshire. It also contributes to quality of life more widely, including vital linkages with more urban settlements, as well as supporting recreation and tourism.

An integrated and sustainable approach is needed which encourages investment and provides affordable housing, support for local businesses and employment, access to communications technology and basic services for people living in rural areas. Good accessibility is one of the keys to maintaining sustainable rural communities. This can be achieved through new service delivery models including the multi-use of buildings, more flexible transport solutions and the use of communications technology.

There is an opportunity to improve service delivery and the targeting of resources at a time when costs are going up and our ability to meet them declining. Additionally, this agenda is potentially so wide that any potential increased demand upon resources must be evidence-based and prioritised.

2.2

Opportunities

It is envisaged that the early interventions highlighted in Appendix 3 will enable the County Council to make an immediate positive impact within existing programme resources or for a modest investment, and that these will help raise community capacity in rural areas. In addition, there is a substantial list of additional projects, service developments and ideas which could form the basis of a medium to long term action plan at a later date. This would require a thorough prioritisation and business case approach both within and across Departments.

The recommendations drawn from this assessment seek to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery in rural areas, including a focus upon working with external partners and organisations. A consultation and communication strategy focussing upon genuine service improvement and targeting of existing resources and programmes in rural areas will also be developed.

The proposed development of a draft Rural Delivery Strategy would look to "rural proof" (see Appendix 4 - `Rural Proofing') our services in rural areas. There is also an opportunity to agree a number of immediate and achievable early interventions (see Appendix 3) in advance of a more structured, costed and prioritised action plan in the final strategy.

3

Context

3.1

Supporting papers

This document and accompanying appendices outline how the County Council can improve its service delivery in supporting rural communities and areas, and may work more effectively with its partners. It summarises the key issues and is supported by a number of background papers;

Appendix 1 - Proposed outline of a draft Rural Delivery Strategy for consultation

Appendix 2 - A proposed timeline and next steps for assembling the draft strategy for wider consultation

Appendix 3 - Early interventions

Appendix 4 - The wider policy context

Appendix 5 - Rural profile of Hampshire

Appendix 6 - Work stream reports on;

a. Affordable housing

b. Transport and Accessibility

c. Economy, employment and skills

d. Farming and forestry

e. Green Infrastructure and Environment

f. Children's Services

g. Adult Social Care

h. Community, Leisure and Culture

The wider policy context is set out in Appendix 4 which highlights not only the national and regional context but also the direct link to the Sustainable Community Strategy and Local Area Agreement. This assessment is also supported by a socio-economic rural profile under development by the Environment Department (see Appendix 5).

The work stream reports set in context the current service delivery to rural areas and communities and the service delivery issues and opportunities faced by all Departments of the Authority.

3.2

Timelines/next steps

If Cabinet agree, a draft Rural Delivery Strategy will be produced over the summer with an external consultation phase over the late summer/autumn to include a symposium/workshop within the consultation phase. This could be linked to the "launch" of the Hampshire Rural Forum (see separate agenda item). The consultation on a draft strategy will provide the opportunity to strengthen existing arrangements with partners and build in specific actions for longer-term development.

4.

Conclusion

The recommendations seek to ensure that the very significant and positive role currently played by Hampshire County Council is more widely understood and to enhance the effectiveness of these services in the future through the preparation and adoption of a cohesive Rural Delivery Strategy.

The quality and viability of our rural areas and communities is critical to the future social, economic and environmental success of Hampshire. This is recognised in both the Sustainable Community Strategy and the Local Area Agreement. A Rural Delivery Strategy could help to `rural proof' our rurally focussed services in line with existing commitments and performance targets. Any such approach needs to be based on an appropriate vision or ambition for the County Council's role. Within a regional context we are looking to develop `rural communities that are resilient and sustainable socially, economically and environmentally". The challenge when faced with such a wide agenda is to develop an approach that is evidence-based, targeted and which maximises effective partnership working. It is crucial that any such strategy is focused on outcomes.