Memorandum submitted by James Derounian
(Appendix 6)
I have worked with English rural communities
for 25 years. In brief my observations are as follows:
Page 8 (section 6): "The ultimate aim is
to ensure that policies are making a real difference on the ground
so that we build sustainable rural communities". A laudable
aim, but nowhere, it would seem is there any definition of what
"sustainable communities"/sustainability will mean in
practice. Without agreement on this how can we work towards it?
(See also heading p 5). Furthermore, how is (social economic and
environmental) sustainability served (P5 S10) by increased powers
to Regional Development Agencies with their narrow "focus
on economic regeneration"?
The "Integrated Agency" (Section 2
of the Bill itself) is a contradiction in terms: conserving the
natural environment, landscapes, and encouraging recreational
access. But not integrating social and economic development (pursued
separately by Regional Development Agencies, local authorities
etc.)
Page 7 (S4): The new "Commission for Rural
Communities will not be a delivery body". It is hard to see,
therefore, how the CRC can "ensure the Government's policies
do make a difference to people in rural areas" (P4 S3a) without
the delivery capability (demonstrated by the Countryside Agency
through programmes like "Vital Villages").
Where is the evidence of the capability and
interest of RDAs related to "achieving rural regeneration"
(P5 S10)?
Page 8 Section 5: I welcome action by the new
CRC (continuing that of the Countryside Agency) in relation to
"rural proofing"; but there needs to be a mechanism
to ensure that suggestions for improvement are considered and
acted on by Government Departments and other agencies. To ensure
that CRC annual reports do make "a real difference on the
ground".
Page 22: I welcome the removal of "expenditure
constraint on NPAs" activities in pursuit of their socio-economic
duty'; and trust that government grant aid will give practical
expression to this capability.
James Derounian
February 2005
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