Rural priorities and the work of the Rural Board and Rural Forum Valerie Carter: Rural Director South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) Rural Forum for the South East Farnham Castle 10 th June 2009

Rural Board Priorities Influence new regional architecture Production of critical evidence –quantitative –qualitative Broadband in rural areas Priority around healthy, quality living and local production Affordable housing

How the Board will work Identified lead –supported by other Board members –supported by Working Group –resources from within Board member organisations ? Development of an Action Plan –with set times etc

Influencing new architecture Together we have a lot to offer Rich source of intelligence across a broad agenda We can help advise on high level strategies Knowledge of what is happening in the rural economy Local authority experience of mainstream activity We can do testing of ideas

Critical Rural Evidence Qualitative evidence –must answer the question – ‘what is the value of rural areas’ –eg: growth areas; feeding the world; local outlets & and local food chains; good access to countryside – healthy living –illustrated by series of really good case studies Quantitative evidence –what do we need that will tell the best story –where are the best future opportunities

Critical Rural Evidence Rural South East Evidence base – SEE-IN: published March 2008 –lot of information economic; social and environment – with key findings set out –County representatives on Rural Forum could review their local picture –GOSE review rural share of regions’ Index of Multiple Deprivation Then define what are the key statistics –that best represent the direction rural areas are taking –that can be monitored

Healthy Living This priority still needs work It will not cover the ground of what is being done already –must add something extra It needs to link healthy eating (NHS) into production (SFFB) Not sure who will lead yet

Rural Broadband Need to recognise work done already –Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Will await completion of Lord Carter report

Affordable Rural Housing Lead will be decided at Board meeting next week Details of what needs to be done will be developed by Board lead and the Forum

Discussion Questions 1.How will the Forum help take forward the Board Priorities ? –what can individual Forum members do 2.How would you like the Board to develop the priorities identified so far 3.Any ideas on the kind of evidence we should be looking for –what evidence do you think is critical