Isle of Wight Draft Community Strategy

DRAFT COMMUNITY STRATEGY

APRIL 2002

COMMUNITY STRATEGIES AND LOCAL PARTNERS

OVERALL VISION FOR THE ISLAND Key facts

Purpose

Overall Vision

Challenges & Opportunities

THE MAIN THEMES

Guaranteeing the Quality of Life	Rural Areas
& Sustainability	Crime and Disorder
	The Natural Environment
	Leisure opportunities
Improving Access to services	Availability & Access
& Facilities	Leisure & cultural Opportunities
	Health and Social Care
	Jobs and Training
	Information and Communications
Reducing Inequalities	Health and Social Care
	Housing
	Leisure Opportunities
Supporting Jobs and the	Economic prospects
Local Economy	Vision
	Manufacturing
	Building on the Islands Strengths
	Leisure Opportunities
Developing Learning and Skills	Aims and Objectives
	Leisure Opportunities
Promoting Tourism	Opportunities and benefits
	The Tourism Product
	Access
	Resorts
	The challenges
	Leisure Opportunities
Ensuring Quality of the Built	Contrasting regions
Environment	Towns and Villages
	Land use planning
	Improving Transport Infrastructure

INVOLVING LOCAL COMMUNITES

MOVING AHEAD

APPENDICES The wider context

Delivery mechanisms and processes

Jargon Buster

Consultation Process

COMMUNITY STRATEGIES AND LOCAL PARTNERS

The Government requires each local authority to prepare a community strategy that

· Promotes or improves the economic, social and environmental well-being of the area

· Contributes to the achievement of sustainable development in the United Kingdom (UK)

A key feature of community strategies is that they must cover the three elements of economic, social and environmental well being, and that this should be done in a truly integrated way. There should be an emphasis on joining up services and tackling issues that cross over a number of agencies and departments.

Community strategies must listen to what local communities have to say and steer the activities of local public, private and other agencies to meeting these needs and wishes. There should be an emphasis on co-ordinated activity and developments that contribute to well being locally and beyond for years to come.

Four key components have been identified:

· A long term vision that involves outcomes

· An action plan with shorter term priorities

· Obtaining a shared commitment to moving forward

· Monitoring progress and reporting to local communities

Community strategies have to be developed and taken forward by local strategic partnerships (LSP's) that bring together all the main public, private, voluntary and community bodies or their representatives. Work began in 2000 on the Island and the local LSP, the Island Futures Partnership, was launched on 18 January 2002.

The Government has emphasised the importance of working together throughout the process of developing the community strategy. There is already some good experience on the Island that can be built upon to achieve this ambitious agenda. The continuing process of engagement will be very important in securing a co-ordinated commitment to making progress on some major issues. The process by which the community strategy is produced is an important means by which agencies and local people get involved with and “sign up” to this important plan for the future of the Island.

Although there is no specific Government timetable for the Island to produce its draft community strategy a target of April 2002 has been set in order to develop early momentum.

There is a shared local commitment in the Island Futures Partnership to work together to build on the Island’s potential, and to speak with a common voice to win greater recognition for the Island as a place to live, work and visit, and to attract more resources. As part of developing the Community Strategy, the Partnership will need to understand how individual actions are going to be delivered and by whom. Clear delivery mechanisms will be crucial to the long- term success of the community strategy.

A series of consultations was held during 2001 culminating in an event at Cowes in March 2001. Following from the initial expressions of commitment at that meeting task groups were set up on a number of critical issues and this draft strategy builds on this work. The task groups addressed issues within the following themes: transport, social inclusion, lifelong learning, housing, health and social care, jobs and regeneration, and tourism.

The local partners are:

The Isle of Wight Council

The Isle of Wight Economic Partnership

Hampshire Constabulary

Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust

Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Trust

Local Learning Partnership

Learning and Skills Council

Further Education representatives from the Isle of Wight College

Higher Education – Portsmouth University

Connexions

Housing Task Group convenor

Quality Transport Partnership

Island Tourist Industry Association

Voluntary Sector Cabinet

Rural Issues Group

Young People representatives

Private Business representatives

OVERALL VISION FOR THE ISLAND

Key Facts

In the middle of 2000 the Island had a population of 129,448. It covers 147 square miles. It is a predominately rural area with the principal town of Newport at its centre and a number of other towns each playing a role in the economy of the Island. The key towns are Ryde, Cowes, East Cowes, Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor, Freshwater and Yarmouth. In population of the main towns is approximately:

Newport 25,033

Ryde 26,152

Cowes 13,028

East Cowes 6,891

Sandown 5,299

Ventnor 5,978

Freshwater 5,267

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Approximately 50% of Island

Length of coastline 57 miles

Visitors to the Island (1999/2000) 2.7 million people

Staying visitors (1999/2000) 1.5 million people

Principal Roads 492 miles (791.8 km)

Other Classified Roads 76.0 miles (122.3 km)

Unclassified Roads 248.5 miles (399.9 km)

Rights of way network 517miles (827km)

Purpose

Whilst the Island is an attractive place to live and remains a popular holiday destination its separation from the mainland makes it distinct and can bring unique problems and issues. The aim of this strategy is to address those issues that have been highlighted through consultation and to arrive at a broad consensus about what the Island should be like in 10 years time. This is the sort of time span required by members of the Island Futures partnership and the community at large to achieve their aspirations in key areas such as jobs, education, health, crime and the environment. Explicit actions are also identified to ensure that the aspirations are achieved.

The intention is that this community strategy identifies a number of broad themes or priorities rather than an exhaustive list. More details are given in the plans that are referred to in this strategy and Appendix 1.

Overall Vision

The partners on the Island have agreed the sort of place the Island should be in ten years time:

· distinct but not isolated – a confident optimistic place that likes to celebrate success and plays to its niche markets

· with skilful and knowledgeable people and organisations including the voluntary sector

· sustainable in its population and environment

· healthy, at least comparable to the European average

· a place which promotes opportunity for all, but especially young people

· a just society, especially in access to jobs, housing, income and services, at least comparable to the average of the Southeast of England

· taking full advantage of the Information Age, technology and innovation

· safe for everybody

· with high standards and expectations, and envied as a place to live and work

· with confident communities able to fulfil their roles in local governance and democracy

In short the Island is committed to becoming a model, sustainable and environmentally conscious community with conserved, bio-diverse landscapes, a vibrant economy and a network of communities with strengthened relationships. We are still exploring what this entails but the Agenda 21 Strategy for the Island sums the vision up as:

' A happy, prosperous and contented island, where each member of the community enjoys the highest quality of life and where we work together to ensure that the Island's natural beauty and cultural heritage are passed undiminished to future generations. '

IS THE PROPOSED VISION FOR THE ISLAND OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS THE RIGHT ONE?

IF YOU DO NOT THINK SO, WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU SUGGEST?

Challenges and Opportunities

Meetings have been held to develop this draft community strategy, involving local politicians, Council and other public sector officers, business and community leaders. Ten public road shows were held in towns across the Island. Over 5000 questionnaires were distributed. From these discussions have emerged a number of major challenges for the Island, its people and organisations.

Guaranteeing the Quality of Life and Sustainability

· The Island is beautiful. However its sensitive environment is under pressure.

· The Island is a safe place in which to live, work and visit and more can be done particularly with Islanders perception of crime which is disproportionately high

· Maintaining the Island's predominantly rural way of life focussed on market towns and villages.

Improving Access to Services and Facilities

· The Island benefits from a wide range of goods and services and local shopping facilities in towns but demand from the resident population is not sufficient to support the fullest choice that are available on the mainland.

· We need to reduce car usage in imaginative ways because road capacity on the Island is limited and there are already congestion hot spots at peak times.

· Alternative methods of travel need to be promoted so that economic growth and increased car ownership do not necessarily mean more journeys by car.

· A suitable transport system should be developed on the Island to improve access to jobs, health care, education, training etc.

· Public transport is perceived as expensive but it is also subsidised. We need to do more to secure adequate services, increased usage and value for money.

· Ferry connections with the mainland are better than ever but are seen as expensive. More needs to be done to provide and promote cheaper fares especially for occasional travellers

· We need to do more to improve accessibility to post 16 education.

· The size of the Island's population means that a full range of specialist medical and social care services cannot be provided on the Island and people have to travel to the mainland for some of these services.

· Retail developments are increasingly being centralised in Newport

Reducing Inequalities

· Older people make a major contribution to Island society while their increasing numbers mean a growing demand for care, support and health services.

· Traditionally resources are directed at curing illnesses but there is a lot more that could be done to prevent illness happening in the first place both here and across the UK.

· The growing level of homelessness on the Island has to be addressed.

Supporting Jobs and the Local Economy

· The prospects of closing the gap between the Island’s economic fortunes and those of the rest of the Southeast of England have never been better.

· Although unemployment has fallen considerably it remains well above regional and national averages.

· A narrow and fragile economic base is particularly dependent upon a seasonal tourist trade but new businesses continue to be attracted to the Island.

· Low wages and seasonal employment are coupled with high levels of benefit dependency

· Local businesses may be closing as national organisations open branches reducing local control and money retained on the Island.

Developing learning and Skills

· Skill shortages and recruitment problems may be restricting businesses.

· Higher levels of education and training are needed to produce skilled and qualified people for local jobs and to maximise the employment prospects and living standards of everyone.

· It can be difficult to recruit medical, nursing and therapy staff to the Island

Promoting Tourism

· The benefits to the Island of Tourism need to be appreciated.

· The Island is 'full' in summer and needs more and better quality accommodation to meet the full range of visitor requirements.

· The Island continues to increase its range of facilities but more major attractions are needed encourage visitors on a year round basis.

· Tourism needs to conserve the Islands environment and social fabric

Ensuring the Quality of the Built Environment

· Housing provision does not currently meet the variety of needs of local residents. There is a need for more mixed housing developments, including provision for older and disabled people.

· The infrastructure of the Island would benefit from sustained investment and there are significant costs in maintaining coastal roads etc susceptible to erosion.

· Design and planning for both rural areas and towns needs to consider local identity and capacity to accommodate development

DO YOU RECOGNISE THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FACING THE ISLAND OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS?

ARE THERE ANY OTHER SIGNIFICANT ONES WE HAVE MISSED?

GUARANTEEING THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND SUSTAINABILITY

The community's desire for a higher quality of life may be reduced by specific urban or rural factors. To combat these there are national urban funding programmes such as Neighbourhood Renewal and the Single Regeneration Budget. Equally, the Government expects policy decisions to be 'rural proofed' to counter any adverse impacts on the countryside and there are funds like the Market Town Initiative. These national programmes are crucial but we should not treat the whole Island in the same way but consider local needs and priorities as described below.

Crime and Disorder

Although most people consider that the Island to be a safe place and overall crime has reduced; assaults, burglaries and criminal damage have increased over the last 3 years and a recent poll showed that anti-social behaviour and drugs related offences are priority issues. The fear of crime is usually disproportionate to the actual risk of crime; the lower the risk the higher the fear. To try and reduce the fear of crime, information will need to be given to the community on actual crime rates and comparisons with the national picture. The community can then see how relatively safe the Island is. The built environment can also have a direct affect on peoples' fears. By providing planners and architects with advice at the design stage; factors that might contribute to crime like dark narrow alleys, unnecessary footpaths (providing access to & from properties for burglary & damage) or premises that attract problems through design or usage can be reduced.

Rural areas

Rural communities face various treats to their viability including job losses, over stretched services, new developments and population imbalance. There are fewer service outlets, medium sized or large firms and businesses face higher service delivery costs. The market is smaller or scattered making it less attractive and possibly commercially unviable. Rural people and businesses have to travel further to reach jobs, facilities, clients and other opportunities. Transport and telecom infrastructures are generally less developed especially in remoter rural areas.

Rural disadvantage and social exclusion is generally scattered or exists alongside affluence and the mix of deprivation characteristics is somewhat different from urban areas. The dispersed nature makes it more difficult to target. Rural areas have fewer formal places to obtain advice and information. Private, public and voluntary sector bodies tend to be smaller and often struggle to forge partnerships or submit funding bids.

Natural environment

Biodiversity is a key component of the environmental wellbeing of the Island and the quality of life of its communities. Bio-diversity concerns all living things and the habitats on which they depend, not just rare or threatened species. It is widely recognised as a key indicator in monitoring and reporting on sustainable development. Half the Island's land-mass is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is highly valued by visitors and local communities alike. The 517-mile network of public rights of way provide sustainable access to the countryside from urban areas, aid travel between settlements and open up recreational opportunities for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders.

The Island wants to retain its attractive shoreline and rural areas. The bio-diverse rich environment is of significant scientific and ecological importance. A bio-diversity action plan has been produced and a series of habitat action plans are now underway. Land-based industries such as agriculture, forestry, fishing and mineral-extraction, have an important impact on the landscape, environment and biodiversity but rural areas have few brown field sites

Leisure Opportunities

The Island has over 250 separate parks and gardens and the provision of these green corridors to the countryside ensures a consistent rural feel at the majority of island locations. Over 10 miles of coastline is managed to give safe, secure public access and the Island's beaches have a well established place in the community's psyche as facilities to be enjoyed free of charge and which offer some degree of exercise.

The Island's rich and diverse heritage contributes to its strong sense of identity and togetherness and to the overall perception of the quality of island life. The importance of the careful and detailed recording of the Island's history and the collection, display and care of associated artefacts should not be overlooked lest the sense of place is lost. The Island also benefits greatly from having a wide and diverse range of leisure facilities and attractions, far more than would normally be expected for its size. The availability of such attractions gives the Island community an unprecedented choice of leisure activities.

Key facts

· Crime rates on the Island are all below the national rates.

· The Isle of Wight is in the top 25% of safe places to live in England and Wales

· 50% of the Island is nationally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with 28 miles of Heritage Coast.

· Agriculture and horticulture take up 80% of the land area.

· The Island is one of a number of areas collecting Government 'quality of life' indicators.

· For its size, the Island is one of the richest areas for bio-diversity in England

Consultation

Reducing crime and creating a safer society is a key issue locally. 90% of the citizens panel consider the Island a safe place to live but give crime as the safety issue of most concern particularly domestic burglary, anti social behaviour and drugs. 84% support extending CCTV schemes. There is a high degree of satisfaction with the Fire Service and its maintenance on the Island. 87% of those questioned for a Best Value survey consider that waste collection is good but fewer people, (64%), are satisfied that public land is generally kept clean.

The environment is a key priority for local people. 93% of people consulted during the preparation of the Unitary Development Plan believe that protecting the environment including the undeveloped coast should be given priority in planning policies. 91% of those consulted wanted to see greater protection for existing open spaces. However, 55% supported the creation of large scale but carefully planned developments for recreation and 33% for tourism developments. The environment did not feature as highly as expected in responses to the Island Futures questionnaire. However, it was the most significant issue raised outside the questionnaire at the road shows. Key words used to describe the Island of the future were safe, clean, beautiful, peaceful and green.

In answers to the Island Futures questionnaire; support was given to tackling crime, disorder and anti social behaviour even if costs increased (85%), closer working between the police and the Council even if this meant changing priorities (71%) and providing more things for young people to do in our communities to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour even if this needed more money (82%). Opinion was divided about promoting rural businesses if this meant having an impact on the environment but spending money to improve access to services and information for people living in rural areas (76%) was supported, as was giving priority to activities for young people even if this meant changing what we do now (58%). In contrast, there was a small majority against (46%) a new venue for large events, exhibitions or meetings if this meant developing a green-field site.

GUARANTEEING THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND SUSTAINABILITY - ACTION LIST

ASPIRATION	ACTION
Young people
To improve the involvement ( increase the inclusion ) of young people in all Island communities	Consult and involve young people in community safety activities Increase the level of inclusion of young people in education Encourage the diversion of young people away from offending
Environmental management
Reduced congestion, noise and air pollution on Island roads	Through the introduction of Employer Travel Plan Reducing the use of the car for short journeys and 'school runs' by introducing safe routes to schools and school travel plans Improving coach facilities, routing and signing Designating and maintaining freight routes to reduce the impact of HGV's on the environment and the economy
The countryside and open spaces remain rich in wildlife and natural beauty	Producing a community bio-diversity action plan Integrate bio-diversity into the delivery of relevant services
The coasts, beaches and marine environment are free of pollution and remain naturally beautiful
Commercial and residential development enhances the social and economic life of the Island, and respects and protects the natural environment
The local environment, culture, heritage and civic pride of Island towns and villages are maintained and protected	Involve the local community in identifying community safety issues and working with them to create a safer environment Provide new / build on existing ( e.g. carnival ) programmes of activity to bring together target communities to achieve common goals Prepare a programme of cultural and leisure activities to be delivered in communities that will involve the majority of the community
Improving and enhancing the natural and built environment	Ensure that ' Crime Prevention through Environmental Design' (CPTED) and the police ' Secure by Design' are promoted through the Island.
Agriculture is based on healthy and environmentally sensitive methods of production that build upon local and Island-specific markets and create local jobs
Reduction of waste and seeing it as a resource
Efficiency in use of energy and where possible use of renewable resources to generate electricity	Continue to explore the potential of alternative sources of energy through such projects as Altener. Improve the number of homes that are insulated Education programmes for the public and landlords on the benefits of insulation
Crime and Disorder
To promote the further development of local quality environments.	Supporting and encouraging initiatives to combat rural crime and disorder Increasing the number of Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and enhancing the effectiveness of existing schemes
To reduce levels of crime and disorder, including anti social behaviour,	Implementing 'Problem Orientated Policing ' which focuses on identifying and dealing with the root causes of crime, incidents and criminal activity Investigating anti social behaviour which meets agreed criteria and bring about effective solutions to the behaviour Provide a 'target hardening' scheme for victims of domestic burglaries - a ' man' and a van to visit victims and assist with extra security, within the days of the burglary
To reduce the fear of crime;	Expanding the use of the isle of Wight mobile police station At least one survey a year to gauge the community's concerns To continue to look at how the Police can increase their visibility
To empower and support the victims of domestic violence.	Develop an Island wide media campaign to encourage reporting and raise awareness of the support available for victims and their families Provide training for Magistrates Develop a signposting package for victims
A Safer Society
To promote physical activities such as walking and cycling whilst promoting safety on the roads.	Through such programmes as Health Walks, ' Walking Buses' , Home Zones and appropriate traffic calming measures Reducing the rate of road accidents by carrying out speed checks at accident hotspots
Reducing the rate of accidents in the home and at work	Through a co-ordinated multi-agency range of programmes including falls prevention schemes for older people, home safety checks and the provision of smoke alarms to families with new babies Taking forward a range of Trading Standards workplace programmes with Island businesses
Reducing the level of substance, drug and alcohol misuse	To continue with the Arrest Referral scheme To enhance drug education, prevention and intervention services for young people To target the enforcement of alcohol laws
Rural areas
To encourage integrated rural development	Providing support for the Isle of Wight Rural Issues group proposal for an Isle of Wight Rural Centre
CULTURE
Secure the protection of the Islands heritage and natural environment and raise awareness of their importance to the well being of the Island's communities	To prepare a strategy for the management and development of the Island's parks, gardens and open spaces To complete a feasibility study into the restoration of Northwood Park as an historical site To prepare a strategy for the management and development of the Islands beaches and esplanades To complete a feasibility study into the creation of an all Island heritage centre to include a new County Record Office

ASPIRATION

ACTION

Young people

To improve the involvement ( increase the inclusion ) of young people in all Island communities

Consult and involve young people in community safety activities

Increase the level of inclusion of young people in education

Encourage the diversion of young people away from offending

Environmental management

Reduced congestion, noise and air pollution on Island roads

Through the introduction of Employer Travel Plan

Reducing the use of the car for short journeys and 'school runs' by introducing safe routes to schools and school travel plans

Improving coach facilities, routing and signing

Designating and maintaining freight routes to reduce the impact of HGV's on the environment and the economy

The countryside and open spaces remain rich in wildlife and natural beauty

Producing a community bio-diversity action plan

Integrate bio-diversity into the delivery of relevant services

The coasts, beaches and marine environment are free of pollution and remain naturally beautiful

Commercial and residential development enhances the social and economic life of the Island, and respects and protects the natural environment

The local environment, culture, heritage and civic pride of Island towns and villages are maintained and protected

Involve the local community in identifying community safety issues and working with them to create a safer environment

Provide new / build on existing ( e.g. carnival ) programmes of activity to bring together target communities to achieve common goals

Prepare a programme of cultural and leisure activities to be delivered in communities that will involve the majority of the community

Improving and enhancing the natural and built environment

Ensure that ' Crime Prevention through Environmental Design' (CPTED) and the police ' Secure by Design' are promoted through the Island.

Agriculture is based on healthy and environmentally sensitive methods of production that build upon local and Island-specific markets and create local jobs

Reduction of waste and seeing it as a resource

Efficiency in use of energy and where possible use of renewable resources to generate electricity

Continue to explore the potential of alternative sources of energy through such projects as Altener.

Improve the number of homes that are insulated

Education programmes for the public and landlords on the benefits of insulation

Crime and Disorder

To promote the further development of local quality environments.

Supporting and encouraging initiatives to combat rural crime and disorder

Increasing the number of Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and enhancing the effectiveness of existing schemes

To reduce levels of crime and disorder, including anti social behaviour,

Implementing 'Problem Orientated Policing ' which focuses on identifying and dealing with the root causes of crime, incidents and criminal activity

Investigating anti social behaviour which meets agreed criteria and bring about effective solutions to the behaviour

Provide a 'target hardening' scheme for victims of domestic burglaries - a ' man' and a van to visit victims and assist with extra security, within the days of the burglary

To reduce the fear of crime;

Expanding the use of the isle of Wight mobile police station

At least one survey a year to gauge the community's concerns

To continue to look at how the Police can increase their visibility

To empower and support the victims of domestic violence.

Develop an Island wide media campaign to encourage reporting and raise awareness of the support available for victims and their families

Provide training for Magistrates

Develop a signposting package for victims

A Safer Society

To promote physical activities such as walking and cycling whilst promoting safety on the roads.

Through such programmes as Health Walks, ' Walking Buses' , Home Zones and appropriate traffic calming measures

Reducing the rate of road accidents by carrying out speed checks at accident hotspots

Reducing the rate of accidents in the home and at work

Through a co-ordinated multi-agency range of programmes including falls prevention schemes for older people, home safety checks and the provision of smoke alarms to families with new babies

Taking forward a range of Trading Standards workplace programmes with Island businesses

Reducing the level of substance, drug and alcohol misuse

To continue with the Arrest Referral scheme

To enhance drug education, prevention and intervention services for young people

To target the enforcement of alcohol laws

Rural areas

To encourage integrated rural development

Providing support for the Isle of Wight Rural Issues group proposal for an Isle of Wight Rural Centre

CULTURE

Secure the protection of the Islands heritage and natural environment and raise awareness of their importance to the well being of the Island's communities

To prepare a strategy for the management and development of the Island's parks, gardens and open spaces

To complete a feasibility study into the restoration of Northwood Park as an historical site

To prepare a strategy for the management and development of the Islands beaches and esplanades

To complete a feasibility study into the creation of an all Island heritage centre to include a new County Record Office

CONSULTATION

Are the aspirations for the future that are listed in the table right?

If you do not think so, what suggestions have you for changes or additions?

What about the actions listed in the table. Are they right or do you want to change any or add new ones?

IMPROVING ACCESS TO SERVICES AND FACILITIES - ACTION PLAN

ASPIRATION	ACTION
Health and social care
To develop the range of services offered by GPs and Primary Care Teams working with them.	Develop healthcare assistants and specialist GP roles in primary care and extend the range of preventative and support services offered in general practice and in the community close to peoples homes
To reduce waiting times for services and to ensure prompt access to emergency care.	Work to improve waiting times for accessing all types of NHS and social care particularly for the main killer diseases of cancer and coronary heart disease. Continue to work to improve emergency care in line with national standards, including reducing waits for treatment in the Accident and Emergency Department and for ambulances responding to category A calls.
To improve the quality of services in the national priority service areas in line with the National Service Frameworks and the NHS Plan.	Health and Social Services will work to improve services in line with the national standards. This will include developing mental health services and improving care for older people and people with learning difficulties. The focus will be on person-centred care and offering more support to help people live independently in their chosen community. People will be given more choice of services and opportunities to take control
To keep an appropriate balance between services provided locally on the Island and those provided on the mainland	Continuing to develop links with specialist mainland centres of excellence for health care while providing an increasing range of health and social care services in community settings close to where people live or at the local hospital
To increase access to services for people with mental health problems.	Continuing to develop mental health services which offer a wider range of support in the community to avoid admissions to hospital wherever possible and appropriate including support teams in primary care and access to crisis support and outreach services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To increase opportunities for health and social care professionals to work together to provide integrated care for vulnerable people.	Develop joint services in areas such as the provision of equipment for disabled children and adults in the community, integrating health and social care assessment processes and linking services for people with learning difficulties more closely.
To develop the National Health Service and social care workforce to help us provide high quality services.	Develop health and social care workforce policies which introduce a new range of roles to support more person-centred approaches to care and promote the recruitment and retention of staff through flexible working opportunities Aim to provide a stable workforce, including the introduction a new range of roles to support a more flexible, person-centred approach to care.
To increase the use of modern technology in health & social services to improve communication, including booking of appointments and transfer of test results.	Develop information systems that are linked to GPs, hospitals and social care agencies to support a better quality of care such as faster test result transfer between hospital and GP as well as the booking of appointments.
	Continue to develop a range of flexible support services for carers that help them maintain their own health and well being
Developing the range of services available to support older people and their carers	Continue to develop services for older people which help them maintain positive health and remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible
Social services and health services agencies will continue to work to safeguard an appropriate range of residential and nursing home provision for Island residents	Working with the private sector to maintain a healthy mixed economy of care so that places are available when they are needed when people are not able to live independently in their own homes
Leisure and recreation
To promote the use of parks as community recreation centres;	To undertake a baseline audit of the current state of the Island's parks and gardens and prepare a suitable improvement plan Complete the preparation of a play strategy for the Island Prepare and complete an application for 'green flag' status for one Island Park - to be used as a model for good practice for the management of all significant Island parks
To encourage the uptake of physically and / or mentally stimulating activities as a route to staying healthy and a foundation for a full and active life	Undertaking improvements to school sports facilities through the NOF programme and increase community access to school sports facilities overall. Complete a bid for Sport Action Zone Funding for the Island as a means of extending the range of sporting and leisure facilities available Undertake a review of the opening hours of the libraries as compared to the minimum library standards to identify the potential for increased weekend and evening opening Develop new exhibition and gallery spaces at the Guildhall in which to //// display all manner of heritage collections held on the Island Open up the IWC collection at Cothey Bottom as an educational museum ///// Complete the collections database for the museums service and the Record Office and make this available online Extend the provision for exercise on prescription to GP surgeries in the Newport area
To ensure that everyone has equal and greater access to sporting and recreational facilities;	Extend the availability of the 'One card' leisure access scheme to identified target groups Ensure that all IWC supported leisure and recreational services are compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act regulations Develop a programme of outreach activities to overcome transport barriers to leisure participation
Learning
To provide people with learning and recreation opportunities to realise the full potential of their creative skills and abilities.	Implementation of the 'Peoples Network' internet link up in all the Island's libraries To enhance the Ryde Arts works carnival programme to encourage greater participation of people on both its organisation and implementation To extend the range of Adult and community learning activities available into community establishments
Ensuring that high quality education, learning and training is available and accessible to every member of the community
Transport
Developing a transport system, which is safe and convenient for all transport users.	Make the best use of the existing transport network and ensure the best possible facilities are available for all modes of travel. Increase the provision of bus and rail services and provide improved passenger facilities at interchanges, bus stops, shelters, ferry terminal facilities and stations, so as to ensure easy travel and change of travel mode. Increase the degree to which the Island's traffic flows can be modelled
Ensure that transport is accessible for all sectors of the community including those with mobility problems	By working in partnership with the transport operators, encourage the introduction and further development of easily accessible vehicles and facilities Making travel by bus more attractive through low floor buses, real time information at bus stops and other public places
Ensure that public transport information is made widely available to allow for and encourage public transport use.	Work with the transport operators to encourage the use of the most appropriate information technology, so as to provide up to date and reliable transport information, both at the point of departure and prior to the journey. Provision of destination information such as availability of car-parks, parking spaces and diversion / congestion information
Have in place public transport services and provision, which work together to form an integrated transport system and allow easy access between transport modes.	Work with the operators and through the Quality Transport Partnership and other means to ensure that transport is integrated both through coordination of timetables and at the point of service provision. Encourage the wider availability of through ticketing.
Ensure that value for money and cost effective transport is available to all users.	Promote competition between transport operators and encourage the availability of advantageous fares for all those who wish to travel.
Reduce the need to travel by car especially for short journeys by encouraging more people to travel by cycle.	Ensure that travel by cycle is both safe and convenient by working with cycle groups and others to ensure the ongoing development of a network of cycle-ways and improvement of facilities. Increasing the length of cycle-ways, amount of cycle- parking at work and other public places.
Increase the numbers of trips made on foot.	Adopt measures to make walking more convenient and safer by the provision and upgrading of pedestrian routes and ensuring that conflicts with other road users are reduced by design and segregation where possible.
Information
Promoting community involvement and access to services and information	By developing the IWRC By promoting the continued development of local help centres By considering how mobile / outreach services could be extended By improving access to information about health and social care services including advice over the telephone from National Health Service Direct

CONSULTATION

Are the aspirations for the future that are listed in the table right?

If you do not think so, what suggestions have you for changes or additions?

What about the actions listed in the table. Are they right or do you want to change any or add new ones?

REDUCING INEQUALITIES

Some people are excluded from the facilities and benefits of mainstream life either because of the way in which society makes these facilities and benefits available or because of their own life choices. This exclusion extends beyond that caused simply by material deprivation and includes the absence of opportunities brought about by social circumstances and life events.

Health and social care

There is well-accepted evidence that people that are better off live longer, have fewer disabilities and fewer illnesses. Health inequalities represent a significant social injustice that has a major impact on quality of life. Lifestyle and conditions at home and work impact upon people’s health status. It is now widely recognised that the promotion of good health and wellbeing is a wider issue than either the NHS’s role of commissioning and providing healthcare services or that of Social Services in providing care services.

Generally the level of health on the Isle of Wight is better than average for England and Wales but not as good as for other areas in the Southeast region and this may be related to lower income levels. The Island has recently been designated as an Associated Health Action Zone recognising the deprivation experienced in parts of the Island. The Community Strategy offers opportunities to link health, regeneration, employment, housing and anti poverty programmes to improve health, reduce health inequalities and promote social inclusion.

Housing

Young people should have the choice of staying on the Island and bringing up their families but the reality is that many will find it impossible to afford their own homes. Fewer job opportunities and lower wages than the Southeast average put home ownership beyond a proportion of young families. House prices are affected by the demand for second homes and inward migration of relatively affluent mainland homeowners. The private rented sector is limited in size and cannot cope with the demand. There is insufficient social housing to meet demand

There is a backlog of homeless people in temporary accommodation and the Council has to make extensive use of bed and breakfast accommodation. The numbers of homeless households in bed and breakfast accommodation on the Island significantly exceeds the Government's targets. Homelessness is particularly acute in Ryde, Newport and Sandown / Shanklin.

Leisure Opportunities

The Council has sought to make more of its leisure facilities available to people who may be perceived to be 'missing out' by the introduction of a leisure access scheme that offers differential pricing and rates to such people. The scheme has also become popular with agencies working with such groups to encourage them to pursue healthier lifestyles.

Key facts

· The Island has half the affordable social housing found in areas of similar population size.

· 65% Housing Association tenants are in receipt of some form of state benefit (55% nationally)

· 38% of the household population are retired – this group typically owns their own homes outright, have lower than average incomes, tend to under-occupy their housing and have the highest incidence of special needs.

· Nearly half of heads of households are not employed and are economically inactive

· 2.6 persons per 1,000 population are homeless (double the shire county average)

· There are currently 450 homeless applications per year & 70 to 75 families in bed & breakfast.

· The Island only just meets its statutory requirements to house homeless people.

· The Island's infant mortality rate was 5.3 per 1,000 live births in 1999 compared to national average of 5.8, with peri-natal mortality at 9.6 per 1,000 compared to 8.2 national average

· The rate of stillbirths was 7.0 per 1,000 in 1999 compared to 5.3 for England and Wales

· Levels of dental decay in children are above regional averages

· Mortality rates from coronary heart disease are better than the national average but significantly exceed the regional average

· Incidences of breast, colorectal and prostate cancers are higher than the national incidence (however, incidences in the South East of England are generally higher). The islands death rates for these causes are close to the national average

· 2.5 people per 1,000 with mental health problems ( age 18 - 64 ) are helped to live at home, compared to 2.2 for England

· Suicide rates are well above national averages – 15 per 100,000 compared to 9.4 for England and Wales between 1997 and 1999

· In 2000 22.5% were of retirement age or over, the highest figure in the country.

· 31,720 residents (25% of total population) are in receipt of means tested benefits

· Island has a lower Gross Domestic Product (GDP) than any county in England (67% national average in 1998) by previous comparisons

· Wages 22% below the national average

· High benefit dependency

· In 2000 15 of the 48 wards were in the worst 20% nationally, 2 are in the most deprived 10%

· There are more children in public care on the Island than in comparable authorities

Consultation

Issues of concern raised during consultation about health and social services have included a lack of information on services, calls for more joint working between health and social care, shorter waiting times and fewer cancelled operations. There is support for more services to help people - especially older people - stay independent in their own homes. Concerns were also expressed about the reducing numbers of residential and nursing home beds and lack of access to NHS dentists. There was support expressed for General Practitioner (GP) and other Primary Care services on the Island with people wanting services to be provided close to their homes wherever possible although many people indicated that they preferred to travel to the mainland for specialist services despite cost being a major consideration.

People agreed that here is a need to promote healthier lifestyles by increasing the number of smoke free public places on the Island and introducing programmes to encourage people to take more exercise and eat more healthy food. Health questions got a high number of votes during the Island Futures consultation exercise. There was 74% agreement that health and social services would serve people better if they had common points of contact. 72% of those asked agreed that more money should be spent on making sure that older people can stay in their own homes rather than go into residential care homes, and 53% agreed that it is important to promote good health and that could include making the Island ‘smoke free’

According to the 2001 Housing Needs Survey 90% of all potential new households have an annual income below the level (£20,000) needed to access home ownership. In addition 375 affordable rented homes are needed in each of the next five years to meet the current shortfall in supply.

Housing issues were important to the public who took part in the Island Futures work. The Unitary Development Plan process had already shown that there was support for restricting housing development to land already allocated, providing more low cost housing and building mainly on small sites that do not impact on the countryside. The Island Futures survey confirmed opposition to more houses being built even if it meant developing green-field sites but confirmed support for the building of smaller affordable homes even if this meant changing planning policies. The spending of more money on affordable homes rather than on bed and breakfast accommodation for homeless people was also supported. Equally the public felt that more people should be able to attend leisure and cultural events by improving transport, prices and opening times even if this meant raising money in other ways.

REDUCING INEQUALITIES - ACTION LIST

ASPIRATION	ACTION
Health care
To reduce inequalities in incidence and mortality from cancer and coronary heart disease;	Implement programmes such as: - the Healthy Eating on a Low Income project, - increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables, - promoting the “One” concessionary leisure card scheme and targeting smoking cessation programmes.
To promote the mental health and well being of Island people.	Healthy Schools and Healthy Workforce initiatives will address mental health and well-being amongst other topics.
To reduce oral health inequalities	Initiatives will include: - working with parent and toddler groups to provide free toothbrushes and toothpaste and advice about healthy eating and - promoting healthy eating policies in schools.
To continue to extend the number of smoke-free environments on the island.	Support an increase in the number of smoke free public facilities on the Island through the provision of smoking cessation services and advice about workplace smoking policies.
To achieve the national target for reduction in the rates of teenage conception and pregnancy	Provide sexual health and relationship education programmes in schools. Provision of appropriate contraceptive services for teenagers and other support services.
To develop education and learning opportunities which promote information and awareness of healthy living and increasing life skills.	Implement the Healthy Living Centre Network funded by the New Opportunities Fund, programmes include working with young people at the Foyer in Ryde and West Wight Healthy Living Lifestyle project.
Reducing the level of substance, drug and alcohol misuse	Develop a range of drug and alcohol misuse prevention and treatment services, including links with education, housing providers, the criminal justice system and the community safety programme.
To protect the health of people who care for their relatives and friends in the community.	Continue to develop a range of flexible social services and health care to support carers to help them maintain their own health and well being
To provide care services which promote good health and prevent illness, ill health or deterioration in people’s health.	Improve access to information about health and social care services including advice over the telephone from NHS Direct and enabling people to get faster access to treatment. Through Healthy Schools and healthy Workforce initiatives By supporting an increase in the number of smoke free public spaces on the Island
Inclusion
To develop and implement a co-ordinated programme of actions to promote the awareness of poverty and contain practical steps that reduce the extent of poverty, including fuel and food poverty.	Promote access to welfare benefit entitlements
To promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in their local communities	Increase education, employment and leisure programmes for disabled people to help them get jobs and play an active role in their community.
To promote positive parenting skills amongst vulnerable and excluded parents.	Implement programmes such as Surestart in Ryde to provide information and support capacity building with parents experiencing exclusion.
To maximise the life chances of looked after children.	Increasing the recruitment of foster carers, Providing comprehensive health assessments for Looked After Children, Increasing educational support to help children achieve good academic standards Providing support services to help young people move towards independence.
To support the independence and inclusion of older people in their local communities.	Working with older people to develop and implement a healthy aging programme that helps maintain their health and independence as long as possible, including promotion of opportunities for volunteering and learning in older age and exercise programmes such as health walks and tea dances.
Housing
To ensure that everyone living on the Island has access to affordable housing appropriate to his or her needs	Increase the pool of affordable housing across tenures Levy full Council Tax on second homes to produce additional resources for investing in low cost / affordable rent housing Develop policy to utilise council assets to promote affordable housing through sale at, or below, market value. Develop low cost home ownership, shared ownership and other low cost forms of tenure particularly in the development of the Council's own land holdings Promoting ' rent a room' arrangements to owner occupiers highlighting income tax exemptions Implementing the Council's homelessness action plan including its policy for bringing empty homes back into use
To address pressing housing needs particularly homelessness and concealed housing need.	Develop models of very sheltered housing with extra care and support. (1) pilot initial scheme with IW Housing Association (2) develop proposals for the Poplars, Newport (3) explore options for new housing developments Develop a service for disabled and older persons offering practical assistance with home maintenance, improvement and adaptations. Promote the availability of suitable schemes for releasing equity to enable owner- occupiers to sustain their independence
YOUNG PEOPLE
To encourage young people to be fully involved with the community and the community to positively welcome their involvement.	Roll out the active sport programme across the Island to promote school / club links Create a network of ' hang out centres' linked to leisure facilities Develop a model of young people 'managing' facilities for their own needs within communities
To ensure that every individual has the opportunity to participate fully in Island Life	Develop the information and advisory role of the library network such that libraries are central to the life of the community Ensure that there are clear policies for providing support and access to facilities and service for each excluded target group on the Island

CONSULTATION

Are the aspirations for the future that are listed in the table right?

If you do not think so, what suggestions have you for changes or additions?

What about the actions listed in the table. Are they right or do you want to change any or add new ones?

ASPIRATION	ACTION

To build a competitive business base attracting new investment and job opportunities	Establishing Cowes as the No. 1 Yachting centre in the world through: - co-ordinating site development proposals - improving marina facilities - ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place - supporting the British America's Cup team Developing the Island as the new 'Silicon Valley' for the South East of England through - improving ICT infrastructure - bringing forward new sites / premises - marketing the Island Supporting the growth of the existing business base through the provision of a comprehensive range of support and advisory services Promoting the growth of new business start-ups through the provision of training and business advice Ensuring the provision of infrastructure to support business growth on the Island e.g. housing choice, education facilities, transport network, ICT infrastructure etc. Developing an Island Ambassadors scheme for key business and public figures to be able to promote available economic opportunities
To create a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship	Developing the Isle of Wight as a centre of excellence for the composites industry including: - supporting research and development - developing customised training programmes - developing industry networks and supply chain links Developing the Island's Enterprise Hub at St Cross as the focus for an innovation network targeted at key growth sectors Developing proposals for alternative energy initiatives including consideration of setting up a wind farm
Focussing skills and education to better support business competitiveness	Implementing the post 14 review for education and training provision on the Island through: - securing the future of the Isle of Wight College - improving the school / work transition - improving attainment levels Developing a partnership approach to the delivery of education and training provision through: - developing the role of the Islands local learning partnership - securing the maximum levels of European Social Fund and other resources to support learning initiatives.
Ensuring that all residents share in our improving economic prosperity	Regenerating the most disadvantaged areas of the Island through - delivering the Single Regeneration Budget programmes - supporting the Island's Social Inclusion strategy - promoting healthy living initiatives Regenerating rural communities through: - support for sustainable communities - diversifying and growing the rural economy - promoting 'green' tourism delivering the Leader+ and Rural Development Programme programmes.
To promote the Island as a 'place of expression' that can support the creative and cultural industries	Complete an information leaflet on the island's links with historical luminaries and events that can be used to encourage the relocation of modern day cultural industries.
	Source the development of a cultural quarter on the Island which includes space to rent for relocating, aspiring and new cultural industries
Assiduous attention to the long-term interests of the Island by sustainable development that achieves a better balance between economic, social and environmental considerations.
There is full and equitably waged employment with money spent and retained on the Island
The local economy is actively promoted
The potential to generate income from renewable resources is fully exploited
Waste production is minimised
There is reduced dependency on external capital resources

ASPIRATION	ACTION
To assist in the provision of learning opportunities that match skills supply to the demand of the local economy and businesses.	To facilitate the work of the Isle of Wight Local Learning Partnership as a forum for local providers and learners to engage and ensure that learning opportunities are relevant to local needs in raising the skills and qualifications of the labour force.
To promote and develop effective partnership between those providing learning opportunities and the local community including business and voluntary organisations.	The Local Learning Partnership has representation on its board from the main providers and interest groups. Through its business planning process it will continue to audit local need and provide co-ordination of partnership arrangements.
To establish and promote a culture that values, rewards and invests in learning.	The Local Learning Partnership in conjunction with local providers will seek to establish an environment of continuous improvement and achievement for island learners. This will be achieved through the co-ordination of supply to demand for learning opportunities and the development of quality assurance procedures in conjunction with the Local Learning and Skills Council.
To establish and promote lifelong/community learning through vocational and non-vocational opportunities.	Lifelong Learning Partnership works with all its provider partners to establish a range of vocational and non-vocational learning opportunities and programmes. These are detailed in the business plan of the partnership and the individual provider delivery plans. Much of this work is facilitated by close partnership with the Local Learning and Skills Council.
To assist in the promotion and attainment of social inclusion and equality of opportunities.	To encourage all those involved in the provision of education and training to work to reduce disaffection amongst young people and promote this inclusion of vulnerable individuals and groups. This to be reflected in the plans, policies and practices of partner funders.
For each individual to have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.	To make full provision for early years education and achieve continuous improvement in attainment and achievement in full time and part time education and training.

ASPIRATION	ACTION
The Isle of Wight will be recognised as a world class destination and appreciated as one of the UK's leading quality tourist and leisure destinations	By creating a Tourism Development Plan with particular attention to: - raising the profile of the Island as a distinctive destination - broadening the market base and lengthening the season - enhancing the status of tourism on the Island - improving the range and quality of accommodation - improving the quality of the visitors experience - improving employment prospects within the industry Developing proposals for the key gateway and resort towns including: - establishing a brand / identity for each town i.e. Ryde as the indoor leisure centre, Cowes as the yachting centre - upgrading the infrastructure and physical environment - identifying and realising commercial development opportunities e.g. new hotels, casino, indoor leisure facilities
To ensure that residents recognise the benefits of tourism and feel ownership over how the industry will be shaped in the future	By creating a Tourism Development Plan as above
Tourism development will be inline with visitor and residents aspirations maintaining the Island's distinctiveness and character	By creating a Tourism Development Plan as above
Planned tourism development will be sensitive to the Island's unique rural and coastal areas and where possible will deliver environmental benefits	By creating a Tourism Development Plan as above
Local produce will be championed by the tourism industry to benefit residents and visitors alike	By creating a Tourism Development Plan as above
Tourism development will seek to support and promote inward investment across all industry sectors	By creating a Tourism Development Plan as above
Ways should be considered of reducing the dependence of visitors on their cars in a way that brings sustainable environmental improvement whilst not affecting visitor numbers.
Positive action is needed to promote the Island as an all year round destination by emphasising its range of attractions – walking, cycling, heritage, sailing as well as the more traditional attractions of the seaside.
Enhance the quality of leisure and recreation provision to increase the attractiveness of the Island as a visitor destination	Appoint beach and esplanade managers to ensure the care of visitors in these areas Establish 5 blue flag beaches no later than April 2005 Complete the refurbishment of the Council's leisure
To extend the range of leisure attractions / provisions on the Island to increase its attractiveness as a visitor destination.	Deliver an Isle of Wight Music festival by June 2002 Ensure year round opening of all attractions and Leisure facilities Complete an extension of the Dinosaur Isle attraction Investigate the potential for a national glasshouse collection at Ventnor Botanical garden

ASPIRATION	ACTION
Housing
To increase the supply of housing of all types and tenures in appropriate locations	use of all Government funding to increase the supply of new build affordable units revision of planning policy to release more land for development and incorporating arrangements to maximise the contribution made via the planning process to affordable social housing; review of planning process to enable the development control process to influence developers towards building smaller properties to meet specific needs where increasing supply would stabilise prices in certain sectors the Council using its land assets to bring forward the development of a range of type and tenure of housing units;
	promotion of conversion of hotels, care homes etc. into single persons accommodation;
	fast track planning applications from housing applications where development is funded by the Council and has potential housing budget implications promoting the re-development of brown-field sites through the use of high densities new house construction to support zero energy options and to encourage best use of new construction methods using environmentally sustainable materials
Tourism
To upgrade the main tourist towns	By seeking funding from the market towns initiatives, neighbourhood renewal budgets, the single regeneration budget
To upgrade the Islands stock of tourist accommodation
Local Planning
To find a way for communities to make their own local planning decisions
To actively encourage village design statements
To develop neighbourhood layouts which promote access to services and amenities whilst diminishing proximity to busy roads.

INVOLVING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

The Island’s Voluntary Sector Forum is a non- membership group of all voluntary and community organisations on the Island, as well as interested individuals involved in the voluntary sector. Each year, the Forum elects a Cabinet, a Chair and a Vice Chair. The Cabinet is run under the aegis of the Rural Community Council. It represents the views and interests of the Forum and thus of the voluntary sector at large, takes forward prioritised issues and responds to consultations on the Forum's behalf.

The Forum is facilitated by the Rural Community Council and through, and sometimes together with, its cabinet members, has been involved successfully in a series of consultation exercises particularly in connection with the Isle of Wight Council’s programme of Best Value Reviews. This mechanism ideally lends itself to securing the involvement of the voluntary and community sector in the formulation and implementation of the Community Strategy on the Island.

Further consultation and feedback is intended through town and parish councils as well as through local community partnerships and forums. These are of great significance allowing citizens to feel that the area in which they live actually belongs to them. They may also be able to access funding denied to the County, Town or Parish councils.

It is hoped that members of the LSP will act as the fountain heads for their own communities of interest both drawing in ideas and comments to the community strategy process as well as feeding back the successes and explanations. Major events such as the Annual Garlic festival in August provide ideal opportunities to involve the public at large and plans will be made for Island summits to provide more formal opportunities individuals and organisations to make their voices heard

There are approximately 2000 voluntary or community groups on the Island demonstrating the desire of the public to get involved in their communities.

MOVING AHEAD

There are a number of factors driving the timetable for completing the Community strategy for the Island not least the need to consult with all the partners on the Island Futures partnership and with the public.

The proposed timetable for the next year is as follows.

February / March	Consultation across agencies and drafting of action plan
March 14	Arts showcase - medina Theatre - young people give their visions of the island of the future in a variety of media
April	Public consultation draft of the Community strategy available
June	Consultation completed
July	Community strategy agreed by the Council and other partners
October	Council completes its Public Service Agreement with the Government

APPENDIX ONE

THE WIDER CONTEXT IN WHICH WE LIVE AND WORK

There are already a vast number of plans and strategies for the Island that are produced locally. These include the Education Development Plan, The Island's Regeneration Strategy, Unitary Development Plan, Social Inclusion Strategy, Local Agenda 21 Strategy, Local Transportation Plan and the Health Improvement plan. This Community Strategy is the very first attempt to pull all these plans together and provide a cohesive framework.

However, there are many regional, national and even international plans and programmes that also have some bearing on the Island. This Appendix is an attempt to list the main ones

Global

The Earth Summit (1992), set out a plan of action for the 21^st century (Agenda 21), aiming to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs

National:

The Local Government Act 2000 made a power of ‘well being’ available to Councils to facilitate closer/more effective joint working to ensure economic, social and environmental well being

The Modernising Government programme is aimed at improving all public services, introduced Best Value and includes e-government ( i.e. all public services should be on-line by 2005)

The New Commitment to Neighbourhood Renewal / Social Inclusion is a particular range of Government initiatives primarily aimed at urban areas

There are new organisational structures being introduced including Learning and Skills Councils, Job Centre Plus; Primary Care Trusts while at the same time Health Authorities are reconfigured

Government Department Strategies/Plans/Priorities and Public Service Agreements are all focusing on ‘ narrowing the gap’ between the most deprived and the rest of the country in terms of education, employment, health, crime and housing

Examples include:

Towards Full Employment in a Modern Society – increasing employment levels among people currently supported on benefits related to economic inactivity)
National Crime Reduction Strategy/Crime & Disorder Act (1998)
Urban & Rural White Papers
Transport 2010 - the 10 year plan

National Guidance is regularly issues on Planning; Housing; Education; Transport; Health. Examples for Health include the NHS Plan, Modernising the NHS, the National Service Frameworks etc)

The enactment of major legislation e.g. The Human Rights Act

Other strategies and plans such as:

A Better Quality of Life: A Strategy for Sustainable Development for the UK
UK Bio-Diversity Action Plan

Regional influences include:

Regional Government - Government Office for the South East (GOSE)

Regional Development Agency - South East Economic Development Agency (SEEDA) has its own Regional Economic Strategy/Agenda for Action

Regional Planning Guidance – existing (2011); emerging (2021) Spatial Strategy

Regional Sustainability Action Framework

Regional Transport Strategy

Regional Cultural Strategy (2001/6)

Regional Crime Reduction Framework

Sub-regional influences include:

Learning and Skills Council strategic plan

Main Local Plans

Isle of Wight Council Unitary Development Plan ( adopted May 2001)

Isle of Wight Council Local Transport Plan 2001 - 2006

Isle of Wight Council Air Quality review

Island Plan for Health and Well being - Health Improvement Plan IWPCT
MAJOR LOCAL PLANS ( often statutory ) AND WHERE THEY CONTRIBUTE MOST TO THE COMMUNITY STRATEGY

THEME	Quality of Life & Sustainability	Access to services and Facilities	Reducing Inequalities	Supporting Jobs & the Local economy	Developing Learning and Skills	Promoting Tourism	Ensuring the Quality of the Built Environment

PLAN
Unitary Development Plan
Biodiversity Action Plan
Rural Areas Plan
Rights of Way strategy
Local Transport Plan
Shoreline Management Plan
Education Development Plan
Lifelong learning Development Plan
Youth Services plan
Social Inclusion Strategy
Library Service Plan
Museums Service Plan
Crime and Disorder Strategy
Local Agenda 21 Strategy
Island Regeneration Strategy
Health Improvement Plan
Housing Strategy

APPENDIX TWO

DELIVERY MECHANISMS AND PROCESSES

The Island Futures Partnership has a main board from which a smaller core group has been selected. Membership of both will be re-considered periodically. The chair of the partnership is the Leader of the Isle of Wight Council. The vice-chairman is the Chair of the Primary Care Trust.

The partnership will co-ordinate the production of this strategy across all sectors of the Island community, identifying opportunities for joint working and pieces of strategic work that will contribute to the overall vision for the Island. The partnership will also set up process for monitoring and measuring achievement against the aspirations.

Individual partners are responsible through their own organisations for the delivery of specific actions that contribute to a better future for the Island using this strategy as one guide. The partnership will act as an umbrella for other partnerships across the Island fostering strong, multi-agency, working and seeking to avoid duplication.

In order to support the strategy, build a wide public ownership and demonstrate accountability for its activities, the partnership will agree a number of ways in which the public of the Island and the broader membership of the various sectors and networks can participate in the Island Futures process. These will include annual meetings and reports, regular reviews of the action plans associated with the strategy, periodic reviews of the strategy itself, consultation processes and the use of events such as the Garlic Festival to secure opinions and feed back information from the public.

The partnership will also provide a focus for any appropriate cross sector funding bids and Government initiatives, assisting and advising partners as required. Two such activities could be the development of a Public Service Agreement (PSA) by the Isle of Wight Council and an Area Investment Framework (AIF) by the Isle of Wight Economic Development Partnership. Whilst much of the work will be for individual partners to undertake or co-ordinate, the Community Strategy and Partnership itself will lend weight to all such activities particularly with regional and national agencies by providing an additional focus for multi-agency actions.

APPENDIX 3

JARGON BUSTER

( Local ) Agenda 21
Acceptable Behaviour Contract	An alternative to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders which is not legally binding. Forms a written agreement between an individual, the police & a community safety partnership setting out the terms of acceptable behaviour.
Access Card Scheme ('One' card )	A “frequent user” card scheme for the Council’s Leisure Centres.
Altener Project
Anti-Social Behaviour Order	A court procedure to impose legally binding constraints on anti-social behaviour by named individuals. May include, for example, the imposition of a curfew. Failure to comply with the terms of an order may result in a prison sentence.
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Arrest referral Scheme
Associated Health Action Zone

Best value
Brownfield ( site )
Business Link	Government funded agency responsible for the provision of business support services. The Island serviced is delivered through the Wessex Business Link agency.
CAB	Citizens Advice Bureau – an independent network of agencies providing welfare rights and consumer advice to individuals.
Category A calls
CCTV	Closed circuit televison - often used in town centres to help combat crime
Chamber of Commerce
Citizens Panel	Approximately 1500 individuals on the Island whose views are sought by the Isle of Wight Council through a regular programme of questionnaires
Community Strategy
Connexions	A Government programme aimed at young people aged 13 – 19 years. Aims to ensure that they gain the information, advice, guidance & support to reach their potential and make the successful transition into further education, training or employment.
Conservation areas
Council Tax	The method by which local authorities raise money locally
Countryside Agency	A national statutory body working to conserve and enhance the countryside
Credit Union	A community-run savings and lending scheme.
Crime & Disorder Partnership	Multi-agency Island partnership responsible for co-ordinating community safety and crime and disorder issues.
Crime and Disorder team
Cyclewight
Domestic Violence Forum (DVF)
Employment Deprived	A term used in the Government’s Index of Deprivation – refers to those people who want to work but who are unable to do so through unemployment, sickness or disability.
Enterprise Hub
ESF	European Social Fund - a source of funding from the European Union
Foyer
GCSE	General Certificate of Secondary Education – state examination for 16 year olds.
GDP	Gross Domestic Product – a statistical measure of an areas economic wealth and performance.
GOSE	Government Office for the Southeast (of England) – regional office responsible for co-ordinating the delivery of Government policy in this regions.
GP	General Practitioner - a 'family doctor'
Healthy Living Centre
Healthy Schools initiatives
Healthy Workforce Initiatives
Heritage Coast
HIMP	The Health improvement plan
Housing Needs Survey
ICT	Information & Communications Technology – a term used to refer to “high tech” information handling and communications.
Island Futures Partnership	The Local strategic partnership for the Isle of Wight
IWC	The Isle of Wight Council
IWEP	Isle of Wight Economic Partnership – agency responsible for co-ordinating economic development & regeneration on the Island
IWRC	Isle of Wight Rural Centre
Leader+	A European Union Funding programme for rural areas
Listed Buildings
LLSC	Local Learning & Skills Council – Government agency which replaced the previous national network of Training & Enterprise Councils in April 2001. Charged with co-ordinating the delivery of post-16 training and education services. The Island is served by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight LLSC.
Local Learning Partnership	Government funded Island partnership responsible for strategic co-ordination of skills and learning issues. Brings together all the relevant agencies including those providing training services.
Looked after children	A term used in the Children's Act to describe children who are accommodated by, or on behalf of, a local authority whether the accommodation is provided voluntarily or compulsorily
LTP	Local Transport Plan – 5 year plan setting out the Council’s transport proposals for the Island (including parking, highways, public transport, etc)
LSP	Local Strategic Partnership

Market Town Initiative	Funding for market towns provided by SEEDA
National Health Service Trust
National Health Service
National Health Service Direct
Neighbourhood Renewal
National Service Framework
Neighbourhood watch
New Opportunities Fund
One card	A paid for card that provides access to various sport and leisure facilities on the Island often at concessionary rates
PCT	Primary Care Trust – Island agency responsible for co-ordinating delivery of health services. Funded by the Portsmouth, South East Hants and Isle of Wight Health Authority.
Primary care	Services that are provided at home, in residential homes, workplaces and local clinical premises e.g. doctors surgeries
Primary health care teams	A group of staff, usually working from a health centre or doctors surgery that includes the doctor (GP), community nurses, health visitors etc.
Quality Transport Partnership
RCC	Rural Community Council – Island “umbrella” agency representing the interests of the voluntary sector.
Rural Development Area	The Island excluding Ryde and Newport that has been designated as a depressed area by SEEDA
RDP	Rural Development Programme – Government funded programme on the Island to provide grant support for social, economic and environmental initiatives in rural areas.
Rural Issues Group	A non statutory strategic planning body for rural areas linked to the isle of Wight Economic Partnership
SEEDA	The South East Economic Development partnership.
SRB	Single Regeneration Budget – Government funded programme to support local regeneration.
Surestart
TAS
Tourism Partnership Limited
UK	United Kingdom
Unitary Development Plan
Village design statement
Wight2Bheard
Wight Wheels	Community-run project providing support to unemployed people to access jobs and training opportunities. Includes the lending of mopeds and bicycles.
Youth offending team

APPENDIX 4

THE CONSULTATION PROCESS

The purpose of this consultation

To seek your views on the draft community strategy
To build ownership for the community strategy amongst people and organisations on the Isle of Wight
To raise the profile of the Community strategy.

Timetable

This draft will be available from xxxx and will be sent out via mail or e-mail. It will also be available at yyyy
The 7 week consultation process ends on zzzz
Local meetings will take place during the consultation period
Feedback from the consultation and the final community strategy will be available in July

Consultation responses

We would welcome your views on this draft strategy. A number of questions are posed at the end of each section.

These questions are also contained on a response sheet overleaf. Please use this to send us your comments

Where necessary this draft strategy can be made available in large print, audio format. Please contact pppppp

CONSULTATION RESPONSE SHEET

	YOUR COMMENTS HERE PLEASE
THE OVERALL VISION FOR THE ISLAND ( page 5 )

Is the proposed vision on for the Island over the next 10 years the right one? ( page 5 )
If you do not think so, what changes would you suggest?
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES ( pages 6 & 7 )
Do you recognise the challenges and opportunities facing the Island over the next 10 years?
Are there any other significant ones we have missed?
GUARANTEEING THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND SUSTAINABILITY ( pages )
Are the aspirations for the future that are listed in the table right?
If you do not think so, what suggestions have you for changes or additions?
What about the actions listed in the table. Are they right or would you wish to change any or add new ones?
IMPROVING ACCESS TO SERVICES AND FACILITIES ( pages )
Are the aspirations for the future that are listed in the table right?
If you do not think so, what suggestions have you for changes or additions?
What about the actions listed in the table. Are they right or would you wish to change any or add new ones?
REDUCING INEQUALITIES ( pages )
Are the aspirations for the future that are listed in the table right?
If you do not think so, what suggestions have you for changes or additions?
What about the actions listed in the table. Are they right or would you wish to change any or add new ones?
SUPPORTING JOBS AND TEHLOCAL ECONOMY ( pages )
Are the aspirations for the future that are listed in the table right?
If you do not think so, what suggestions have you for changes or additions?
What about the actions listed in the table. Are they right or would you wish to change any or add new ones?
DEVELOPING LEARNING AND SKILLS ( pages )
Are the aspirations for the future that are listed in the table right?
If you do not think so, what suggestions have you for changes or additions?
What about the actions listed in the table. Are they right or would you wish to change any or add new ones?
PROMOTING TOURISM ( pages )
Are the aspirations for the future that are listed in the table right?
If you do not think so, what suggestions have you for changes or additions?
What about the actions listed in the table. Are they right or would you wish to change any or add new ones?
ENSURINGTHE QUALITY OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT ( pages )
Are the aspirations for the future that are listed in the table right?
If you do not think so, what suggestions have you for changes or additions?
What about the actions listed in the table. Are they right or would you wish to change any or add new ones?
FINALLY
Have you any further comments you would like to make on the proposed Community Strategy for the Island over the next 10 years?

CONTENTS

INVOLVING LOCAL COMMUNITES

MOVING AHEAD

APPENDICES The wider context

Delivery mechanisms and processes

Jargon Buster

Consultation Process

Key facts

Consultation

Key Facts

Consultation

Aims and objectives

Key Facts

Consultation

Key facts

Consultation

Key facts

Consultation

However, there are many regional, national and even international plans and programmes that also have some bearing on the Island. This Appendix is an attempt to list the main ones

Global