DRAFT North Somerset Sustainable Community Strategy 08 - 26.pdf

ForewordWelcome to the Sustainable Community Strategy for North Somerset. Thepurpose of this strategy is to provide a vision for the future, and a plan that willlead to better opportunities and quality of life for all. The North SomersetPartnership has developed this work with active involvement of local peopleand community representatives.The North Somerset Partnership brings together a range of interests includingkey public organisations, private businesses and voluntary and communitysectors. We have been working together in our present structure since 2004.Through our partnership efforts, we have already shown that we can achievemore by working together. Some of our key achievements so far aredescribed in this document. However, we believe there is much more to bedone to meet the needs of our diverse communities.North Somerset is generally prosperous but some communities experienceproblems relating to health, unemployment, poor environmental conditionsand crime. We are committed to reducing inequalities and disadvantagethrough partnership action.North Somerset is the gateway to the West Country and is a popular area tolive in. Over the next 20 years we expect significant development of the builtenvironment and a substantial growth in our population. Our challenge willbe to ensure that we manage change within environmental limits and take asustainable approach that benefits our existing communities and futuregenerations.We will continue to work with our colleagues across the West of England subregionand in the region as a whole, to deal with significant issues that wecannot tackle alone. We will continue to influence regional economicdevelopment, and support sustainable transport links across the area.Global considerations are having an increasingly significant impact on qualityof life in North Somerset. It is not possible to predict with certainty how climatechange will affect us all, but we must plan for the likely damaging effects andencourage the life style changes that will limit the impact.This strategy sets out our shared understanding of our key challenges over thenext eighteen years. It provides the framework for us to work together andwith regional and government agencies and our communities, in commonpurpose.Thank you to every one who helped to create this strategy by sharing yourviews and aspirations for the future. We look forward to our ongoing workwith communities and partners to realise our aims.Signature:Chair, North Somerset Partnership4

About our Sustainable Community StrategyThe purpose of a Sustainable Community Strategy is to improve theeconomic, social and environmental well-being of an area, and tocontribute to the achievement of sustainable development in the UK 1 .North Somerset Partnership has developed this Sustainable CommunityStrategy, its vision and six shared priorities, by bringing together our strongevidence base of local views and statistical data. It is our long-term planto improve quality of life and opportunities locally by joining up servicesand tackling complex issues in a coherent and integrated way, tosupport the development of sustainable communities.Our vision:‘That North Somerset is a place of sustainable, inclusive, safe, healthycommunities, thriving in a quality environment’.Our shared prioritiesTo reach our vision, we have developed six shared priorities. They are:• Tackle disadvantage and promote equality of opportunity.• Developing strong inclusive communities.• Ensuring safer communities.• Improving Health and Wellbeing.• Developing a prosperous economy and enterprising community.• Living within environmental limits.Each of these shared priorities has a section in this strategy, except ourpriority to tackle disadvantage and promote equality of opportunity,which threads throughout all the shared priorities. In this way, ourcommitment to an ‘improved quality of life for all’ is put into practicethrough all our work programmes.To develop these priorities we considered:• National, regional and local trends.• Data and views from across our partnership.• Partner organisations’ consultations and key issues identified in localparish plans.• The views of people who joined in our consultation activities andevents. (For further information about our consultation programmeplease see appendix *.)Insert photos of consultation events5

To help us ensure that this strategy will leave North Somerset as a betterplace for future generations, we have tested our work against the keycomponents of a sustainable community. These are represented in thediagram below. Using this information, we have produced asustainability appraisal, which can be found in Appendix **.Taken from Securingthe Future – TheNational Strategy forSustainableDevelopment (March2005)This Sustainable Community Strategy focuses on priorities for the area.It sets out:• Our long-term vision.• Key issues and trends that we need to consider.• Our progress to date.• Our shared priorities and improvements we want to see.• How we will know we are making a difference; examples of quality oflife indicators that we will monitor over time.• Specific Strategies and Plans that will support our progress.• Examples of how our work can be supported locally.It aims to:• Build on our experience of developing and implementing our firstCommunity Strategy (2004).• Inform other plans at a sub-regional and regional level where possible,so North Somerset priorities are recognised and prioritised accordingly.• Provide the framework for more detailed plans and strategies of NSPdelivery partnerships and those of individual partners.• Influence and encourage investment decisions by the public, private,community and voluntary sectors.6

• Inform people about the challenges, opportunities and priorities inNorth Somerset and encourage local involvement in driving forwardsustainable development.Our Partnership CommitmentsThroughout this strategy we show how local organisations will worktogether to address important issues that can be best achieved inpartnership. Through our partnership efforts we are committed to:• Sustainable developmentThis strategy has been built around the principles of sustainabledevelopment. By implementing this strategy, the NSP will contribute tothe achievement of sustainability, both locally and more widely, byworking with local people to identify and take action on local goals andpriorities. These will link to regional, national and even global aims,where this is necessary.• Community EngagementWe want to harness the local skills, knowledge, experience andenthusiasm within our communities by working together. We willencourage involvement in partnership consultations, forums, events,local projects and decision making, and will continue to work with localpeople and community representatives to support this.• Customer FocusOur customers, including residents, businesses and visitors to NorthSomerset, are our focus when working together to develop plans. Wewill work together to ensure we provide value for money and improveaccess to services and facilities when delivering our programmes.• Tackling inequalities and disadvantageOverall the quality of life across the area is good, but there are somevery significant pockets of deprivation reflected by inequalities in health,limited access to affordable and decent housing, and to services,employment and training opportunities. The NSP will tackle these issuesas a priority.• Promoting community cohesion, equality and diversityWe want to encourage a sense of belonging for all and ensure thatdiversity is appreciated and valued, with positive relationshipsdeveloped between generations and with people from different culturalbackgrounds.We will not discriminate against people, treat them unfairly, or createartificial barriers that prevent them participating in or benefiting from ourwork. We recognise this includes taking action to ensure that all peoplecan benefit from our work and services, and employment opportunities,even if they have not done so historically, or if the work is not particularlyaimed at them, or if they have care responsibilities.The work of the partnership will embrace the spirit and application ofequalities legislation 2 to ensure that we deliver fair and equitable workprogrammes that are accessible to all.7

Managing RiskThe NSP will review external influences regularly to determine how anychanges in available resources, government programmes and regionaland sub-regional governance and structures affect our work. We willmaximise opportunities to help deliver our work programme, andminimise risk where possible.How will we know if we are making a difference?We have a range of Indicators to help us to monitor progress of thisStrategy overall. Our performance measures include:• North Somerset Quality of Life Indicators, which bring togetherinformation on a broad range of social, environmental and economicissues annually.• Local Area Agreement Performance indicators: measured quarterlyand reported quarterly to the LAA performance management groupand NSP LAA steering Group.• Quarterly monitoring of delivery partnership and sub-group actionplans against the aims laid out within this strategy.• Partners own performance indicators used to monitor specific areasof work as appropriate.In addition to these specific monitoring processes, the governmentassesses and monitors the work of individual public sector organisations inour partnership. Part of these assessments will identify how well we workin partnership locally and how we are implementing our SustainableCommunity Strategy through our joint efforts.How the Sustainable Community Strategy will evolveThis strategy will evolve as all parts of our partnership continue toinfluence and inform its direction. It will be monitored regularly so itreflects significant changes to the social, economic and environmentalcircumstances of North Somerset.Any development of the Strategy will take into account futureconsultations and new data, and changing circumstances to inform ourwork programmes, so that we continue to sustain and improve quality oflife in the area, and minimise risk.How the NSP will evolveIn order to be effective, the NSP must review its internal processes,functions, and structures over time. In any review, the partnership willtake account of any significant changes in Government policy andpriorities, regional and sub-regional governance, and changes to thestructures and resources of its own partners.Throughout any changes, the NSP will continue to include partners fromacross the public, business, and community and voluntary sectors tomaximise the contributions needed to support sustainable development,including changes that meet the expressed interests and needs of localpeople.9

About North Somerset - strengths and challengesNorth Somerset is situated at the gateway to the South West, in the heartof the ‘West of England’. To the west, it is bordered by the BristolChannel, to the north by Bristol, and to the east and south by the MendipHills and the County of Somerset. North Somerset is a place of manycontrasts covering an area of 144.7 sq miles with approximately 27 milesof coastline made up of cliffs and sandy beaches. Inland, NorthSomerset enjoys beautiful countryside with wooded hills, open moorland,wetlands, rhynes, reed beds and rich pastureland. Its’ strategiccommunications include the M5 motorway, an inter-city rail link, a majorsea port, and an international airport.Our communitiesOur area is diverse, with coastal, urban and market towns, and ruralvillages. Though two thirds of the area is considered rural, our populationmainly resides in the coastal towns of Weston super Mare (40%),Clevedon, and Portishead and the market town of Nailsea (30%); ourrural population is 30% 3 .In rural areas, it can often be hard to identify and evidence local needsand issues due to remoteness and the dispersed nature of somecommunities. Parish plans are increasingly being undertaken to establishlocal need. Across North Somerset 21 parish plans are either complete orunderway. Evidence from parish plans helps our understanding of thesecommunities, and identifies action needed to sustain and improve theirquality of life.We anticipate an overall rise in the North Somerset population from201,400 in 2006, to 246,100 by 2026 4 . Currently we have higher thannational average numbers of older people here (23% as opposed to 18%nationally) 5 . We expect further growth in this age group with an increaseof 19% in those over 75 by 2015, and with people over retirement agemaking up 30% of our population by 2025 6 .Though North Somerset has a relatively small Black and Minority Ethnicpopulation compared to the national average 7 , the area is becomingmore culturally diverse, for example through economic migrant workerscoming to live in the area. We currently have an estimated 58 firstlanguages spoken here 8 . The 2001 Census showed North Somerset to bea multi-faith area.The overall population of the district is set to expand as new communitiesare developed in North Somerset in response to the Draft South WestRegional Spatial Strategy. This outlines plans for 26,000 new homes to bebuilt here by 2026. At least 30% of these homes should be affordablehousing. Most of this development will be to the south west of Bristol andin an urban extension to Weston-super-Mare. The new housingdevelopment is expected to bring growth in our population of young10

people. Currently, 22% of the population of North Somerset is under theage of 19, which is higher than national and regional averages 9 .New developments must be designed with appropriate infrastructuremeeting community and environmental needs, balancing homes withjobs, services, transport links and facilities. Services and facilities will needto reflect the changing needs of our existing and new communities andthe growing cultural diversity of the area.There are 760 registered charities 10 , and at least hundreds ofunregistered voluntary and community groups, Industrial and ProvidenceSocieties, Co-operatives and other not-for-profit organisations in NorthSomerset. They provide services for children, young people, and adultsacross a spectrum of health and social care, culture, environment,learning and many other interests. The voluntary sector contributes tothe local economy as employers, providers of services, and throughvolunteering. In North Somerset this sector may turn over in excess of£400 million each year 11 . Voluntary and community organisations alsoprovide an important platform for local people to contribute and have asay in community activities and developments.As our population grows, more demand will be made on servicesprovided through this sector. Expansion of the infrastructure to supportfurther development in this sector will be necessary if we are to maximisethe valuable contribution the voluntary and community sector makeacross communities in North Somerset.Currently North Somerset offers a range of arts, leisure, formal andinformal recreation activities. The area has 16 libraries, 11 leisure centres,the North Somerset Museum Service, two cinemas and two significantvenues in the Playhouse and Winter Gardens located in Weston superMare 12 . Community based and organised theatre, music groups and artfestivals offer a variety of learning and cultural opportunities across thearea. Evidence suggests that further support is required to assist with thedevelopment of the culture, leisure and recreation sector. 13 Key issuesthat have been identified include; a lack of gallery space, concert halland performing arts space in North Somerset 14 .North Somerset is generally prosperous with some of the wealthiestcommunities in the country. However, some people living hereexperience economic, social or environmental disadvantage, or socialisolation through geographical location, or are vulnerable through theirindividual circumstances. Overall, North Somerset has the 11 th biggest“inequalities gap” in the country 15 ; only 10 other local authority areashave a wider gap between their wealthiest and poorest communities.Some areas within Weston-super-Mare are in the top 10% most deprivedareas in England 16 . To tackle significant disadvantage agencies mustwork with local people to seek the solutions that can have a lastingimpact on people’s lives and benefit communities as a whole.A strong community does not tolerate crime or anti-social behaviour,demands high quality public services, looks after its more vulnerablemembers and has the drive, confidence, commitment anddetermination to make a difference locally.11

Safe CommunitiesNationally crime has fallen by a third in the last decade 17 . The southwest has the lowest crime rate in the nine English regions; the level ofcrime in North Somerset is below the average in the Avon and SomersetPolice area. In Avon and Somerset Police Force area the total crime perthousand population amounts to 50.5; in North Somerset the total crimeper thousand population is 40 (to end September 2007) 18 .In some parts of North Somerset there are disproportionate levels ofcrime. In Weston-super-Mare, a vibrant night-time economy meansmany people enjoy a night out in the town centre; sometimes this leadsto violence or criminal damage. In the 12 months to June 2007, 55% ofviolent crime and 39% of criminal damage (identified in our PublicService Agreement) occurred in Central and South Wards 19 . In the towncentre 62% of assaults took place on a Friday or Saturday night 20 .In response, resources have been targeted to tackle this. OperationJigsaw has been put in place to provide extra policing during peak times– an early review shows impressive results with a 14.9% reduction inviolence against the person on Friday and Saturday nights in CentralWard 21 . Operation Joined-Up addresses alcohol-related violent crime,underage drinking and anti-social behaviour. The top 10 problematicvenues attracting a high level of crime were identified and a structuredinspection and enforcement mechanism was introduced with successesincluding an overall reduction in violent crime (13% in 2007) 22 . This multiagencywork gained national recognition and inclusion in a nationalbest practice guide.In working together to tackle crime and help people feel safe, werecognise the importance of listening to and working with localcommunities to address issues. In North Somerset there is a strongnetwork of more than 1200 Neighbourhood Watch groups and over 30Local Action Teams 23 , with a range of community projects.Neighbourhood policing and area-based working by some key agencieshas enabled more services to be delivered by directly responding tolocal concerns. Close links with communities are central to the policingstyle in North Somerset, with Beat Managers and Police CommunitySupport Officers working in identified geographic areas to build andmaintain strong working relationships, particularly in our disadvantagedneighbourhoods that experience disproportionately higher levels ofsome types of crime.Domestic violence accounts for 33% of all violent crime in NorthSomerset, a steady increase from 31% in 2005-5 24 . There are measures inplace to provide additional support and advocacy services to victimsand increased access to perpetrator programmes. There is a localpriority to increase reporting of domestic abuse, but also to reducerevictimisation rates by addressing perpetrators’ behaviour andproviding more support to those who have survived domestic abuse.Tackling drug misuse is a local priority, and Weston-super-Mare has ahigh proportion of registered bed spaces for residential drug treatment12

(some 11% of the national allocation of registered bed spaces) 25 . Alocally-driven accreditation scheme is being established for all servicesprovided to individuals with substance misuse problems. This includesaccommodation/supported housing, ensuring drug and alcohol servicesare fit for purpose and of a high quality so that individuals can besupported appropriately.It is widely recognised that crime has a significant impact oncommunities, and feeling safe is an important factor in achieving a goodquality of life and sense of well-being.Communities have told us they are concerned about increasing levels ofenvironmental crime. This can range from dog fouling and graffiti to themore serious cases of fly-tipping. We have been working across agenciesto tackle these problems as this type of disregard for the places in whichwe live often leads to other criminal activity.Healthy communitiesMany factors influence people’s health and wellbeing; the use of drugsand alcohol, living and working conditions, income, housing conditions,the local environment, access to health care education, leisure andcultural activities, what we eat, and how much physical activity we take.Overall people in North Somerset are generally healthy with a lifeexpectancy better than the national average 26 . Although prematuredeaths from heart disease and stroke are reducing these conditionstogether with conditions such as cancer, liver disease and accidents stillresult in around 600 early deaths each year 27 .Healthy life expectancy is increasing at a lower rate than overall lifeexpectancy. This means that elderly people now live longer with healthproblems, and we expect an increase in chronic conditions such asheart failure, respiratory disease, diabetes and stroke. Mental healthconditions such as dementia and depression are expected to rise as thepopulation ages. It is likely that there will be increasing numbers of frailand vulnerable older people as our older population grows.In North Somerset around 1400 people aged over 18 are supported inpermanent residential/nursing home placements with a further 230 inshort term or respite placements. Domiciliary Care, Day Care, items ofoccupational therapy equipment or other services are supporting afurther 3100 people at home.Health is not equally distributed across North Somerset and there is awidening gap in life expectancy between people living in our mostdeprived areas and the most affluent. The gap between the mostdeprived fifth of our areas and the least deprived fifth is now 7.8 years fora baby boy and 5.9 years for a baby girl. One electoral ward in Westonhas the lowest life expectancy of any ward in the South West 28 .13

We have higher than expected use of hospitals relating to alcoholconsumption. To measure the level of alcohol-related impacts in anarea, each of the 354 Authorities in England has been ranked by anindicator. Our area reports relatively high rates of both alcohol-related(for example, unintentional injury) and alcohol-specific (for example,alcoholic liver disease or overdose) hospital admissions, although thesedata do not include Accident and Emergency admissions. A 2004snapshot of Accident and Emergency attendances on one Friday nightat Weston General Hospital revealed that just over half presentingbetween 9pm and 3am were alcohol related 29 .North Somerset appears to have a relatively high number of people withmental/behavioural disorders and a relatively low number of peopleengaged with mental health services 30 . This mismatch implies a need todevelop local services for people with mental health problems.We have improved our sexual health services and they are consideredto be very successful, and an exemplar for services elsewhere. Ourteenage pregnancy rates are now decreasing 31 .Our child population is generally healthy but, as in the rest of England,childhood obesity is increasing. Infant mortality rates in North Somersethave been consistently higher than the South West average thoughlower than the national average 32 . We are committed to improving themental health and wellbeing of children and young people and want toprevent problems by increasing support for parents, reducing bullyingand improving the Child and Adolescent Mental Health services forthose who need them. We want to improve our services for children withdisabilities and those who are particularly vulnerable to eradicate anyproblems they may experience accessing the help they need.HousingIn North Somerset most people are owner-occupiers; this accounts for79.4% of housing stock. However, there is a growing gap betweenwages and the cost of purchasing a home. The average house price inNorth Somerset is now almost nine times the average income of thoseworking in the district. In 2006 the average house price was £201,963compared to the national average of £199,184. Between 1998 and 2006house prices rose by 154% whereas nationally the increase was 136% 33 .Those renting from a private landlord or living rent-free account for11.3%, and those renting from Registered Social Landlords account for anadditional 9.3% 34 . Private rented housing costs are 16% higher than thenational average at around £575 per week for a two-bedroom house 35 .We must look at ways to narrow the gap between wages and housingcosts, and provide affordable housing to tackle this situation.We have a growing number of people seeking social housing in thearea. In June 2007 there were 5093 applicants on the Housing NeedsRegister 36 ; the trend is upward, and we expect this to continue.Availability of housing association property is limited, and properties tothe north of the district are at a premium. More than 50% of those14

waiting for appropriate accommodation are single people waiting forone bedroom homes 37 . We are working to prevent homelessness and toreduce the number of people living in temporary housing. However,there is increasing demand from housing applicants due to limitedaccess to affordable housing across the area.A recent ‘Private Housing Stock Condition Survey’ determined thataround 30,000 private dwellings are classed as non-decent 38 (asdetermined by the government’s Decent Homes Standard data).However, plans are in place to ensure that properties occupied byvulnerable people are improved.Currently 59% of North Somerset Housing residents have indicated thatsomeone within their household has a long-standing illness or disability 39 .To respond to the needs of our growing ageing population we mustsupport people to stay in their own homes, for example throughappropriate adaptations and home improvements to prevent the risk offalls and ensure safer, energy efficient warm homes.We are committed to increasing opportunities for people to have warm,safe decent housing with support, where appropriate, for our vulnerableyoung and older residents. We want to reduce fuel poverty byimproving the energy efficiency of our existing housing stock whileensuring new buildings are as resource efficient as possible.EconomyNorth Somerset is part of the West of England sub-region (Bristol, Bathand North East Somerset, South Glos). The economy is growing rapidly inthis area, and generates the highest level of income for any area outsideLondon 40 . The District has national and international transport links andthese resources contribute significantly to the economy of the West ofEngland, and the South West region overall.Bristol International Airport has grown rapidly and needs further butlimited growth that reflects concerns about possible harmful impacts onthe local environment, better surface access, and greater use of lowcarbon technologies. Royal Portbury Dock has also grown rapidly with apotential requirement for more land; this should be met throughintensifying existing developments and regeneration of derelict land.There are significant transport and land use pressures for economicdevelopment across our sub-region; North Somerset needs moreinvestment in our transport infrastructure and services to maximise localopportunity for development. North Somerset has major developmentsites available over the coming 20 years, particularly in Weston-super-Mare.A Retail Study in 2006 identified further non-food retail space(approximately 7ha) will be required within Weston-super-Mare by2021 41 . As our older population grows, the Health and Social Care sectorwill play an increasingly important role in our local economy in future.15

North Somerset is a relatively prosperous area with low unemployment;locally it is 2%; nationally it is 5.1% 42 . Since 2000, the number of VATregistered businesses in North Somerset has increased by 9.5% to 6,140with increases in financial services, real estate, renting and businessservices 43 . Some occupational sectors are decreasing, includingagriculture, forestry and fishing, mining and quarrying andmanufacturing. Over 6000 people work in the tourism and hospitalitysectors, often in seasonal and lower paid employment 44 .The Regional Economic Strategy sets out those sectors where furtherdevelopment should be encouraged across the region. These include• Tourism; in North Somerset visitors already add a significant amountto the local economy, though quality could be improved toattract increased visitor spend and numbers.• Food and drink industries are another growth sector; locally a moredeveloped and safe café culture and good restaurants willimprove the night-time economy in our urban areas.• Creative Industries are to be supported and developed; in NorthSomerset we have a thriving network of artists and communitybased creative activity that contributes to the economy andquality of life across the District.The Regional Economic Strategy gives focus to improved skills andinnovation, with strong support for development of a ‘knowledge-driven’economy; with high skill levels in the work force in order to retainemployment, as low skill jobs move to countries with developingeconomies.The UK has a generally lower skills base than some of our maincompetitors. Currently, 7 million adults in the UK do not have thenumeracy skills expected of primary school leavers 45 . In North Somerset,our local population has more highly skilled and highly qualified residentsthan the South West and national averages 46 . However, we lack abroad range of high-level employment opportunities to match the skillsof our workforce.Across our district approximately 36% of residents out-commute for workeach day 47 , causing significant congestion and pollution in some areas.Most local residents live in our four main urban areas; development ofhigh-level employment opportunities on sites in these areas may helpreduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions across theDistrict.With a growing population of young people, we have a significantpotential future workforce. However, many young people leave thelocal area for higher education or employment opportunities notavailable locally. Recent successful development of Higher Educationfacilities through Weston College should encourage more of our youngpeople to remain in the area. Young people in North Somerset achieveabove average results in GCSEs 48 (though there is an achievement gapbetween those in Weston-super-Mare and the other parts of the District).16

Improved basic skills and training opportunities are required to takeadvantage of new employment prospects anticipated in plannedsignificant new development. The government is encouraging greaternumbers of young people to enter higher education and will beintroducing compulsory education or work related training, for youngpeople up to the age of 18, in recognised qualifications. There isincreasing emphasis on education for 14-19 yr olds, and on level 2achievement (equivalent to five A*-C GCSE) by adults.Some neighbourhoods, particularly in Weston-super-Mare, have moreresidents with low level or no qualifications than regional and nationalaverages 49 . Concentrations of disadvantage have developed withsignificant poverty resulting from low paid employment orunemployment. This poverty impacts on the wider economy;concentrations of people with limited or no disposable income to spendlocally cannot support local business. Opportunities to develop a diverseand high-spend retail and night time economy in the town centre areundermined by the lack of spending power in the immediate areasaround it. Longer-term local regeneration and renewal and futureeconomic development are inter-dependent.Communities also play their part in the local economy through the socialeconomy. This sector of our economy includes all not-for-profitorganisations that are not in the public sector. Any surpluses in theseorganisations are reinvested into the community or into servicedevelopments. In North Somerset this sector includes localneighbourhood organisations (for example, older people’s lunch clubs),through to national housing associations. The overall income andexpenditure levels of the social economy serving the population of NorthSomerset may be as high as around £400million 50 .Globally, employment patterns are changing; businesses are movingtheir production and services to cheaper, developing economiesabroad. Future technological advances may change employment andtravel for work patterns considerably over the coming decades.Economic growth will increasingly depend on enterprise and innovationand the ability to develop attract and retain a skilled workforce. It willalso require greater efficiency and moves to a low-carbon, low-wasteeconomy to help tackle climate change. These changes offersignificant business opportunities in the environment technology sector.EnvironmentA high quality environment is vital for our quality of life. North Somersetbenefits from an exceptionally diverse and attractive natural landscape.The majority of North Somerset residents enjoy a relatively high quality oflife, but some aspects of our lifestyles are unsustainable. Recent researchinto North Somerset’s ‘Eco-Footprint’ shows that we are using more thanthree times our fair share of the world’s natural resources 51 .Global considerations are likely to increasingly impact on quality of life inNorth Somerset, and most urgent of these is the challenge of climatechange. There is now overwhelming evidence that greenhouse-gas17

emissions from human activity is changing the global climate. It is notpossible to predict with certainty how climate change will affect NorthSomerset, but we must plan for the damaging effects of more extremeweather events, increased flooding, and sea level rise. There may alsobe some benefits, such as an increased growing season and warmerwinters, so we must also plan to take advantage of any opportunitiesthat arise.A related issue is the current concern about ‘Peak Oil’ - the likelihoodthat global oil production is approaching its’ peak 52 . Any resulting fuelscarcity would impact on our quality of life, and will especially affectthose already living in vulnerable situations, such as people living in ‘fuelpoverty’ who cannot afford to heat their homes. The demand for newtechnologies to overcome these difficulties will present new businessopportunities.A key issue for the district is the need to fulfil housing demand locally.The challenge will be to ensure that the significant amount ofdevelopment required has minimal disturbance to the naturalenvironment and doesn’t increase greenhouse gas emissions. Housingconstruction and domestic energy use, currently accounts for over athird of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions 53 . Ensuring new buildings usesustainable construction techniques and that developments aim to becarbon neutral and efficient in their use of resources such as water, willhelp to reduce emissions. Additionally we will also need to find ways ofmaking our existing housing stock more resource efficient to reduce ouroverall consumption and limit the amount of waste and pollution weproduce.Car ownership in North Somerset is currently above the national average,whilst walking and cycling rates are amongst the lowest in the SouthWest 54 . Future plans will need to help reduce the need for people totravel, and improve existing transport infrastructure so people can makemore sustainable choices.Traffic congestion is a growing problem and tackling congestion hotspots and improving traffic management around Junctions 21 and 19 ofthe M5 are significant issues. The joint Local Transport Plan describes thetransport policies and programmes for the West of England sub region;future transport proposals include plans for a package of improvementsin Weston-super- Mare, the South Bristol Link Road and the potentialexpansion of Bristol International Airport and Royal Portbury Dock.North Somerset has an enviable natural environment, its’ diverselandscape includes a wealth of international and nationally recognisedwildlife sites including 39 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s)and 199wildlife sites 55 . The Severn Estuary, which forms the western border of thedistrict has the second highest tidal range in the world, and has beendesignated an SSSI, Special Protection Area and Ramsar Site, inrecognition of the international importance of its wealth of differenthabitats and species, including internationally significant feedinggrounds for over 50,000 migrating birds every year 56 .18

The major development proposal for a barrage to harness renewableenergy from the Severn Estuary would affect these features. A barragewould have both benefits and disbenefits for North Somerset that willneed to be considered.Many species that are in decline nationally can still be found in NorthSomerset, including otters, dormice, bats, hares and great crested newts.It is important to ensure that the natural environment continues tosupport this high level of biodiversity.Research shows that there is a direct link between the quality of life incommunities, and the quality of their local environment 57 . People whoare socially and economically disadvantaged often live in the worstenvironments. For example, those living in the most deprived areasusually experience more air pollution and have less access to qualitygreen space and adequate housing. Research also suggests a linkbetween local environmental quality and expectation of crime 58 . Highquality public environments play a significant part in reducing crime.Principles of designing out crime will be used through the planningsystem and the design of public places across North Somerset. Tacklingenvironmental inequalities and ensuring that all people have access to agood quality environment is critical to the development of a moresustainable future.19

Partnership Priority: Develop strong and inclusive communitiesWhy this is a priority• North Somerset has higher than the national average population of older peopleliving in the area (23% as opposed to 18% nationally) with a projected increase of19% in people over 75 by 2015.• 26,000 new homes are to be built across North Somerset by 2026, of which at least30% should be affordable housing. These new developments need to be designedwith appropriate infrastructure meeting, balancing homes with jobs, services,transport links and facilities.• There are 760 registered charities, and at least hundreds of unregistered voluntaryand community groups. They provide services for children, young people, andadults across a spectrum of health and social care, culture, environment, learningand many other interests. Demand will continue to grow for these services.• North Somerset has the 11 th biggest “inequalities gap” in the country. NorthSomerset is generally prosperous with higher than average earnings and some ofthe wealthiest communities in the country. However, some areas within Westonsuper-Mareare in the top 10% most deprived areas in England.• Rural communities cover a third of North Somerset and have their own issues andneeds that are often hard to identify and evidence due to remoteness anddispersed nature of some locations.• North Somerset is increasingly diverse, culturally. Currently there are an estimated 58first languages spoken across the area. The 2001 Census showed North Somerset tobe a multi-faith area.What our communities told usWe received over 5,500 qualitative comments from local people through a range ofmethods to describe the complex issues that have helped shape the work under thisshared priority. These cover:‘Fostering community spirit through increased sense of belonging, identity and pride ofplace’ by:• Encouraging and supporting people to be involved within the community andinfluence local democracy.• Creating more opportunities for young people to be involved in helping shape localservices and facilities.• Encouraging integrated communities by bringing together people of all ages to tackleissues.• Fostering integration between new developments and existing neighbourhoods.• Ensuring that new housing developments have appropriate and accessible communityfacilities and services.’Support the development of our voluntary and community sector’ by:• Improving and supporting community facilities, services, activities and groups.• Encouraging the development of volunteering opportunities.• Promoting volunteering opportunities to support vulnerable adults and young peopleand tackle social isolation.20

‘Improve and maintain the range of activities for all ages including young people, familiesand adults’ by:• Improving access to young people’s services and facilities within urban and ruralcommunities.• Improving range of cultural, leisure, public play areas and community activities.• Encouraging a range of community learning opportunities to improve wellbeing.Tackle social isolation and help to create and maintain social networksOlder people were keen to ensure that social networks within communities werestrengthened to enable people to share interests and concerns. Greater effort wasrequired to ensure that information about services and facilities was available to olderpeople who felt isolated. Improved access to affordable transport options would help toalleviate some of the social isolation and loneliness experiencedIn a survey asking about priorities for the area 63.2% of young people and 33.6% of adultsthought that developing a wide range of arts, entertainment and recreational andcultural opportunities was a very important priority for local people and visitors to thearea.Within the districts identified areas of greatest disadvantage, a survey of local residentswas undertaken to inform and shape the community regeneration programme. From the700 local people that responded, the following key concerns were identified in relation tothis shared priority:• Improving facilities for children and young people and encouraging theirparticipation in the development of the area.• Supporting the development of voluntary and community organisations.• Encouraging and supporting local people to have a voice and participate in localactivity decisions.Examples of North Somerset Partnership achievements so far• North Somerset Compact agreement between Voluntary, Community and Publicsector organisations established.• Development of the Fair Share Trust capacity-building programme for Voluntary andCommunity sector in areas of need.• Secured resources and worked with local people to develop a NeighbourhoodManagement programme in South Ward, Weston-super-Mare.• Secured resources to develop capacity building programme in Central Ward,Weston-super-Mare.• Implementing the Rural Social Community Programme to support parishes todevelop their parish planning activity and supporting work between parish councilsand young people.21

What we will do to achieve our shared priorityAim:Enable the development ofsuccessful neighbourhoodsacross North Somerset.‘What’s missing is the feeling ofcommunity. Some villages inNorth Somerset do really well athaving a community identity.They organise events, know eachother and there is often acommunity hub e.g. pub,church. This does not happen inmy community’ – Weston.‘More local facilities will beneeded when houses are built’ –Yatton.related photo to be inserted?Aim:Support the development of theVoluntary and Communitysectors.‘There are many voluntary andstatutory groups working inWeston but there is a need toimprove links with local peopleand making sure there is fundingfor long term services, givingcontinuity’ – Weston.related photo to be inserted?Aim:Ensure all people are able tomake a positive contribution totheir communities.‘Value OUR youth, include themin every layer of decision makingand service provision –encourage them, not disparagethem” – Portishead.Improvements we want to see include:• That new communities are developed withappropriate facilities and infrastructure to supportand encourage a sense of place.• A range of affordable homes with options to rentand buy to promote mixed communities andenable people to remain in, or return to theirhome town or village if they want to.• Good access to key services and facilitiesthrough effective land use and transportplanning.• Development of a wide range of cultural, artsand leisure events and facilities within our urbanand rural neighbourhoods, aimed at residentsand visitors.• Promoting the distinctiveness of North Somerset indesign, local employment, local markets,produce, events and cultural experiences.Improvements we want to see include:• Full implementation and updating of the NorthSomerset Compact.• Further development of the infrastructure for thevoluntary and community sector.• Improved access to Voluntary and Communityservices.• Supporting and encouraging skills developmentin the voluntary and community sector.• Supporting and encouraging the involvement ofthe voluntary and community sector across NSPand its associated bodies.Improvements we want to see include:• Increased participation in volunteeringopportunities and promote volunteeringopportunities for young people.• Helping people to participate in theircommunities, with opportunities to influencedecision making and shape services and facilitieswhere possible including:• greater involvement of children and youngpeople,• ensuring older people’s voices are heard,• encouraging Black &Minority Ethnic and22

elated photo to be inserted?Aim:Meet the learning, social andcultural needs of North Somersetcommunities.related photo to be inserted?under represented groups to have a say inkey services and facilities throughappropriate accessible information andsupport,• supporting the development of parish/towncommunity planning activity and theimplementation of local action plans.Improvements we want to see include:• Access to a range of social support andcommunity activities for children, young people,families and older people.• Further development of community learningopportunities for adults.• Timely delivery of appropriate infrastructure andfacilities to meet the range of social and culturalneeds within new development.• Learning opportunities to promote the culturaldiversity of the area.• Social development of young people through arange of play and youth activities and facilities tomeet local needs.Partnership Priority - Develop strong and inclusive communities andTackling Disadvantage and Promote Equality of OpportunityAim:Deliver community regenerationand increase capacity in areasof need.‘Organisations and local peopleshould get together and worktogether in mutual response.Things only change if peoplework together instead ofcomplaining’- Weston.related photo to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Supporting the Neighbourhood ManagementProgramme for communities in South Ward,Weston-super Mare.• Taking lessons learned from NeighbourhoodManagement Programme and apply them inother disadvantaged areas and communities tosupport regeneration and good service provision.• Supporting the development of a coordinatedprogramme of action to address inequalities inCentral Ward, Weston-Super-Mare.Aim:Address social isolation within oururban and rural communities.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Better understanding about the actual andperceived barriers to accessing services andfacilities to identify how to address them andtackle these.• Support for vulnerable people of all ages, andthose with specific needs, to play a full andactive part within the community.• Initiatives to tackle social isolation.23

Aim:Encourage community cohesionwithin our urban and ruralneighbourhoods.‘It would be good to have morelocal festivals, celebrating life inNorth Somerset’ – Backwell.‘We need to openly celebratediversity’ – Nailsea.related photo to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Positive relationships developed between peoplefrom different backgrounds or of different lifestages in workplaces, schools andneighbourhoods where people’s diversity isappreciated and valued.• Work with young people to provide positiveactivities for them to engage with.• Celebration of diversity and communities’achievements.• Community information and advice inappropriate formats to reflect the diversity of ourcommunities. For example; information istranslated into large print, audio, Braille or mothertongue languages.How we will know if we are making progress:We will use a range of appropriate quality of life indicators to show change over time.Where performance against specific issues is to be monitored these will be identifiedwithin specific action plans developed by the delivery partnerships.Quality of Life Indicators to monitor progress towards developing strong inclusivecommunities• Number of people who live in the most deprived 20% of areas nationally.• Percentage of residents who think that for their local area, over the past three yearsthe following have got better or stayed the same a) activities for teenagers; b)cultural facilities (for example, cinemas, museums); c) facilities for young children; d)sport and leisure facilities; and e) parks and open spaces.• Difference between wards with worst health and deprivation indicators and thepopulation as a whole.• Proportion of people who voted in local and town/parish elections.• The number of people recorded as or reporting that they have engaged in formalvolunteering on average at least 2 hours a week over the past year.24

Strategies and Plans that will support our progressTogether we canLeitch ReviewSub-nationalReviewDraft RegionalSpatial StrategyLearning andSkills StrategyRegionalEconomic StrategySupporting the development ofstrong inclusive communitiesLocal Area AgreementDestinationManagement PlanLocalDevelopmentFrameworkNeighbourhoodManagement ProgrammeOlder People’s StrategyNorth Somerset EconomicDevelopment andRegeneration StrategyThe North SomersetCompactEquality Schemes includingRace, Disability, Gender,EqualitySingle Plan for Children& Young PeopleNorth SomersetPlay StrategyHow you can support our work programme?• Find out if your town or village is preparing a Parish Plan and get involved. Contactyour local Parish Clerk or the Parish Planning Officer at North Somerset Council on01275 884327.• Why not join your local tenant’s or resident’s association and have your say?• Does your group need help or support? Voluntary Action North Somerset has arange of support services on offer, contact them on 01934 410190• Become part of the Citizen's Panel. For more information contact the ConsultationOfficer at North Somerset Council 01275 888762.• Become a local Councillor and raise the issues that matter to your community. Formore information view the www.nalc.gov.uk website.• Have you thought about volunteering? Voluntary Action North Somerset has detailsof many opportunities across North Somerset, contact them on 01934 410190.• Support local events in your area. Tourist Information Centre’s may have details:Weston Tel: 01934 641741 or Clevedon Tel: 01275 343630. Or visit the tourismwebsite www.visitsomerset.co.uk25

Partnership Priority - Ensuring Safer CommunitiesWhy this is a Priority• Our most disadvantaged neighbourhoods experience disproportionately higherlevels of some types of crime.• Domestic violence has often been an invisible crime. We need to further increasethe number of people who report what is happening to them and reduce thenumber of repeat incidents.• Weston super Mare houses around 10% of all the national drug rehabilitation beds.People who manage to change their lifestyles and give up drug misuse maychoose to make their homes locally. Should they relapse in future, they add to thenumbers requiring treatment.• In North Somerset there is a strong network of 1200 neighbourhood watch groupsand local action teams working to tackle local safety issues.What our communities told usMost North Somerset residents see community safety and living without fear of crime ashigh priorities and an important factor in “what makes North Somerset a good place tolive”. From a broad perspective, people told us that ‘A sense of belonging and feelingcomfortable and safe was very important to maintaining and improving quality of life inthe area’. When discussed in more detail 73.9% of people over 24 years old felt thatreducing crime was very important and a key priority of the area. Young people under 24years old considered reducing crime to be the second most important priority secondonly to increasing transport choice and accessibility.Major issues that local people want us to work together to address are:• Preventing and reducing crime such as thefts, criminal damage and violent crime.• Tackling drug and alcohol related problems.• Reducing anti-social behaviour through prevention and enforcement approaches.• Encouraging people’s involvement and participation in promoting communitysafety within communities.• Developing an understanding of the impact the fear of crime can have on localpeople and businesses.Within identified areas of disadvantage, a survey of local residents was undertaken toinform and shape the community regeneration programme. Out of the 700 householdsthat took part the following priority areas of work were identified in relation to this sharedpriority:• Improving facilities and activities for children and young people.• Encouraging and supporting young people to have a voice and participate in localactivity decisions.• Reducing the level of anti-social behaviour as a result of alcohol or drug misuse.• Reducing the level of litter and fly-tipping in the area.26

Examples of North Somerset Partnership achievements so far• Information points for young people have been set up in 7 locations across NorthSomerset.• An Accreditation Scheme for drug and alcohol services has been developed.Housing and property standards have been circulated to providers and agreedfor use.• CCTV scheme has been expanded to cover the Whitecross Road and Worleshopping areas.• Training sessions have been held for Local Action Teams. These have exploredhow Local Action Teams can work with their communities and partnerorganisations to help tackle anti-social behaviour and a range of other issues• Dwelling burglary reduction has exceeded target in 2006/07.• Attracted £92,000 additional resources from the Home Office to tackle crimerelated to the night-time economy and to develop solutions with localcommunities.• Achieving Secure by Design accreditation on new affordable housingdevelopments.What we will do to achieve our shared priorityAim:Reduce and prevent violentcrime.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Aim:Reduce and prevent criminaldamage and theft.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Aim:Reduce alcohol and drug misuseand drug related crime.‘Too many bars around andpeople getting drunk. It is notvery nice’ – young personWeston.Improvements we want to see include:• Full reporting of domestic violence incidents andreducing repeat incidents.• Initiatives to address violent behaviour as a resultof drug and/or alcohol misuse.Improvements we want to see include:• Further development of initiatives to tacklecriminal damage and theft in geographical hotspots and during peak times of leisure activitiesand related population growth.• Tackling alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour.• Co-ordinated work within neighbourhoods torespond to local concerns and criminal activity.• Young people to have options to participate inpositive community activity.• All affordable homes to meet Secure by Designstandards.Improvements we want to see include:• Reduction in alcohol misuse in the night-timeeconomy.• Raised awareness about safe drinking with youngpeople and adults through a range ofappropriate community and peer groupinitiatives.• A cross cutting alcohol strategy andimplementation to co-ordinate efforts.• Further development of drug awareness activitiesand harm reduction work.27

elated photo to be inserted?Aim:Tackling anti social behaviour.‘Anti-social behaviour needs tobe tackled in a different way, byintegrating communities – old &young – so the fear is reducedand impersonal nature of ourcommunities addressed. Ifpeople know each other theyare less likely to affect them in anegative way’ – Long Ashton.related photo to be inserted?Aim:Reduce public safety risks.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Aim:Increase public reassurance andcommunity participation.‘I want to feel safe at home.More local bobbies on the beat,especially at night and in theearly hours’ Worle.related photo to be inserted?• Better drug treatment provision.• More people in structured drug treatmentprogrammes.• Further application of targeted measures totackle drug related crime.Improvements we want to see include:• Sanctions for people causing most distress withincommunities.• Supported Local Action Teams to develop localappropriate solutions.• Rapid response to environmental crime i.e. flytipping, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, pollutionand habitat destruction.• Work with young people to develop appropriatediversionary activities.Improvements we want to see include:• Household fire prevention and detectioninitiatives well promoted.• Reduced arson attacks.• Reduction in the number of serious roadcasualties in children, young people and adultsfrom road collisions.• Improvements in road safety for the mostvulnerable sections of the community.• Safe cycling and walking encouraged throughintegrated planning.• Improved highways and pedestrian access.Improvements we want to see include:• More neighbourhood working by serviceproviders.• Better awareness of the work that is taking placeto reduce crime and encourage localinvolvement and views.• Victims of crime supported and reportingencouraged.• Further development of the Local Action TeamNetwork and Neighbourhood Watch Schemes.• Respond to issues raised in Parish/Town Plans.• Land allocation for new communities’ plans forwell-designed housing, employment, communityspaces, facilities and services to enhancecommunity safety.• Crime designed out using ‘secured by design’standards.28

Partnership Priority: Ensuring Safer Communities and Tackling Disadvantageand Promoting Equality of OpportunityAim:Support vulnerable members ofthe community to increase theirpersonal safety.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Aim:Improve community safety andreduce the disproportionatelevels of crime within our mostdisadvantaged neighbourhoods.‘Reduce antisocial behaviour inmy area’ – Weston.related photo to be inserted?Aim:Promote respect and tacklediscrimination.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• People encouraged to keep safe through crimeprevention advice and initiatives.• Full reporting of hate crime and support providedto victims.• Services to support families, children and youngpeople who have experienced domesticviolence.• Work with young people to encourage them tostay safe.Improvements we want to see include:• Sustain the Neighbourhood ManagementProgramme within South Ward, Weston-superMare.• Service providers are responsive toneighbourhood needs and improve servicedelivery.• Services and initiatives that promote communitysafety and reduces crime in Central Ward inWeston-super Mare.Improvements we want to see include:• Awareness of equalities issues in communities andorganisations raised.• Full involvement of representative groups indeveloping work programmes.• Respect for cultural diversity within ourcommunities celebrated and fostered.• Initiatives that challenge bullying in schools andworkplaces.• Awareness of reporting procedures for hate crimeraised and commitment to eradicatingharassment and discrimination delivers change.• Swift reaction to reports of discriminationincidents.• People kept informed of action to tacklediscrimination.How we will know if we are making progress:We will use a range of appropriate quality of life indicators to show change over time.Where performance against specific issues is to be monitored these will be identifiedwithin specific action plans developed by the delivery partnerships.29

Quality of Life Indicators to monitor progress towards ensuring safer communities:• British Crime Survey comparator crimes for PSA1.• Difference between wards with worst health and deprivation indicators and thepopulation as a whole.• Number of deaths or serious injuries on roads.• Percentage of residents surveyed who said they feel ‘fairly safe’ or ‘very safe’outside a) during the day; b) after dark.30

Strategies and Plans that will support our progressCutting Crime: anew partnershipRespect agendaNational DrugsStrategySafer Communities Strategy2005-08Learning and Skills StrategyEnsuring Safer CommunitiesDomesticAbuse StrategyLocal AreaAgreementAlcohol Strategy(draft)LocalDevelopmentFrameworkAdult TreatmentPlanPrivate Sector HousingStrategyYoung People’sSubstance MisusePlanSingle Plan for Children &Young PeopleHow you can support our work programme? –• Report crime and suspicious incidents to Crime Stoppers Tel: 0800 555 111.• Join or set up a local Neighbourhood Watch group. For more information contactthe North Somerset Coordinator on 01934 38187 (Weston sector) or 01934 638300(Nailsea sector).• Join your Local Action Team. For more information contact Avon and SomersetPolice on 01934 638144 or North Somerset Council on 01275 888394.• Make sure your home is secure. For advice contact your local Crime ReductionOfficer on 0845 456 7000.31

Partnership Priority: Improving health and wellbeingWhy this is a priority• Good health is not equally distributed across North Somerset and there is awidening gap in life expectancy between people living in our most deprived areasand the most affluent. The gap between the most deprived fifth of our areas andthe least deprived fifth is now 7.8 years for a baby boy and 5.9 years for a baby girl.One ward in Weston has the lowest life expectancy of any ward in the South West.• With an ageing population healthy life expectancy is increasing at a lower ratethan overall life expectancy. Elderly people now live longer with health problemsand we can expect an increase in chronic conditions such as heart failure,respiratory disease, diabetes and stroke.• Mental health conditions such as dementia and depression are expected to rise asthe population ages.• Infant mortality rates in North Somerset have been consistently higher than theSouth West average but are lower than the national average.• The average house price in North Somerset is now almost nine times the averageincome of those working in the district.• Private rented housing costs are 16% higher than the national average at around£575 per week for a two-bedroom house.• A recent ‘Private Housing Stock Condition Survey’ determined that around 30,000private dwellings are classed as non-decent.• In June 2007 there were 5093 applicants on the Housing Needs Register; this is anupward trend that is anticipated to grow further.What our communities told usPeople viewed improving health and wellbeing in a variety of ways, encouraging us totackle this area of work from a broad perspective.When asked about the key priorities for NSP, 63.8% of people considered improving healthand wellbeing to be very important. 45.9% of all people and 52.6% of young people (upto 24 years) thought having an appropriate range of housing to meet local needs as veryimportant.Local people were concerned about access to affordable accommodation to rent orbuy, and improving conditions of houses in multiple occupation. People considered itimportant to offer appropriate support, and homes designed to sustain independent livingfor all age groups, with affordable and supportive housing options for older people inparticular.In new housing developments, people want more development of mixed-use sites, with arange of housing and employment opportunities, while ensuring that the appropriateinfrastructure to sustain new communities was put in place. A move towards eco friendly,healthy building practices encouraging the development of fuel-efficient homes was alsothought important.32

There is strong support for the promotion of healthy lifestyles and preventing ill health, withemphasis on increasing recreational opportunities for all age groups, and ensuring that noone is left out e.g. older people, people with mental health problems, or disabled people.Healthy eating, moderate use of alcohol, provision of information, road safety andreducing traffic fumes were all raised as important issues to improve health. Tacklingdisadvantage was endorsed through consultation; reducing poverty and social isolationwere seen as key to doing that.People want more and improved facilities in primary care, and there were commentsabout improving out of hours GP services, improving parking at hospitals and increasingpublic transport to health facilities. Poor access to mental health services and counsellingservices was raised by a number of people.Examples of North Somerset Partnership achievements so far• Care Connect information service for adults launched in 2004.• Tackling Health Inequalities Action Plan developed and being implemented.• Go 4 Life – Healthy & Active Lifestyles Strategy launched in July 2007.• 50% of North Somerset schools achieved Healthy Schools Status by 2006.• 168 homes signed up to the Clean Air for Kids programme.• 27.8% reduction in teenage pregnancies since 1998 – 10th highest reduction in UK.• Lottery bids submitted to improve access to learning and social activities for olderpeople. Also for improved access to employment and learning opportunities forpeople with learning disabilities.• 30%+ reduction in homelessness through mediation, advice and otherpreventative actions.• Exceeded affordable housing development targets in 2005/06 (95 homescompleted) and 2006/7 (126 homes completed).• Secured over £8m funding for affordable homes in 2006/7/8 from theGovernment’s National Affordable Housing Programme.What we will do to achieve our shared priorityAim:Reduce the number of earlydeaths from heart disease,cancer, stroke, chronic liverdisease and preventableaccidents.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Awareness raised about the significance of earlydetection of health problems particularly withpeople over 50 years old.• Full involvement in the ‘Go 4 Life’ Campaign toencourage physical activity and healthy eating.• Lifestyle changes made to improve health suchas reducing alcohol misuse and smoking.• Road safety for pedestrians, cyclists andmotorists improved.• Better access to quality green spaces toencourage people to become more active andto take regular exercise.33

Aim:Improve mental healthpromotion and treatmentservices for people with mentalhealth problems.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Aim:Full access to appropriate highquality health and communityservices and facilities.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Aim:Encourage young people tolead healthier lives.‘Encourage young people towalk to school improvinghealth’ Weston.related photo to be inserted?Aim:Meet the health and socialneeds of older people.‘More social activities/lunchclubs for elderly people thatcan be accessed without theneed for referral. Befriendingand shopping services for thesame people would solve manyproblems that presentlyescalate to higher needs’ -Weston.related photo to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Good mental health and reduction in thenegative impact of social isolation across theDistrict.• Anti-bullying policies in schools and collegesdeveloped and fully implemented.• Parents and carers supported.• Primary Mental Health Service that improvesaccess for people experiencing emotional ormental health problems developed.Improvements we want to see include:• Better access to health and community serviceswithin our rural and urban communities.• Appropriate services and facilities developed torespond to the needs of people within futuredevelopments, with a particular emphasis onbuilt environments that promote healthylifestyles.• Full response to fluctuations in pressures onservices at particular times, for example duringseasonal population increases.• Well promoted sustainable and accessibletransport options.Improvements we want to see include:• Reduction in childhood obesity by increasingactivity levels and promoting healthy eating.• Provision of good quality play opportunities.• More advice and support about alcohol anddrug misuse and smoking.• Reduced teenage conceptions by providingappropriate accessible sexual health advice.• Better access to local services in communitiesand schools.Improvements we want to see include:• Accessible services that promote independentliving.• Further development of urban and rural socialnetworks and activities to reduce social isolationand improve mental health.• Appropriate support for carers of older people.34

Aim:Ensure older people haveaccess to a range of housingand housing related services.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Quality information and advice about housingoptions provided.• Provision of decent, affordable, accessible,warm and safe homes.• Increased housing choice and options.• Services and support that enable people toremain independent and safe in their ownhomes.• A range of housing alternatives to residentialcare for older people unable to remain in theirown homes.Partnership Priority: Improving health and wellbeing and TacklingDisadvantage and Promoting Equality of OpportunityAim:Increase life expectancy inareas where health outcomesare the poorest.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Aim:Develop preventative,appropriate, accessible servicesfor people who are at higher riskof poor health.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Aim:Improve the life chances oflooked after children andyoung people.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Targeted resources so that those with mostneed receive most help and care.• Innovative ways of delivering services tocounter the entrenched inequalities in healthexperienced by those living in areas ofdisadvantage.• Continued improvement of early years supportin disadvantaged areas..• Positive life style choices made throughsupportive programmes.Improvements we want to see include:• Service development reflects and responds tothe specific health needs of:• People who experience mental andemotional health and difficulties.• People with learning disabilities.• People with physical and/or sensoryimpairments.• People from black and minority ethniccommunities.• Carer’s health improved, and greaterawareness of health issues affecting carers.Improvements we want to see include:• Improved continuity of care in safe and secureenvironments.• Provision of necessary support to help lookedafter children achieve in school.• Activities and opportunities for looked afterchildren outside of school.• Access to housing and support services foryoung people leaving care.35

Aim:Better access to quality homes.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Aim:Increase supply and access toaffordable housing.‘There needs to be moreaffordable and low costhousing so that futuregenerations can afford aproperty’ – Nailsea.related photo to be inserted?Aim:Prevent and tacklehomelessness.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Aim:Adequate housing andappropriate health care isavailable for our Black, MinorityEthnic, Gypsy and Travellercommunities.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• More vulnerable people living in decent homes.• Access to decent social and private sectorhousing for young people leaving care.• Better housing options for families.• Reduced numbers of people in fuel poverty• Appropriate housing adaptations to meetpeople’s access needs.• Work with private landlords to improvestandards.• Accreditation schemes for agencies thatprovide supported housing for people in drugrehabilitation.Improvements we want to see include:• Maximised investment to improve supply.• Innovation and delivery of affordable homeswithout the need for public subsidy.• Work with housing associations, private sectordevelopers, businesses and land owners formore opportunities for affordable housing.• New housing developments to provide moreaffordable housing in development plans.• Re-use empty properties.• Increase affordable housing in rural settlements.Improvements we want to see include:• Develop prevention work with people at risk ofbecoming homeless.• Reduced number of people living in temporaryaccommodation.• Improved access to information and advice.Improvements we want to see include:• Consult with service users appropriately.• Identify perceived or real barriers that may stoppeople from accessing services and facilities.• Take language and cultural issues into accountwhen delivering services.• Raise awareness of housing, care and supportservices available, through improved andappropriate communication.How we will know if we are making progress:We will use a range of appropriate quality of life indicators to show change over time andwhere performance is to be monitored these will be identified within specific action plansdeveloped by the delivery partnerships.36

Quality of Life Indicators to monitor progress towards improving health and wellbeing:• Accessibility to education facilities/health facilities & healthy food/employment.• Age standardised mortality rates for a) all cancers; b) circulatory diseases; and c)respiratory diseases.• House price to income ratio.• Percentage of residents who think that for their local area, over the past three yearsthe following have got better or stayed the same a) activities for teenagers; b)cultural facilities (for example, cinemas, museums); c) facilities for young children; d)sport and leisure facilities; and e) parks and open spaces.• Affordable dwellings completed as a percentage of all new housing completions.• All registered provision for children and young people listed by Children’sInformation Service.• Difference between wards with worst health and deprivation indicators and thepopulation as a whole.• Number of deaths or serious injuries on roads.• Number households in temporary accommodation.• Teenage pregnancy, conceptions under 18 years, per 1,000 females aged 15-17.37

Strategies and Plans that will support our progressOur health, ourcare, our say (2006)Every Child MattersRegional TransportStrategyWest of EnglandHousing Delivery PlanChoosing Health(2004)Draft Regional Spatial Strategy& Regional Housing StrategyImproving Health and WellbeingSingle Plan for Children &Young PeopleGo 4 Life – Healthy &Active Lifestyles StrategyHomelessnessStrategyLocal AreaAgreementSupporting PeopleStrategyTackling HealthInequalities Action PlanOlder People’s strategy andOlder People’s Housing StrategyLocal DevelopmentFrameworkNorth Somerset HousingStrategy and AffordableHousing Delivery PlanHow you can support our work programme?• Take some regular exercise. Your local leisure centre will have activities for all ages.Why not find out what’s on offer? Remember young people with a leisure key canget discounts on some activities.• To find out the benefits of giving up smoking. Contact 'Support to Stop' on 01275546744.• Eat healthily - find out about healthy food for you and your family. Contact Taste ofNorth Somerset on 01275 546742 or view www.eatwell.gov.uk .• Are you caring for someone? Do you need advice, support or practicalhelp? Visit www.nscrossroads.org.uk for further information.• Take a look at your local library – see what facilities and information they now offer.• Support or get involved in local events.• 50+? Why not contact the local U3A (University of the 3rd Age) Bristol/WoodspringTel: 01275 791576 or Weston-super-Mare Tel: 01934 622255.• Tenant, landlord or home owner? For housing advice contact the North SomersetCouncil Housing Advice Team, Tel: 01934 634790.38

Partnership Priority: Developing a prosperous economy andenterprising communityWhy this is a priority• North Somerset is a relatively prosperous area with a well-qualified workforce andlower than average unemployment at 2%; nationally it is 5.1%. Since 2000, thenumber of VAT registered businesses in North Somerset has increased by 9.5% to6,140 with the number of financial services, real estate, renting and business servicesincreasing.• With a growing population of young people, we have a significant potential futureworkforce. However, the proportion of 16-24 year olds is low – 8.6% compared to10.3% nationally.• Young people in North Somerset achieve above average results in GCSEs (thoughthere is an achievement gap between those in Weston-super-Mare and the otherparts of the District).• There is a lack of appropriate high-level employment opportunities locally.Approximately 36% of residents out-commute for work each day causing significantcongestion and pollution in some parts of the district.• Some neighbourhoods, particularly in Weston-super-Mare have more residents withlow level or no qualifications than regional and national averages.• There are a variety of social enterprises serving the population of North Somersetwith overall income and expenditure levels that may be as much as around£450million.• Employment opportunities will increase, particularly in Portishead and Weston superMare over the next 10 years with new development.What our communities told usLocal people have told us their concerns and ideas to develop a prosperous economyand enterprising community through their contributions to a wide range of specificdevelopment as well as through discussions of this strategy. These include planning forfuture transport needs, developing NSP Economic Development and RegenerationStrategy, in consultations about the development of Weston-super-Mare, and in earlydiscussions about land use across North Somerset in future. Key issues that ourcommunities wanted us to address were:• Create a strong identity and encourage, support, and market local products, forexample, local food and drink, and tourism.• Encourage employment-led regeneration especially in Weston-super-Mare.• Improve and promote the retail offer in towns and villages.• Support and encourage small business development.• Maintain key services and the economic vitality of both rural and urban areas.• Improve quality and access to employment and training opportunities.• Improve access to training and employment through childcare facilities and provisionof facilities to meet the needs of disabled people.• Improve access to retail services and facilities for disabled people.39

• Look at opportunities to support community transport schemes (e.g. more vehicles, offpeak services for young people etc.) Make the service affordable. CommunityTransport may be a better solution in some rural areas rather than empty publictransport.• Develop accessible, affordable, and efficient transport, including support for youngpeople.• Develop community and voluntary organisations to increase local investment as socialenterprise.Examples of North Somerset Partnership achievements so farNSP has worked together to make real and lasting improvements in the area. Examplesof our achievements that can be built upon to address this shared priority include:• The Greater Bristol Bus Network Major Transport Scheme bid (decision awaited fromDFT at time of writing).• 395 new businesses set up since 2004.• Social enterprise and the wider voluntary sector has been mapped to show it bringsinvestment of hundreds of millions of pounds into the area, and a new SocialEnterprise Directory that helps local social enterprise access support has beenpublished.• New Government funds to tackle disadvantage in South Ward, and further newfunds to focus on improving skills and access to jobs in Central Ward (Weston-super-Mare).• Development of a new college learning centre including provision for 6 th Form andDegree courses in Weston-super-Mare.• A new system to help businesses looking to relocate or expand into new premises isnow available online through Invest West for the West of England.What we will do to achieve our shared priorityAim:Development of theinfrastructure needed to supportsustainable economic growth.‘Have a brave INTEGRATED (i.e.joined-up) scheme which linksevery part of the town andoutlying areas – Portishead.related photo to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Integrated sustainable improvements in thetransport infrastructure between North Somerset’surban and rural communities and its links to thesouth west.• Land allocations and development for newcommunities that bring opportunities forsustainable economic development.• More affordable housing options and balanceddevelopment to meet peoples’ needs in existingand new communities.• New facilities and quality learning opportunities infurther and higher education, with appropriateresidential facilities.• Programmes that combine increased transportinvestment with measures to manage traveldemand to support sustainable growth.40

Aim:Grow and develop business andenterprise.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Aim:Develop the knowledgeeconomy to support efficiency,competitiveness and innovation.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Aim:Develop learning and skills withincommunities and businesssectors.‘Small business given more helpwith funding to train youngpeople in different trades’ –Banwell.related photo to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Business investment and increased supply of landand appropriately sized premises/business unitswith better industrial estates by improved securityand environmental enhancement.• Local purchasing of products and services andlocal supply chains in all organisations and localcommunities.• More new business start-ups and developmentand retention of existing small and medium sizedbusinesses by encouraging enterprise andinnovation.• Encourage sustainable tourism in towns and ruralareas.• Maximised impact of quality attractions andbetter range and quality of visitor and localattractions, to increase visitor spend.• Advantage taken of opportunities from newtechnologies, especially in the environmentaltechnology sector.Improvements we want to see include:• Investment and development in the creative andknowledge based services and production.• Limited and sustainable growth of BristolInternational Airport and the Royal Portbury/Avonmouth docks that are closely linked toregeneration and significant improvements intransport provisions.• Cluster and link knowledge based business.• Provision of land and well equipped propertyattractive to current and future business needs.Improvements we want to see include:• Improve skills in the workforce and staffdevelopment in existing employers and keygrowth sectors.• Creating a high quality adaptable skills base.• Better access to further and higher educationincluding vocational training.• Raised standards of learning achievement foryoung people and adults.• Enterprise in schools and further educationestablishments promoted, with strong links toemployers.• Access to free information and advice about allforms of learning and those educationalopportunities are available to all individuals at allages.41

Aim:Regenerate main town centresas locations for retail, civic andcultural activity with employmentand housing.‘Shopping area upgraded tolook more welcoming - plants,trees etc, building more fitting tovillage’ – Pill.related photo to be inserted?Aim:Climate Change issuesaddressed with businesses andenvironmental agencies.‘I believe that companies shouldbe made to recycle’ –Clevedon.related photo to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• New employment and business developmentopportunities provided to improve the balancebetween homes and jobs.• Town centre economy strengthened throughdevelopment of the night time economy and anexpansion of retail activity and leisureopportunities.• Key sites within the towns regenerated.• Town centre management arrangementsbetween public and private sectors in all maintowns.Improvements we want to see include:• Initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint ofbusinesses and help to tackle and adapt toclimate change undertaken.• Reduced energy and other resource usage,better travel planning, and better wastemanagement and effective environmentalmanagement systems.• Investment in flood defences so the area canadapt to the impact of Climate Change.• Uptake and/or development of newtechnologies to help combat climate change(new business opportunities).• Continue to promote and encourage tourismbusinesses to sign up for the Green TourismBusiness Scheme.Partnership priority: Developing a prosperous economy and enterprisingcommunity and Tackling Disadvantage and Promoting Equality ofOpportunityAim:Eradicate economic exclusion.‘Improving health & wellbeingcan be done not only throughmedical services but throughreducing poverty and bettereducation’ – Congresbury.related photo to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Reduced inequalities in educational attainmentacross North Somerset.• Reduced number of young people not inEducation, Employment or Training.• Support neighbourhood regenerationprogrammes that bring together public agencies,local businesses and local people to seeksolutions that respond to local needs.• Better access to affordable communitybanking/finance initiatives.• Business start up programmes to encourage newbusiness in less prosperous areas of the district.42

Aim:Full access to learning, trainingand employment.‘I have problems findingaffordable childcare’ – Banwell.‘Reduce/subsidise fares, morefrequent services going to keyplaces e.g. colleges, library, andshopping centres’ – NorthSomerset.Improvements we want to see include:• Social enterprise to encourage a range ofpathways to work in disadvantaged areas.• Childcare and transport accessible in rural andless prosperous urban areas.• Looked after children supported after they havereached eighteen years of age in their furthereducation and employment needs.• Basic skills development for all adults who need it.• Better skills and realised potential among longtermunemployed people.How we will know if we are making progress:We will use a range of appropriate quality of life indicators to show change over time andwhere performance is to be monitored these will be identified within specific action plansdeveloped by the delivery partnerships.Quality of Life Indicators to monitor progress towards developing a prosperous economyand enterprising community• Accessibility to education facilities/health facilities & healthy food/employment.• Carbon Dioxide emissions by sector and per capita emissions.• Number of people who live in the most deprived 20% of areas nationally.• Percentage of the working-age population that is in employment.• Percentage of 15-year-old pupils in schools maintained by the local authorityachieving five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C or equivalent.• Difference between wards with worst health and deprivation indicators and thepopulation as a whole.• Percentage change in the number of VAT registered businesses.(To be shown alongside the total number of VAT registered businesses in the area atthe end of the year).• Percentage of residents who think that for their local area, over the past threeyears, that a) public transport has got better or stayed the same; b) the level oftraffic congestion has got better or stayed the same.43

Strategies and Plans that will support our progressSub-nationalReviewLearning andSkills StrategyWest of EnglandEconomic Development& Regeneration StrategyFramework forExcellenceTomorrow’sTourism TodayLocalDevelopmentFrameworkRegional EnterpriseStrategyStern Review.HM TreasuryRegionalEconomic StrategyWest of EnglandSkills for Life strategyProsperous economy andenterprising communityLocal Area AgreementWeston Area Action PlanNorth SomersetEconomic Development& Regeneration StrategyLeitchReviewLearning Serviceprovider plans14-19strategyAffordableHousing StrategySingle Plan for Children &Young PeopleDestinationManagement PlanDEVELOPING A STRONG ECONOMY AND ENTERPRISING COMMUNITYHow you can support our work programme:• Support the local economy by buying local products and shopping locally, forexample in local centre’s and Farmer's Markets.• For business advice, information, training and networking opportunities contactNorth Somerset Enterprise Agency on 01934 418118.• Enrol on a leisure or educational course at Weston College. Tel: 01934 411411.• Join the Weston and Area Credit Union. Tel: 01934 429573• Gain experience by volunteering with a local group - Contact Voluntary ActionNorth Somerset on 01934 410910.• Use public transport, cycle, or walk to reduce traffic congestion and greenhousegas emissions.44

Partnership Priority: Living within Environmental LimitsWhy this is a priority• North Somerset’s ‘Eco-Footprint’ shows that we are using more than three times ourfair share of the world’s natural resources.• Climate Change is likely to have an increasingly significant impact on the quality oflife in North Somerset. With increasing extremes in weather, the risk of flooding islikely to increase for both inland and coastal communities• Main land-use issues will include minimising the impact on the natural environment,by ensuring any development is carbon neutral and contributes to the characterand integrity of existing communities.• Another major challenge will be the need to develop more sustainable transportpatterns. Car ownership in North Somerset is currently above the national average,whilst walking and cycling rates are amongst the lowest in the South West.• Significant future transport issues include plans for a South Bristol Ring Road, thepotential expansion of Bristol International Airport and Royal Portbury Dock and theneed to tackle congestion hotspots such as Junction 21 of the M5.• Local people want high standards of street management and maintenance; thisincludes less litter and better maintenance of historic buildings.• People who are socially and economically disadvantaged often live in the worstenvironments. High quality public environments play a significant part in reducingcrime.What our communities told usLocal people were keen to ensure that environmental concerns were tackled. Keyoverarching issues included; protecting the natural environment and addressing actionsthat have a negative impact on the environment. Adapting and restricting the impact ofClimate Change was considered to be very important when planning for the future. Arange of suggestions were given about how we could work together to address theseissues. These included:• Improving and maintaining clean public spaces.• Access to the countryside and coast.• Improved recycling services, both domestic and business.• Encourage alternative/renewable energy sources.• Protecting and maintaining open spaces.• Encourage eco-building practices.• Protecting our natural landscape and encouraging biodiversity.• Managing and enhancing the built environment.• Encouraging community involvement and promoting awareness ofenvironmental issues.• Promoting good farming practices and preserving traditions.• Improving transport infrastructure and sustainable travel options45

Examples of North Somerset Partnership achievements so far• ‘Change 1 Thing’ campaign successfully launched in July 2006 to encouragepeople to reduce their personal ‘eco-footprint’.• The successful development of the Eco Schools programme with 21 Schoolsregistered as taking part.• Implementing the Bio-diversity Action Plan for North Somerset.• Completion of eco-homes excellent units at Ashlands, Portishead – KnightstoneHA and Persimmon Homes.What we will do to achieve our shared priorityAimTackle Climate Change byreducing emissions ofgreenhouse gases.‘Not enough done toencourage renewable energy’-Banwell.related photo to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Work with partners across the South West Regionto reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.• Planning policies to ensure new developmentsare carbon neutral.• All public buildings to be resource efficient – useless energy, less water and produce less waste.• Raised awareness about the causes of ClimateChange and local people, organisations,schools, businesses and institutions to reducetheir ‘carbon foot print’.• Innovative ways to improve the energyefficiency of our existing building stock found.• Development and use of renewable energysources, especially through the development ofcommunity or domestic scale ‘micro generation’schemes encouraged.Aim:Assist service providers,businesses, and communities toadapt to the effects ofunavoidable Climate Changeand to increasing energy costs.‘Everyone to be more aware ofthe environmental and socialimplications of their activities andtaking steps to minimiseunwanted effects’ – Backwell.related photo to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Raised awareness about the effects of ClimateChange and peak oil. Local people, schools,organisations, businesses and major institutionssupported to adapt to these changes.• Likely effects of climate change are taken intoaccount in all policies and services and in thedesign of all new developments.• Support to the local economy by taking fulladvantage of new technologies and otherbusiness opportunities, and by helping businessesto adapt to rising energy costs and effects ofchanging climate.• Limit the more damaging effects of ClimateChange, e.g. by encouraging land managersand developers to adopt techniques that helpprevent the risk of flash flooding (e.g. SustainableUrban Drainage).46

Aim:Conserve resources and reducewaste.‘We need wider environmentalmeasures to reduceconsumption and refuse – LongAshton.related photo to be inserted?Aim:Maintain and improveenvironmental quality in urbanareas.‘Instead of building more justimprove on the buildings wehave already’ – Young personSandford.related photo to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Planning policies to promote water conservationmeasures developed/used.• Environmentally responsible behaviour amongstlocal people, organisations, schools, businessesand major institutions (e.g. by promotingenvironmental management systems andsustainable procurement practices).• Public buildings are resource efficient – use lesswater and produce less waste.• Reduced amounts of waste produced byhouseholds, businesses and other organisations.• Recycling services and markets for recycledmaterials developed.• All new developments maximize on-site recyclingof materials.Improvements we want to see include:• Enhanced local environmental quality in bothnew and existing developments. For example, byensuring that biodiversity, green infrastructureand sustainable travel schemes are arequirement of all regeneration anddevelopment plans.• Planning policies used to prevent inappropriatedevelopment in flood risk areas.• Better visual environment and quality of thepublic realm through appropriate design andhigh standards of street management andmaintenance.• Reduced environmental crime such as fly-tipping.• Exceeded national standards for sustainableconstruction.• Innovation in design whilst protecting andenhancing historic buildings and localdistinctiveness.• Air quality in urban areas remains better than thenational standards.47

Aim:Sustain and enhance NorthSomerset’s natural environment.‘Maintaining an attractiveenvironment by keeping existinggreen spaces, and not developingimportant green spaces withbuilding - either commercial orprivate’ – Clevedon.related photo to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Planning policies used to protect and enhancethe unique landscape character of NorthSomerset.• Existing habitats are adequately protected andopportunities to create new habitats in bothurban and rural areas are taken to supportbiodiversity.• Agri-environment schemes taken up.• Sustainable patterns of land management (e.g.by designing new developments in a sensitiveway and adopting land management practicesthat protect biodiversity).Aim:Encourage more sustainablepatterns of travel and tackleroad congestion.‘What about environmentalissues, including transport andensuring there are efficient busservice so people areencouraged to leave their carsat home and more cyclingnetworks? – Long Ashton.related photo to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Reduce the need to travel through a range ofoptions including use of innovative technologyand joined up development planning processes.• Realistic alternatives to travel by car by improvingpublic transport networks and encourage walkingand cycling.• Work with businesses and other organisations topromote sustainable transport options thatrespond to work/school travel patterns (forexample by adopting Green Travel Plans).• Work with sub regional and regional partners toencourage improvements across all transportnetworks.Partnership Priority: Living within Environmental Limits and TacklingDisadvantage and Promoting Equality of OpportunityAim:Develop understanding andtaking action on environmentalinequalities in North Somerset.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Capacity and skills of communities suffering fromexclusion, pollution and environmental crimedeveloped so their voices are heard.• Understanding of how poor environmentscontribute to poor health through joint workbetween health and environment organisations• Reduced number of people living in fuel poverty;better energy efficiency of our existing housingstock.• Better access to facilities and services for thosewithout private transport.• Any action to improve environmental qualitydoes not effectively penalise those on lowerincomes.48

Aim:Ensure access to open spacesand a quality environment for all.Consultation Quote/relatedphoto to be inserted?Improvements we want to see include:• Better access to informal recreation activity in thecountryside, including disabled people’s access.• Better green infrastructure in urban areas toenhance biodiversity and offer chances forrecreation.• Parks, play areas and public open spaces areaccessible to disabled children.• Local people have a say on issues affecting theirlocal area.How we will know if we are making progress:We will use a range of appropriate quality of life indicators to show change over time.Where performance against specific issues is to be monitored these will be identifiedwithin specific action plans developed by the delivery partnerships.Quality of Life Indicators to monitor progress towards living within environmental limits• Accessibility to education facilities/health facilities & healthy food/employment.• British Crime Survey comparator crimes for PSA1.• Carbon Dioxide emissions by sector and per capita emissions.• Bird population indices (a) farmland birds (b) woodland birds (c) coastal birds (d)wintering wetland birds.• Number of protected sites (SPAs, SACs, SSSIs) in favourable condition.• Mode share of journeys to school.• Distance traveled to work.• Volume/weight of household waste going to land-fill (all sectors).• Number of properties at risk of flooding49

Strategies and Plans that will support our progressSecuring the Future: UKGovernment SustainableDevelopment StrategyClimate ChangeStrategy and ActionPlan (Dec 2006)Sustainable CommunitiesStrategy: Building for theFutureLiving within environmentallimitsSouth WestBiodiversity ActionAction for Nature,North SomersetBiodiversity ActionPlan 2005Local DevelopmentFrameworkStrategic Flood RiskAssessmentWasteDevelopmentFrameworkLiving within environmental limitsHow you can support our work programme:• Find out more about recycling opportunities in North Somerset. Tel: 01275 888802.• Don't forget the fortnightly green box collection will collect paper, glass, steel andaluminium cans, aluminium foil, textiles and shoes.• Buy a composter. Tel: 01275 888509.• Encourage wildlife into your garden. Contact the North Somerset Wildlife Wardens Tel:01761 462276.• Reduce the amount of energy you use in your home – for advice contact 01934634807.• Report pollution and fly-tipping Tel 0800 807060.50

Delivering our Sustainable Community StrategyThis Sustainable Community Strategy is our planning framework for improvingquality of life and opportunities across the area. It brings together our sharedpriorities and key aims for the area, with illustrative examples of improvements wewill consider and prioritise through the development of our delivery plans andfollowing action. It will:• Influence development of new strategies and plans for North Somerset.• Reduce duplication of effort by bringing together key actions that contribute toour wellbeing.• ‘Add value’ to existing and future work where appropriate.• Inform other plans at a sub regional and regional level to enable NorthSomerset priorities to be recognised and prioritised accordingly.Through the implementation of our strategy, we will demonstrate how our strategicaims translate into practical action to make a real and lasting difference topeople living in, working in and visiting our area.The North Somerset Partnership (NSP) Delivery StructureNSP BoardThe Board membership includes a range of public, private, community andvoluntary organisations. It will oversee the work described in this strategy and hasultimate responsibility for it, through reviewing and evaluating progress. Thepartnership will receive quarterly updates on actions and will consider successesand any short falls in progress to determine how these can be addressed together.NSP Delivery Partnerships and ForumsThe Board works with thematic delivery partnerships/forums with membership alsodrawn from across sectors. This gives a broad range of views to inform andinfluence the direction of our work, and oversee its delivery.Each delivery partnership works to prioritise, plan, and deliver key work thatsupports their specific theme. The delivery partnerships work together to achievesynergy between partnerships when delivering cross-cutting shared objectives.Where the aims and improvements agreed by NSP are not already part of anexisting delivery plan, these will be reviewed and prioritised by the relevantdelivery partnership and new actions will be determined and agreed. DeliveryPartnership progress is monitored quarterly.NSP Stakeholders and North Somerset CommunitiesNSP holds a stakeholder event every year to discuss progress and consider futurework. This event is open to all organisations and community representatives withan interest in NSP work, and provides a wider opportunity to link complimentarywork programmes and influence the direction of this strategy.Communities across the area contribute to our work programme in a range ofways, through community led activities such as parish/town planning or theircontributions to public and voluntary and community services, projects andinitiatives. Local people have helped to shape this work programme and willcontinue to do so through consultation and engagement during itsimplementation.51

NSP in the futureIn order to be effective, NSP must review its internal processes, functions, andstructures at regular intervals. When reviewing the partnership, we will takeaccount of significant changes in Government policy and priorities, regional andsub-regional governance, and changes to the structures and resources of our ownpartners.Throughout future changes, NSP must include our partners across the public,business, and voluntary sectors to maximise the contribution needed to supportdevelopment, and make changes that meet the expressed interests and needs oflocal people.The diagram overleaf describes the NSP delivery structure.How we will keep people informed of our progress:NSP will produce an annual report to update on progress, which will be circulatedwidely through our stakeholder bulletin network and beyond. This will set out ourachievements and future targets. Key information on current work programmeswill be regularly updated on our website www.northsomersetpartnership.org.uk.Additionally, there will an opportunity to discuss progress and input into the workprogramme through attendance at the annual NSP stakeholder event.Keeping our work up to dateThis strategy will evolve as all parts of our partnership continue to influence andinform its direction. To ensure that it reflects any significant future changes in localcircumstances, the strategy will be reviewed and elements refreshed asappropriate every 3 years.52

Appendix * - The North Somerset Sustainable Community Strategy DeliveryStructure• National Priorities• Regional & Sub-Regional Plans &Strategies• Local issues, priorities andchallengesSUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY STRATEGYNSP Board overseeing development andimplementationDELIVERY MECHANISMSNSP Delivery PartnershipsDeveloping and implementing keystrategies and action plansMulti AreaAgreementsLocal AreaAgreementOverseen byNSP SteeringGroupPartner BusinessPlans e.g.:• NSC CorporatePlan• Local PolicingPlan• Primary CareTrustLocalDevelopmentFramework –Core Strategyand Area ActionPlansPartners’ Service Delivery Plans53

Appendix * North Somerset Quality of Life IndicatorsQuality of Life indicators provide a picture of life for an area covering a range of issues.These indicators can be provided in a format that is easily accessible and will trackchange over time to aid action.Headline Indicators• Accessibility to education facilities/health facilities & healthy food/employment• Age standardised mortality rates for a) all cancers; b) circulatory diseases; and c)respiratory diseases• British Crime Survey comparator crimes for PSA1• Carbon Dioxide emissions by sector and per capita emissions• House price to income ratio.• Number of people who live in the most deprived 20% of areas Nationally• Percentage of residents who think that for their local area, over the past three yearsthe following have got better or stayed the same a) activities for teenagers; b)cultural facilities (for example, cinemas, museums); c) facilities for young children; d)sport and leisure facilities; and e) parks and open spaces• Percentage of the working-age population that is in employment• Percentage of 15-year-old pupils in schools maintained by the local authorityachieving five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C or equivalent• The number of people recorded as or reporting that they have engaged in formalvolunteering on average at least 2 hours a week over the past year.• Number of properties at risk of flooding.• Number of protected sites (SPAs, SACs, SSSIs) in favourable condition.Supporting Indicators• Affordable dwellings completed as a percentage of all new housing completions• All registered provision for children and young people listed by Children’sInformation Service• Bird population indices (a) farmland birds (b) woodland birds (c) coastal birds (d)wintering wetland birds• Difference between wards with worst health and deprivation indicators and thepopulation as a whole• Job density (number of jobs filled to working age population)• Mode share of journeys to school• Number of deaths or serious injuries on roads• Number households in temporary accommodation.• Percentage change in the number of VAT registered businesses• (To be shown alongside the total number of VAT registered businesses in the area atthe end of the year)• Percentage of residents surveyed who said they feel ‘fairly safe’ or ‘very safe’outside a) during the day; b) after dark• Percentage of residents who think that for their local area, over the past threeyears, that a) public transport has got better or stayed the same; b) the level oftraffic congestion has got better or stayed the same.• Proportion of people who voted in local and town/parish elections• Proportion of working-age population qualified to a) NVQ2 or equivalent and; b)NVQ4 or equivalent.• Teenage pregnancy, conceptions under 18 years, per 1,000 females aged 15-17• Volume of household waste collected and the proportion recycled54

Glossary and definitions(EGs)Affordable housingLocal AreaAgreementKnowledge economyNon decent housingSustainableCommunity StrategyA long term strategy prepared by local authorise working inpartnership with agencies and interests across their area. This is astatutory requirement.55

References1“Preparing Community Strategies. Government Guidance to Local Authorities” (Dec2000)2Equalities Legislation: ***3Single Plan for Children & Young People (April 2006) – North Somerset Council4 Office of National Statistics Revised 2004 sub-national Population Projections5 Office of National Statistics Revised 2004 sub-national Population Projections6 Office of National Statistics Revised 2004 sub-national Population Projections72001Census8 First languages – School Census, May 20079 Single Plan for Children & Young People (April 2006) – North Somerset Council10 Charity Commission, Aug 200511 North Somerset Social Economy Audit, 200612 Local Development Framework – Core Strategy Topic Paper ‘Culture, Leisure & Tourism’,200713 ‘Alignment of national, regional and local cultural objectives’ – Government OfficeSouth West, Culture South West, Sport England South West, Arts Council South West,Museums, Libraries and Archives South West May 200714Local Development Framework, Core Strategy Topic Paper ‘Culture, Leisure & Tourism’200715 2001Census16Indices of Multiple Deprivation, 200417 Home Office – ‘Cutting Crime: A new partnership 2008-2011’18 Avon and Somerset Police – 200719 Avon and Somerset Police – 200720 Avon and Somerset Police21 Avon and Somerset Police – 200756

22 Avon and Somerset Police – 200723 Avon and Somerset Police24 Avon and Somerset Police – 2005/0625 National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse26 Department of Health – North Somerset Health Profile 2006 (DH100020290, 2007)27 Health in North Somerset 2005-2006, Annual Report of the Director Of Public Health28 Department of Health – North Somerset Health Profile 2006 (DH100020290, 2007)29 North Somerset Primary Care Trust30 Department of Health – North Somerset Health Profile 2006 (DH100020290, 2007)31 Health in North Somerset 2005-2006, Annual Report of the Director Of Public Health32 Department of Health – North Somerset Health Profile 2006 (SH100020290, 2007)33 Land Registry/ All house types34 2001Census35 North Somerset Council Housing Register 200736 Housing Advice Team – North Somerset Council37 Housing Advice Team – North Somerset Council38 Private Housing Stock Condition Survey, 2006 – North Somerset Council39 North Somerset Housing40 North Somerset Housing41 North Somerset Retail and Leisure Study – Donaldsons, April 200642 NOMIS43 NOMIS, Counts of VAT Based Enterprises by Broad Industry Group, 200644 NOMIS, Counts of VAT Based Enterprises by Broad Industry Group, 200645 Leitch Review of Skills57

46 Office of National Statistics Annual Population Survey, Jan-Dec 200547 2001Census48 Department for Education and Schools – www.dfes.gov.uk/inyourarea49 Office of National Statistics Annual Population Survey, Jan-Dec 200550 North Somerset Social Enterprise Audit, 200551 North Somerset eco-footprint report conducted by the Stockholm Environment Institute52 Local Development Framework, Core Strategy ‘Transport & Communication’ TopicPaper (Section 5 - Context)53 South West Observatory54 2001Census55 North Somerset Local Plan, GIS mapping service56 Coastline Protection Project, Cardiff University57 Environment Agency Position statement on ‘Addressing Environmental Inequalities’ (Oct2004)58 London Sustainability Exchange report – ‘Environmental Justice in London – Linking theEqualities and Environmental Policy Agendas (2004)58

To contact us: Email: northsomersetpartnership@n-somerset.gov.ukOr telephone the Partnership Development Officer 01934 634 88859