The Forum is working hard, with partners, to look in detail at a number of subjects and assess what needs to be done, how much of that is being done by someone else already, and hence what is left for the Forum to do. We all feel that there is no point duplicating what others are doing; we need to fill in the gaps (where we can) and, in the jargon, add value to the process.
For example, we have a task and finish group on skills that is in the process of taking stock, identifying what might fall through the cracks, and deciding how we can make a difference. One of things that we are keen to ensure is that careers guidance in schools is well-informed about the opportunities in the land-based sectors, which might otherwise be overlooked.
One of the other priority subjects for the Forum is rural affordable housing. We know that many people are finding it harder than ever to buy, because the price of even a small home is many times their income. The mortgage deals on offer do not meet their needs. The public spending cuts threaten to bring down the number of homes built, and the removal of targets (and the associated monitoring) could lessen the pressure on local authorities to meet local needs. The Forum will need to decide whether to reconvene the group after the Comprehensive Spending Review in October, to look at what more should be done.
Similar exercises are taking place in relation to rural broadband and environment and climate change. On broadband, we are looking at two strands: the pilot schemes already getting underway in the region and the scope for use of compulsion to fill in any gaps in provision. I must say that some of the wireless broadband projects – particularly the ‘triangle’ pilot centred on Leominster, Ludlow and Tenbury, and the one making use of church steeples – are looking very promising. Some lucky folk will doubtless be able to choose between joining the triangle gang and the steeple people.
The Chair’s Advisory Group, which met this week, discussed all these subjects along with the plans for local enterprise partnerships being worked up throughout the West Midlands. The Forum has written to the Rural Affairs Minister, Richard Benyon, and his counterparts in CLG and BIS, arguing the need for rural proofing of the LEP proposals; our letter talks about the need for fair funding, for a good understanding of the rural economy, and for the right representation on LEP boards.
The Forum is also exercised about changes to the arrangements for the national Legal Aid service. We heard recently that the firm covering south Shropshire is based in Shrewsbury, and so someone living in say Bishops Castle might face a long and difficult journey to get the legal advice to which they entitled. We are seeking assurances about the way that people in remote rural areas, especially those reliant on public transport, will be able to gain access to the service in the future. I have visions of the mobile library being overtaken by the mobile Legal Aid service. I wonder how many solicitors have the right driving licence for a mini-bus.
Meanwhile the obliteration of anything regional continues. During a meeting with the Environment Agency earlier this week I learned that any job title featuring the words ‘regional’ or ‘strategic’ has had to be changed. Fortunately for the Regional Strategy Manager, she goes on maternity leave at the end of the month, which is as good a way as any to avoid the problem.
Regards
David
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