South-East (Rural 80) 37% of rural population More affluence Higher importance of land-based

OECD Study Mission: Leicestershire – 22nd May 2009

Supporting rural communities andbusinesses in Leicestershire

Supporting Rural Leicestershire:what we do and how we do it

Matthew KempsonLeicestershire County Council

Population by urban / rural area

% of Leicestershire population

Urban 425,401 68%

Town and Fringe 122,273 20%

Village and Hamlet 76,182 12%

Total 623,856 South-East (Rural 80)

37% of rural population

More affluence

Higher importance of land-based

Higher proportion of people in managerial jobs

Access to service issues

North-West (Rural 50 / significantly Rural)

63% of rural population

More pockets of deprivation

Higher tourism

Higher levels of no qualifications

Rural economy closer in characteristic to urban

Lower car ownership

Our approach in Leicestershire

• The right people

• The right places (SCS, LAA2, MAA)

• Knowing our communities

• Raising the profile

Having the right people

• Leicestershire Rural Partnership• Councillor portfolio holder (rural scrutiny committee)• Rural Champions• LCC Rural Team (4.5)

Being in the right places- sub-regional governance structures

• Leicestershire Together - SCS• Local Area Agreement• District LSPs – Access to Services• Enhanced Economic Role• Multi Area Agreement

• EMRAF - LA rep• CCN – Rural Task Group• Defra – Rural issues sounding board

LSPs and the LAA2

• Representation and embedded in LT structure

• District LSPs• Enhanced Economic Role• Multi Area Agreement

Knowing our communities

• 27 Community Forums• 50% of Leicestershire parishes with Parish Plan activity• 10 Quality Parish Councils – LAA target (+20)

• Robust evidence base– Economic Assessment– Places Survey – Rural Services Survey

Raising the profile

• European Commission for Agriculture and Rural Development

• Working with Central/Local Government to promote and implement rural proofing commitment

• Local advocate for the Regional Rural Affairs Forum• Local Awareness raising - conference / forums

Some practical examples ………

• Business Support and Services to Businesses

• Delivering transport solutions in rural areas

• Services for an ageing population – community integration

Business Support andServices for Businesses

Matthew Kempson

Charlene ArnoldEast Midlands Business

Vibrant Villages, 2008-10

• Post offices, village shops and community spaces• <£5k (<£10k community spaces)• £240,000 capital grants• Supported by LCC and emda• Retail consultant• Steering Group (Rural Services Co-ordinator)

• Rural Services Survey 2009

Rural Business Support Programme

• 3-year programme – ended March 2009• Supported 391 businesses - £1.2m

1.Redundant buildings2.Farmers development3.Rural visitor4.Micro-enterprise (non-sector specific)

• Rural Business Advice Fairs (c4. pa)

Roots at Barkby Thorpe

• Farm shop east of Leicester

• Redundant Building Grant

• Farmers Development Grant

– Cold room storage

– Internal fixtures

• c. £14k awarded

Welland Valley Rapeseed Oil

• Family farm in Houghton on the Hill for last 150

• Farmers Development Grant - £5k

• Specialist marketing consultancy for brand development – “Project Kickstart”

Rural Economic Priorities, 2009-12

1. Supporting Market Towns and Rural Centres as Economic Hubs

2. Supporting the Growth of Small Businesses3. Developing Rural Sectors (identified through Ecotec

report)4. Improving accessibility to employment, training and key

services5. Increasing availability of affordable rural housing

Rural Economic Support Programme

1. Towns and Rural Centres Business Partnership Development

2. Business Growth and Sustainable Communities3. Infrastructure Investment Grants

• Opportunity to purchase additional BL service – ICT support

• Food and drink and tourism – further consideration• Woodland Economy - potential

18

Rural Business Support

Leicestershire

Charlene Arnold

East Midlands Business

OECD/LRP Event

22nd May 2009

19

Background

• Dual Branding of consortium partners used to raise awareness only

• Partners recognised by rural and in particular land based businesses, therefore gravitas through association

• Raise awareness and promote Business Link as the gateway to business support

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How?

• Capacity build enquiry handlers and Business Support Advisers beyond the rural ‘champion

• Workshop training, events, shadow visits• Specific development of diagnostic tool and fact

sheet series• Increase the number of specialist solution providers• Network with key rural business Intermediaries• Enhance information about business on REBSIS

21

Where? Regional service delivered locally1. Brigg2. Bakewell3. Retford4. Lincoln5. Kings Lynn6. Spalding7. Grantham8. Melton Mowbray9. Northampton

1

3

9

2

5

4

8 6

7

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Business Link in Leicestershire

• Locally managed area team for existing businesses with 19 Business Support Advisers also covering skills brokerage under Train to Gain (6 in the City, 13 in the County) including ‘champion’

• Pre start and Start up part of the universal service delivered under the Business Link banner by EMB

23

Business Link in Leicestershire

• ‘Local’ enquiry handlers working to a geographical adviser matrix

• Local information specialist to gather local knowledge

• Dedicated partnership function for Leicestershire

24

Leicestershire (All districts not including Leicester City) 1st April 2008- 31st March 2009

Number of individuals receiving support

1,794

Number of businesses trading less than 12 months receiving support

505

Number of businesses trading for a minimum of 12 months receiving support

9,007

Total number of customers receiving support (Hybrid)

11,306

25


Number of new businesses created

326

Number of jobs created 510

Number of new businesses surviving for a minimum of 12 months

198

26


Number of businesses receiving information

8,230

Number of businesses receiving 1-2-1 business support

2,224

Number of businesses assisted 2,402

Number of businesses intensively assisted

422

27

Leicestershire (All districts not including Leicester City) 1st April 2008- 31st March 2009 -

Grant Funding

Business Transformation Grant 92/£433,902

Business Turnaround Grant 9/£13,500

Social Enterprise Business Advice Grant

11/£16,450

Train to Gain (Total Engagements)

737

28

Leicestershire (All districts not including Leicester City) 1st April 2008- 31st March 2009 -

Grant Funding

Leadership and Management Grant

83/£89,753

Leaders First 60/£42,677

Resource Efficiency Diagnostics completed

63

Resource Efficiency Grant 1/£9,365

29

2009-2010 regionally and locally

• Land based business Service has 850 Interventions and Action Plans to complete regionally and

• 30 New Enterprises to Establish regionally• Partnership working with LRP to maximise on

opportunities for joint working• Working with the Solutions for Business Portfolio

of Products

30

2009-2010 regionally and locally

• Reach Difficult Areas and other Groups• Further training and support from Land Based

Business Programme consortium partners• Further Promote RDPE• Further Enhancement of REBSIS to include

Intermediaries

31

Effects of Recession on Land Based Business

• Two types of LBB – Farming and other

32

Farming...

• Benefits from weak sterling – may not last• Generally strong Balance Sheet• Reduced access to more costly finance to fund

increasing working capital requirement• Increased interest in other activities as profit

declines but subject to geography, management and finance – e.g. RDPE

33

Non Farming...

• May benefit from weak sterling• Generally weak Balance Sheet• Reduced access to more costly finance to fund

increasing working capital requirement• Increased interest in looking at costs and other

marketing or growth initiatives

34

Non Farming Examples

• Equestrian Business• Horse Bedding• Tourism, B&B etc• Commercial office or premises• Waste and recycling• Water Resources• Adding value – retail etc

3535

Tony KirkTony Kirk

Group ManagerGroup Manager

Passenger Transport Unit (PTU)Passenger Transport Unit (PTU)

OECD Study Mission on

Rural Policy in England

3636

OverviewOverview

What does the Passenger Transport Unit (PTU) provide?What does the Passenger Transport Unit (PTU) provide?

Role of the PTU and Bus Support PolicyRole of the PTU and Bus Support Policy

Some of the rural transport interventionsSome of the rural transport interventions

Challenging perceptionsChallenging perceptions

The role of information and communicationThe role of information and communication

Questions Questions

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Passenger Transport UnitPassenger Transport Unit

Responsible for delivery of over £30m of transport support Responsible for delivery of over £30m of transport support across Leicestershire including:across Leicestershire including:

Home to school transportHome to school transport

Social Care transportSocial Care transport

Management of the English National Travel Concession Management of the English National Travel Concession SchemeScheme

continued…continued…

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Passenger Transport UnitPassenger Transport Unit

Socially necessary bus servicesSocially necessary bus services

Accessible/Community transportAccessible/Community transport

Passenger Fleet (120 vehicles, 200 drivers/escorts) Passenger Fleet (120 vehicles, 200 drivers/escorts)

Publicity and MarketingPublicity and Marketing

Passenger Transport PolicyPassenger Transport Policy

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Role of the PTURole of the PTU Delivering an hourly or better service, within an 800 metre Delivering an hourly or better service, within an 800 metre

walk, to 95% of Leicestershire’s residents (76% in rural areas)walk, to 95% of Leicestershire’s residents (76% in rural areas)

For remaining residents provide essential services to work, For remaining residents provide essential services to work, education/training, health, shopping and where possible, education/training, health, shopping and where possible, leisureleisure

Ensuring services are rural proofedEnsuring services are rural proofed

Providing services for mobility impaired residentsProviding services for mobility impaired residents

Ensure services are value for money Ensure services are value for money

4040

Home to School TransportHome to School Transport

Provision of transport for 20,000 students a day, many from Provision of transport for 20,000 students a day, many from rural areas travelling over three miles to their nearest schoolrural areas travelling over three miles to their nearest school

Transported by contract bus, season ticket, rail and taxi.Transported by contract bus, season ticket, rail and taxi.

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Demand Responsive TransportDemand Responsive Transport

Roll out and delivery of DRT – initial scepticism and Roll out and delivery of DRT – initial scepticism and anxiety amongst residentsanxiety amongst residents

Track record of really successful deliveryTrack record of really successful delivery

Featuring in Commission for Rural Communities and Featuring in Commission for Rural Communities and DfT Sustainable Rural Accessibility DfT Sustainable Rural Accessibility Best Practice GuidanceBest Practice Guidance

2007/08 – 18,500 passenger journeys2007/08 – 18,500 passenger journeys2008/09 – 19,200 passenger journeys2008/09 – 19,200 passenger journeys

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Rural Rider ServiceRural Rider Service Innovative approach to consultation Innovative approach to consultation

Consolidation of disparate services into branded service.Consolidation of disparate services into branded service. £70,000 savings a year with better service levels and £70,000 savings a year with better service levels and

better co-ordinated publicitybetter co-ordinated publicity

Usage up from 700 pj’s per month inUsage up from 700 pj’s per month in 2006 to 750 per month in 20082006 to 750 per month in 2008

Won award at UK Bus Awards 2007Won award at UK Bus Awards 2007‘‘Bus in the Countryside’ category. Bus in the Countryside’ category.

4343

Accessibility PartnershipAccessibility Partnership 8 new vehicles delivered and in service8 new vehicles delivered and in service

Countywide coverage in partnership with Voluntary Countywide coverage in partnership with Voluntary Actions and Volunteer CentresActions and Volunteer Centres

Difficulty engaging with partners, particularly business, Difficulty engaging with partners, particularly business, but recognise the importance of this but recognise the importance of this

Annual forum concluded communication Annual forum concluded communication and information was keyand information was key

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Emerging 14-19 Education AgendaEmerging 14-19 Education Agenda

Emerging agenda around access to new routes to training Emerging agenda around access to new routes to training and qualifications for 14-19 studentsand qualifications for 14-19 students

Transfer of responsibilities from LSC to local authorities Transfer of responsibilities from LSC to local authorities and impact on transport in rural areas – funding and impact on transport in rural areas – funding implications being assessed but no additional funding for implications being assessed but no additional funding for transport in Leicestershiretransport in Leicestershire

16-19 Partnership funding to improve access to schools16-19 Partnership funding to improve access to schools

Walking and Cycling Team have delivered projects in Walking and Cycling Team have delivered projects in Castle Donington, Guthalaxton and CountesthorpeCastle Donington, Guthalaxton and Countesthorpe

4545

4646

Challenging perceptions whilst delivering appropriateChallenging perceptions whilst delivering appropriate solutionssolutions

Understanding and communicating what’s delivered is keyUnderstanding and communicating what’s delivered is key

Evidence/proof of need essential before servicesEvidence/proof of need essential before servicesare implementedare implemented


Leicestershire Rural PartnershipLeicestershire Rural Partnership

4747

Leicestershire Rural Leicestershire Rural PartnershipPartnership

Pilot access to work/training in North West Leicestershire Pilot access to work/training in North West Leicestershire and Lutterworth area.and Lutterworth area.

Slow take up despite extensive publicitySlow take up despite extensive publicity

Working with other partners, e.g. Stephenson College, to Working with other partners, e.g. Stephenson College, to develop projectdevelop project

May prove that services not neededMay prove that services not needed

4848

Working with NHS Working with NHS on Access to Serviceson Access to Services

Partnering the NHS and Loughborough University to look at Partnering the NHS and Loughborough University to look at access to community hospitals countywide. A pilot project is access to community hospitals countywide. A pilot project is currently being undertaken for the Loughborough and currently being undertaken for the Loughborough and Hinckley Community Hospitals with intention of using best Hinckley Community Hospitals with intention of using best practice for remaining community hospitals in practice for remaining community hospitals in Leicestershire.Leicestershire.

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Social Car Schemes Social Car Schemes Community TransportCommunity Transport

Part of the solution to address rural isolationPart of the solution to address rural isolation

Social car schemes and community transport to address Social car schemes and community transport to address rural accessibility and residents isolated because of rural accessibility and residents isolated because of mobility problemsmobility problems

We provide funding to VA and VC partners to help deliver We provide funding to VA and VC partners to help deliver 8 social car schemes and 11 accessible transport 8 social car schemes and 11 accessible transport services services

5050

Hourly Bus NetworkHourly Bus Network

Policy developed as part of a Best Value Review reporting Policy developed as part of a Best Value Review reporting in 2002in 2002

The 95% hourly network fully delivered in late 2004 – The 95% hourly network fully delivered in late 2004 – service usage reviewed to assess whether network still fit service usage reviewed to assess whether network still fit for purpose. Some services returning to commercialityfor purpose. Some services returning to commerciality


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Hourly Bus NetworkHourly Bus Network

Continuing marketing/promotion of the hourly network keyContinuing marketing/promotion of the hourly network key

Access to key attractors for work, education/training, Access to key attractors for work, education/training, health and shoppinghealth and shopping

Remaining 5% are covered by solutions already Remaining 5% are covered by solutions already discussed such as Rural Rider and DRT but conventional discussed such as Rural Rider and DRT but conventional bus services at lower frequencies are usedbus services at lower frequencies are used

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Development in Rural AreasDevelopment in Rural Areas Local Development Framework, Regional Spatial Strategy, Local Development Framework, Regional Spatial Strategy,

Housing Market Area, Sustainable Urban ExtensionsHousing Market Area, Sustainable Urban Extensions

The role of public transport in accessing servicesThe role of public transport in accessing services

Planning obligation and how it affects service delivery – Planning obligation and how it affects service delivery – soft measures, pump priming of service improvements, soft measures, pump priming of service improvements, free passes, travel planningfree passes, travel planning

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The Role of The Role of Information and CommunicationInformation and Communication

New approach to travel planning and accessibility New approach to travel planning and accessibility recognising success in pilot areas and reacting to feedback recognising success in pilot areas and reacting to feedback on identified need for better information and communication.on identified need for better information and communication.

New community transport web site launchedNew community transport web site launched

Information included in village and community magazinesInformation included in village and community magazines

Spring Savers vouchers Spring Savers vouchers distributed to 60 communitiesdistributed to 60 communitiesin East Leicestershirein East Leicestershire

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Discussion…Discussion…

Any Questions?Any Questions?

Meeting the needs of an ageing population in Leicestershire

Heather Pick

Assistant Director for Older and Disabled People, Adult Social Care Service, Leicestershire County Council.

Contact: [email protected]

Leicestershire: An ageing population

Currently Leicestershire is comparable to the English population in the numbers of those aged 65 and over.

The over 65 population is set to increase in the future by approximately 5% between 2008 and 2025.

In terms of locality, Harborough is expected to experience the biggest percentage increase in those aged 65 and over, followed by Melton.

An estimated 35.2% of those aged 65 and over currently live alone in the County of Leicestershire. This is predicted to increase by 55.7% across the County, and by almost three quarters in the locality of Harborough.

The number of people unable to self-care is currently 32.4% in Leicestershire and is predicted to increase by 60.0% by 2025.

Source: Joint Strategic Needs Assessment Refresh, 2009, Leicestershire Together.

Challenges in meeting the needs of an ageing population: rural issues

Increased numbers of people aged 65 and over

Potential increased demand for support services

Delivery of services - significant travelling involved in the delivery of services i.e. floating support can act as a considerable barrier to effective delivery

Informing older people living in rural areas of available services

Accessibility of transport

‘Digital exclusion’ amongst older people

Ensuring equality in the provision of services

Meeting the needs of an Ageing Population: a strategic approach (1)

The County Integrated Partnership for Older People (CIPOP) is the lead partnership for championing and delivering Social Care Service and Local Area Agreement priorities for older people within the county.

In 2006 the Older People’s Engagement Network (OPEN) was established to enable older people to play an active part in local decision making and the services provided.

Community Integrated Partnership for Older People

Local Area Agreement Steering Group

Older Person’s Engagement Network

Meeting the needs of an Ageing Population: a strategic approach (2)

In conjunction with CIPOP and the OPEN, an Ageing Well Strategy for the county has been developed. A key objective of the strategy is supporting people to ensure that they are able to participate fully in the community in which they live.

Long term strategic priorities of the Adult Social Care Service (ASCS) and Leicestershire County and Rutland NHS (LCR NHS) include increasing the number of preventative and early intervention services.

Addressing the challenges: good practice (1)

Engaging older people:OPEN consists of approximately 30 members In total there are four subgroups, one of which examines rural issues14 older people’s champions in Leicestershire

Partnership working:Working with the voluntary sector and Age Concern to develop and improve

local community resources and information for older people, including supporting people to access local community activities as an alternative to day care services.

Equality Impact Assessments:The ASCS aim to carry out equality impact assessments as part of the

preparation for service reviews, the review and roll-forward of key medium and long-term service planning activity, or where major changes in service delivery are under consideration.


Personalisation:Facilitation of social enterprise groups (pooling of

resources)Shaping the market to meet individual needs and

direct provisionProvision of reablement services

Assessments of need: Joint Strategic Needs Assessments – aims to

identify the future needs of the Leicestershire population – produced in partnership between the ASCS and LCR NHS

Research is underway to determine the barriers to use of support services by Black and Minority Ethnic groups – funded jointly by ASCS and LCR NHS


Digital inclusion:A mobile ICT service (adult learning service) and the library service provide a

number of ‘silver surfers’ computer taster sessions.The Care-on-Line service (ASCS) has assisted over 300 housebound people to

use computers in their own homes and over 3000 others in other settings like day centres.

Intergenerational service bid centring on digital inclusion currently being complied – partners include ASCS, Children's and Young Peoples Service and Age Concern.

Social support delivery:To encourage provision of domiciliary services in rural areas a new pricing

structure has been introduced:

– Urban = flat rate– Rural/urban areas = middle rate– Rural = enhanced rate

Leicestershire has been divided into 19 zones designed to ensure all areas of the County are catered for in future. When a provider is awarded a contract they must guarantee to provide care to all areas within that zone, including outlying areas and remote villages.


Community activities: First contact scheme – currently being rolled out. Key partners committed are:

Review of current day service models and opportunities for Individual/Personal BudgetsCommunity inclusion serviceCommunity Activity / Involvement Directory

Reablement services:Home Care Assessment and Rehabilitation Team (HART) – provides a local

rehabilitation/reablement serviceFalls clinicsSignal Bus

• ASCS • Local Pension Service• Fire Service • Leicestershire Police• LCR NHS • Age Concern• Trading Standards • Library Services• South Leicestershire Citizens Advice Bureau

Documents

South-East (Rural 80) 37% of rural population More affluence Higher importance of land-based