As part of the Rural Delivery Pathfinder programme eight Pathfinders were set up across England to build on improvements being made in response to local challenges in service delivery. The results of the two year programme are published today in the national report 'Rural challenges, local solutions'.
The report highlights the finding that partnership working is critical to success, and that communities must be directly engaged in defining what they want and how to deliver it. It also demonstrated that local authorities that show leadership and innovate, play an important role in delivering solutions.
Launching the report at the Local Government Association's Annual Improvement Conference in Bristol, Minister for Local Government, John Healey said:
"This innovative programme has achieved important improvements for people in rural areas, and gives us a better understanding of the issues affecting rural services. The rural delivery Pathfinders also show that when local authorities have a stronger voice and greater freedom to find solutions, they can better meet the needs of their communities.
Defra/West Durham Pathfinder...2
Minister for Rural Affairs, Jonathan Shaw welcomed the report saying:
"The achievements of each Pathfinder are distinctive, reflecting local priorities and circumstances. They have worked together to get more value out of funding streams and have brought strong leadership to improving rural services. I congratulate the local authorities involved for the success they've achieved and I look forward to seeing them and others share the learning and build on that success."
The West Durham Pathfinder has been involved in the proposed Eastgate Renewable Energy Village development, which has been identified as a means of creating sustainable jobs in Weardale, and promoting business links. It has been a catalyst for the creation of a Skills and Employment Action Plan for the area.
Both Teesdale and Wear Valley suffer from a shortage of businesses operating in the knowledge-intensive and growth sectors. By determining how and why these types of businesses are attracted to or put off by an area, it may be possible to develop the right conditions for entrepreneurial in-migration and potential economic prosperity.
A lack of broadband facilities has recently been identified as one of the main factors preventing the development of the knowledge economy in West Durham. The Pathfinder is currently considering proposal for funding a project to bring access to broadband in rural areas.
The West Durham Rural Pathfinder has also enabled young people to have a stronger voice and influence over transport policy and service. Young people in West Durham questioned whether the new policy on transport for post-16 education needed further rural proofing. By working through the Pathfinder they have been able to influence key decision-makers in the County, resulting in some positive changes, and leading the way for further work.
Defra/West Durham Pathfinder...3
The Rural Delivery Pathfinder programme was launched jointly by Defra and local government in March 2005 to look at innovation in the delivery of rural services, test opportunities for more joined-up, flexible working and look at local priorities. Actions and outcomes are being embedded in a number of delivery plans, including Local Area Agreements.
