The National Context
The Rt Hon Margaret Beckett, announcing the Rural Strategy on 21 July 2004
Local authorities
have a vital role as community leaders in joining up and delivering quality
services. I therefore intend to look at innovative mechanisms for devolving
delivery even closer to rural communities. Over the course of this year we
will set up a pathfinder in each region to explore more joined-up and flexible
approaches at local level in rural areas, including to join up services and
funding at the point of delivery.
Why Carry out Pathfinders?
- Local government partners at local level-the voluntary and community sector,
social enterprises – have the skills and knowledge to better target
local needs.
- Local delivery needs to be driven locally, with best practice mainstreamed and innovation in delivery developed and owned locally to maximise impact.
What are we talking about?
- Building on the best mechanisms to devolve delivery as close as possible to rural communities.
What will happen?
- A sub-regional pathfinder will be set up to explore and test opportunities
for more joined up, flexible and effective approaches to rural delivery at
a local level.
- They will be linked to second generation Local PSA targets.
The Pathfinders' Challenge
Alun
Michael speech at Rural Delivery Pathfinders Launch, Lady Chapel, Ely Cathedral,
14 March 2005
Visit to Lancashire by the Rt. Hon. Michael Jack MP
Michael Jack, Conservative MP for Fylde briefed county council officers on the importance of devolving power to rural communities.
The MP and Chair of the select committee for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) spoke to Pathfinder officers at Chipping Community Resource Centre on Friday 22 July 2005.
Michael Jack said:
I found
the groups presentation provided a very useful insight into the practical
challenges of translating national policy on Rural Development into an action
Strategy on the ground.
I am sure that the Select Committee will look forward to receiving some
feedback from the Pathfinder team about how DEFRA can further assist in realising
the full potential of Rural Lancashire.
County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment, said:
Lancashire
County Council is delighted to be the lead partner of the North West Rural
Delivery Pathfinder Pilot.
The pilot builds on the rural work of Lancashire County Council, recognised nationally as a Beacon Council for Supporting the Rural Economy in 2003.
The lessons learned from the Pathfinder Pilot will lead to improved
rural service delivery and greater flexibility of funding regimes. Lancashire’s
needs and opportunities will be better addressed and this will lead to a
more customer focussed approach to rural regeneration in the County.
Pathfinders is a national government initiative organised through DEFRA to devolve decision-making and resources to regional and local rural communities. The initiative seeks to empower rural communities to set their own priorities and to target resources effectively.
