Breadcrumbs
Agenda for the 35th Meeting of the Countryside Agency
1. Apologies for absence
2. Chairman to sign minutes of meeting held 10 April 2003
3. Chief Executive’s report and matters arising
This paper updates the Board on activity within each programme area, any actions taken as a result of decisions from previous Board meetings and progress made on those issues.
4. Quarter Four Report January – March 2003 (AP03/14)
This is the final report for 2002/03 and summarises provisional financial performance and achievement of corporate outputs as set out in the corporate plan 2002/03. The Board is asked to approve the end of year report and note the provisional unaudited end of year spend figures; to approve the proposed new format for future Quarterly reports; and to note that work continues to test and validate accruals and prepayments underpinning the full year end spend.
5. A Vision and Programme for the Rural Urban Fringe (AP03/15)
In November 2002 the Board approved preparation of a new vision and programme to realise the latent social, economic and environmental potential of the rural urban fringe. This paper sets out the scope of that vision and proposals for a ‘Fringe Benefits’ demonstration programme. The Board is asked to approve the outline vision as a basis for a final version to be presented to ministers; to agree that the final version be approved by the Board team supporting this work, and to approve the proposals for a demonstration programme.
6. Sustainable Communities Plan (AP03/16)
The Board is asked to note the content of the Sustainable Communities Plan, as published by ODPM in February 2003, its relevance to the work of the Agency and how the Agency plans to engage with its implementation.
7. Rural Transport Partnership (AP03/17)
At April Board an update was requested on the Rural Transport Partnership scheme in relation to the removal of the transport ring fence and unprecedented demands on the scheme. The Board is asked to note the reasons for the pressure on resources and the prioritisation work in the regions to ensure a fair allocation of any free funds.
8. Forest of Dean Integrated Rural Development Programme – business plan targets and timetable (AP03/18)
At April Board approval was given for a two year extension to the Forest of Dean IRD programme. The Board is asked to note progress and a draft timetable for the extension, as requested in April.
9. Access Mapping Project
(Closed session). Paper to follow.
10. Communications Strategy
(Closed session). Paper to be tabled at meeting.
11. Date and location of next meeting
The next meeting of the Countryside Agency will be on 10 July 2003, John Dower House, Cheltenham.
