Breadcrumbs
Agenda for the 30th Meeting of the Countryside Agency
1. Apologies for Absence
2. Chairman to sign minutes of meeting held 18 July 2002 and the minutes of the Corporate Planning Seminar held 9 July 2002
This paper updates the Board on action taken as a result of decisions from previous Board meetings and progress made on those issues.
4. Rural White Paper Progress (AP02/23)
The paper informs the Board of progress by the Agency in implementing Rural White Paper (RWP) commitments since the last monitoring exercise undertaken in March 2002. The paper also attempts to analyse progress by other government departments responsible for implementing RWP commitments. Board members are invited to note progress, agree the Agency's input to DEFRA's forthcoming review, and to recommend ways forward and actions now needed.
5. Sustainable Development in the Thames Gateway (AP02/24)
The Thames Gateway is the largest regeneration/development project in the UK. The Agency has two initiatives in the Thames Gateway and has not previously been involved in the Thames Gateway Strategic Partnership. This paper asks for the Board's approval is sought for investment in the preparation of a sustainable development Framework for the Gateway development on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister under a Service Level Agreement.
6. Countryside Access and the Health Connection (AP02/25)
The Board received a report in July on a pilot programme developing between the Agency, the Department of Health and Sport England. The Community Health Initiative aimed to address the issue of high levels of heart disease, stroke and diabetes caused by sedentary lifestyles. The Board are asked to approve the Agency's participation in the development and management of a new pilot programme focusing on use of the countryside to increase active participation by sedentary groups, and to agree the contribution of financial resources to the programme over the period 2003/04 to 2005/06.
7. Rural Economies - Stepping Stones to Healthier Futures (AP02/26)
The draft publication, 'Rural economies - stepping stones to a healthier future', draws on research findings and evidence gathered over the last twelve months and has been informed by the Board seminar on rural economies (May 2002), and the Board's visit to South Shropshire and Herefordshire. This paper asks for the Board's approval of the emerging line of argument (paragraph 3), as a basis for the Agency's work on rural economies, and to agree an outline influencing strategy.
8. The Digital Divide (AP02/27)
Internet access to rural populations and rural businesses has increased significantly and can have direct benefits for the delivery of services and information. Government research shows that much of rural England cannot be expected to gain affordable access to broadband, the next generation of IT connection. It is widely believed that gaps in broadband coverage will leave rural economies and communities at a disadvantage. This paper invites Board members to approve a project to achieve equitable IT access through influencing central and regional government (including the RDA's IT strategies).
9. Transport in Tomorrow's Countryside AP02/28
Transport is relevant to all areas of the Agency's work to enhance the quality of life for rural communities. This paper asks for the Board's agreement to the Agency's overall approach to transport issues following 10 key principles (Annex 1) and to agree an approach to influencing relevant audiences.
10. Response to consultation following review of National Park Authorities (AP02/29)
In July the Board discussed the implications of DEFRA's 'Review of English National Park Authorities', and agreed that the Agency would make available the resources to undertake its role in delivering review outcomes. The Board is recommended to approve an Agency response following the Review in which DEFRA have specifically consulted.
11. Steps towards a New Country Code (AP02/30)
Previous Board advice has been that the Country Code should be user friendly, include a behavioural message and produced through a broad process of consultation. The National Countryside Access Forum advice on the development of a new Country Code is for the Code to provide simple messages and to communicate these to a wide audience through a strategic plan. The Board are recommended to agree proposals for consultation on a new Country Code and offer advice to officers.
12. 2002 Spending Review White Paper (AP02/31)
The Board received a short information note about the Government's 2002 Spending Review (SR2002) announcement in July. This paper provides further detail about how the Spending Review White Paper addresses issues raised by the Agency, informs the Board about current work in hand with departmental delivery plans and recommends long-term actions to better prepare the Agency for the next 2004 Spending Review. Board members are recommended to note the rural content of the White Paper; to endorse current work on departmental delivery plans; and agree actions to enable the Agency to be better placed for the 2004 Spending Review.
13. Draft Corporate Plan 2003/04 (AP02/32)
(Closed Session) Paper to follow.
14. Date and Location of next meeting
The next meeting of the Countryside Agency will be on 14 November 2002, John Dower House, Cheltenham.
