Rural Services 2020: the challenge of sustaining rural communities
Organised by the Countryside and Community Institute in association with Rural Network Services
ONE-DAY CONFERENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE held on 24 October 2008
More than 100 rural decision-makers gathered at the University of Gloucestershire to discuss the challenge of sustaining rural communities.
The event, called Rural Services 2020, was organised by the CCRI on behalf of the Rural Services Network on Friday 24 October. Speakers included organisers Rob Hindle of Rural Innovation and CCRI's Professor Malcolm Moseley, both pictured left, as well as Trevor Cherrett of the Commission for Rural Communities, and Chris Wade of Action for Market Towns.
The conference contemplated the threat to rural communities becoming little more than gated retirement communities unless Government policies were reinvented with specific reference to rural housing needs and more imaginative ways of delivering services to rural people. It was feared that many communities would wither and die unless villagers were encouraged to support jobs and appropriate new development, and the Government properly understanding the role that rural communities could play in a sustainable future. A key issue, which was hotly debated, concerns whether the threat of global warming requires a new pattern of development in rural areas that would seriously reduce reliance on the car. Is that possible without sacrificing what rural areas are all about?
Background Information
In his review on rural economy and affordable housing [Living Working Countryside, The Taylor Review of Rural Economy and Affordable Housing, July 2008) Matthew Taylor comments that the countryside is 'at a crossroads'. He identifies key challenges which threaten the future sustainability of our rural communities, from market towns to the smallest hamlet.
The Taylor Review focused on the planning system, and the impact that it has in influencing, or permitting change. Had its remit included the funding or planning of public service delivery it is probable that it would have reached many of the same conclusions. Increased centralisation and the drive for open market style efficiency savings is leading to an increasingly urban centric approach to service delivery, and the infrastructure that supports it.
This conference focused on the future for rural communities, and the services on which they rely. It looked forward 12 years, to the point when, if current projections and plans are fulfilled, 3 million new homes will have been built in England, new communities established and the government's commitment to improved and locally responsive public services has been delivered.
With particular reference to service delivery, delegates were encouraged to consider what the future shape of rural communities would be in 2020, to review the changes that they will have experienced between now and then and to identify the key crossroads or turning points which have influenced this change.
The conference was chaired by Elinor Goodman, with speakers including Professor Malcolm Moseley of CCRI, Trevor Cherrett of the Commission for Rural Communities, James Shorten (formerly of Land Use Consultants), Graham Biggs (Chief Officer of the Rural Services Network) and Chris Wade of Action for Market Towns.
Programme
The day will include key note addresses, facilitated workshops and a full 'open floor' debate.
Download programme details and booking form
Venue
The conference was held in Cheltenham, at the Park campus of the University of Gloucestershire on 24th October.
The cost of attendance was £75 per head (inclusive of VAT), including refreshments and lunch.
Note: the Rural Services Network is a membership organisation which exists to ensure services delivered to the communities of predominantly rural England are as strong and as effective as possible (www.rsnonline.org.uk).
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