Archived decisions

Appendix 1

HAMPSHIRE RURAL DELIVERY STRATEGY

EARLY INTERVENTIONS UPDATE

This Appendix updates Members on progress with implementing the Early Interventions as set out in Appendix 3 of the report to Cabinet on 7 July 2008. The early interventions are shown in bold and were achievable within available resources and by placing additional focus on the specific issues in relation to rural areas.

All Early Interventions are currently underway, or have been achieved.

1) Utilise the forthcoming Rural Transport Pilot initiatives to develop models for cost-effective access to key services in rural areas.

    Update: Two areas selected for the pilots: Denmead; plus Wickham, Shedfield and Swanmore. `Before' surveys undertaken to establish baseline for public's awareness of existing services and information sources. Information leaflets have been produced in conjunction with parish councils and circulated to each household. Follow-up public surveys have been undertaken to determine the effectiveness of each leaflet. Denmead data currently being analysed. Planning a similar programme in the Basingstoke area. Further details are in the Report to the Environment and Transportation Select Committee dated 20 Jan 09.

2) Utilise the forthcoming Review of Community Transport and Demand Responsive Services to inform future service delivery arrangements to maximise the effectiveness of service delivery in rural areas.

    Update: Report to Environment and Transportation Select Committee 20 Jan 09 recommended options for consultants to take forward. These include:

    · Using taxis or a `taxi-card' scheme to fill gaps in existing service coverage and address inequality.

    · Establishing a volunteer champion to recruit, train and deploy volunteers for community transport schemes.

    · Set up a non-profit company to tender for public transport contracts, reinvesting profits into other community transport services.

    · Develop a toolkit for monitoring, managing and developing different types of transport services.

    · Using other HCC staff, e.g. Adult Services to provide transport information.

Longer term options are:

    · Single booking point for all demand responsive services.

    · Re-design service provision in a pilot area to make use of options including taxis, taxi shares, dial-a-ride, car schemes.

    · Increase scope of community transport schemes

    · Provide a `one stop' shop for transport information.

3) Use the current Putting People First Commission to develop flexible approaches to the personalisation of care in rural areas.

    Update: The report (Nov 08) of the Leader's Commission on Personalisation contains four recommendations in relation to supporting rural communities:

    · Systems, policies and programmes will take account of rural circumstance and promote equity and equality.

    · Use existing rural resources better to ensure information and advice are accessible.

    · Work with voluntary sector to promote volunteering, community capacity building and to stimulate social enterprise in rural communities.

    · Work across all tiers of local government to promote building to the Lifetime Homes Standard for all new developments, particularly in rural areas.

    Also, the Out of Town project will be rolled out to two further rural areas during 2009/10, linked to the Older People's Wellbeing Strategy.

4) Evaluate the Community Innovations Flagship Pilot Project, (helping people with low and moderate needs in rural areas) with a view to expanding provision.

    Update: This project provides support to older people who are at risk of losing their independence. A review of progress has already demonstrated benefits. Further evaluation taking place Feb-April 09 to refine the model. Phased county wide implementation will take place April 09 - April 2010.

5) Roll out another geographical area for the Out of Town Project (increasing social and support services for older people).

    Update: This will be rolled out in East Hants in March 2009, and will operate for 6-9 months. The current work in rural parishes around Andover is being evaluated. Subject to evaluation, the project will continue to move around the county over the next three years.

6) Funding for the parish Small Grants Scheme has increased by a further £10k for 2009/2010.

    Update: An additional £15k has now been made available for 2009/2010, making a total of £25k new funding.

7) Developing the Hog the Limelight programme providing Arts, performance and activities in rural villages.

    Update: Rural Touring Support Officer appointed Nov 2008. Interim report and recommendations Jan 09. New pilot programme of new / summer / outdoor activities. New marketing scheme to raise awareness and increase participation.

8) Supporting a Village Hall Adviser post, for which Central Government funding has been withdrawn.

    Update: Hampshire County Council is providing one year's funding to Community Action Hampshire for this post. Appointment made Feb 09, ready to start April 09.

9) Develop mobile service delivery as part of the Children's Centre Partnership with the NHS (bringing specialist services to rural areas).

    Update: £408,000 Sure Start capital funding obtained to purchase two vehicles to deliver services in support of Children's Centres. Delivery expected March 09. Recruitment of driver underway. These vehicles will ensure that excluded and vulnerable families in rural areas can access services.

10) Apply rural weighting as part of the Early Years Service.

    Update: Funding is being provided to maintain playgroup and nursery provision for 3-4yr olds even if small numbers of children attend, as is particularly the case in rural areas. Additional funding is also available to enable groups to find new locations if sites used for nurseries and playgroups - often village halls, are unable to support the Government's requirement to increase nursery provision from 12.5 to 15 hours per week. Further funding is available to upgrade settings.

    11) Develop the successful Community Safety Officer parish response deployments and recording of incidents in support of tackling community safety in rural and rural fringe areas.

    Update: ACSOs have added 21 villages and small towns to their patrol patterns since June 08.