Archived decisions

Hampshire County Council Item 10

10 July 2008

Part 1 report:
Hampshire Sustainable Community Strategy and Local Area Agreement

Report of the Cabinet

A1. Hampshire will be a globally competitive environment for business growth and investment, where everyone has the opportunity to develop their skills and play a full part in the county's success.

A thriving economy is key to prosperity. On it depend jobs, pensions and the ability to tackle environmental and social problems. Economic success cannot be taken for granted, especially in the face of global competition. It can only be achieved in a sustainable way if people in Hampshire have the right skills. Everyone should be encouraged to maximise their skills, abilities and personal achievements in an inclusive approach to the county's prosperity.

It will also mean creating the right conditions through innovation and enterprise; the availability of land and property for development; and adequate housing with the supporting infrastructure. At the same time we must recognise the value of Hampshire's environment, cultural assets and quality of life.

A2. Hampshire provides excellent opportunities for children and young people.

In terms of sustainable communities, children and young people are the future of Hampshire. We must support all children and young people in Hampshire, including those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged, to have the best possible start in life and to develop to their full potential.

This will mean making sure that all children and young people can stay safe, be healthy, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic wellbeing.

A3. Infrastructure and services are developed to support economic and housing growth whilst protecting the environment and quality of life.

Providing modern infrastructure and services (ranging from transport, water and sewerage to business premises, educational facilities, cultural and community facilities, and communications technology) and improving town and country environments will be key to continued economic prosperity.

This will mean that new development must be underpinned by an adequate level of infrastructure, which is planned and delivered in a way that creates high-quality and safe environments, with good access to local services for all.

A4. Social and affordable housing needs are met, including provision to support rural communities.

This will help people to have a stake in their local community and so contribute towards social cohesion, personal wellbeing and independence, while supporting a flexible labour market.

It will mean ensuring that the current housing stock is in decent condition and in use; meeting the needs of vulnerable groups in an inclusive way and taking demographic changes into account. It also means increasing the amount of affordable housing, and addressing specific challenges on the needs of rural communities.

A5. Hampshire's communities are cohesive and inclusive and vulnerable people are safeguarded.

Economic growth in its own right does not bring prosperity to everyone in the county. Steps need to be taken to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and share in the benefits. It is also important to recognise that economic growth is leading to an increasingly diverse population across Hampshire, which brings particular challenges to ensure our communities are cohesive and inclusive.

This will mean tackling the risk factors for social exclusion; promoting equality of opportunity; supporting the needs of vulnerable groups and individuals; understanding and valuing diversity; and treating all people with respect.

A6. Hampshire and its partners will work to reduce inequalities in outcomes for residents according to individual need and through a focus on specific areas of multiple disadvantage.

While Hampshire remains a prosperous county, there are some striking inequalities across the County. There are pockets within the county where a combination of poor outcomes concentrate in terms of health, education, crime, skills, income, accommodation and quality of life. It should also be recognised that deprivation does not occur exclusively in these areas but is often masked alongside more affluent areas.

This means developing policies and the necessary infrastructure to help reduce inequalities whilst seeking to improve the overall wellbeing of residents, and where necessary focusing on those areas where there is a concentration of poor conditions.

A7. Hampshire's communities can feel safe and can expect not to suffer violence or antisocial behaviour, especially that caused by alcohol and drug misuse.

The prosperity of an area is affected by levels and perceptions of crime and antisocial behaviour, which often relate to alcohol and drug misuse.

This means we must understand and address all the factors that lead to alcohol and drug abuse so that everyone can be, and feel safer; individuals can take responsibility for their own health; and the huge burden on the criminal justice system, the police and hospitals can be relieved.

A8. Hampshire's residents can make choices to improve their health and wellbeing.

Personal circumstances can have a strong bearing on health and wellbeing: conversely the health of the population will affect the prosperity of the area and costs to public services. Lifestyle trends such as obesity and alcohol consumption present a major challenge for service providers, particularly in health and social care, while demographic change will require a shift in how we assess and support the health needs of an increasingly older and diverse population and the needs of carers.

This will mean developing radical preventative approaches by encouraging and supporting lifestyles that improve physical and mental wellbeing from an early age and throughout life. We must help older people stay independent for longer, have increased choice and control, and maintain personal dignity and respect. Voluntary service will be very important to promoting health and wellbeing with an ageing population.

A9. Hampshire's environment and cultural heritage is enjoyed and celebrated.

A healthy environment and opportunities for cultural and recreational activity are vital to the quality of life and the economy. While Hampshire has an envied environment and cultural heritage, both will be affected by climate change, demographics, growth in the economy and new development.

We must understand and accept the developing nature of Hampshire's culture and environment while seeking to preserve what we value. We should recognise the importance of Hampshire's environment and culture in contributing to the prosperity and wellbeing of everyone in the county.

A10. Hampshire is acclaimed for conserving and using natural resources more efficiently, and reducing and adapting to the effects of climate change.

Hampshire has a record of conserving and protecting the natural and built environment. However, new infrastructure and housing development may perpetuate unsustainable use of resources.

We must develop and implement resource-efficient private and public sector practices, ensuring that new development is resource efficient and encourages lifestyles that reduce consumption and waste.

It will mean making significant efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the UK target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 60% by 2050. It will also mean learning how changes to the climate will affect Hampshire, and planning to adapt business, public sector and personal practices.

A11. Hampshire's residents receive excellent public services and value for money

Hampshire is already served by high quality public services and a strong voluntary and community sector. A sustainable community is one where people are well served, have a say over decisions which affect them and are empowered to make improvements for themselves.

This will mean working together to ensure that continual improvement is made across public services, and that services are co-ordinated, accessible, responsive and provide value for money.

LINK(S) TO CORPORATE PRIORITIES

Yes

No

Hampshire safer and more secure for all

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Maximising well-being

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Enhancing our quality of place

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