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New Funding will provide over 200 temporary jobs for long term unemployed in Cambridgeshire

237 temporary jobs for young people and the long term unemployed will be created across Cambridgeshire thanks to £1.5 million received this week by Cambridgeshire Together from the Government’s Future Jobs Fund.

The partnership has been given the green light to create the jobs in tourism and leisure, community development, health and administration, with posts including finance and education, sports and fitness and the media.

The jobs are aimed at 18-24 year olds who have been out of work and claiming Job Man working in the health sector

Seekers’ Allowance for at least nine months. The long term unemployed aged 25 and over who are claiming Job Seeker's Allowance and live in areas where the unemployment rate is 1.5 per cent higher than the national average will also benefit from the new job opportunities.

Those qualifying for the scheme will need to apply through Jobcentre Plus, with successful applicants receiving at least the minimum wage as an hourly rate. Each position will last six months.

The first jobs will be available from February 2010. The job vacancies will be advertised via Jobcentre Plus over the coming months. The temporary jobs will give each successful candidate the opportunity to gain some new skills to help them compete in the job market once their job finishes.

The new employees will also receive accredited training in CV writing, job search and interview skills. These activities will be supported by Cambridgeshire County Council's nextstep Adult Guidance and Connexions Young People's services.

Councillor Jill Tuck, Chairman of Cambridgeshire Together and Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “The recession has made it particularly difficult for young people who at the start of their working lives are finding it difficult to find employment. This scheme will also benefit those people who have been unemployed for a long time and are looking to gain new skills. These temporary jobs will help ensure that we do not lose a generation of young people and skills in hard hit communities to long term unemployment.

“Our success in attracting such a large amount of money shows the benefits of working together as a partnership. We know there are tough times ahead even though the economy is expected to improve. The OnePlace assessment, an independent report, praised Cambridgeshire for the way it has supported communities through the recession through its Weather the Storm initiative. We will keep working together to support our communities through these difficult times.”

Supporting hard hit communities through the recession is a key priority of Cambridgeshire Together

News in brief

Oneplace: Cambridgeshire Together working well for communities

A national report has rated Cambridgeshire as exceptional on driving up recycling and says the county’s public bodies are working well together for their communities.

The OnePlace report, published for the first time, measures how public services are doing on issues that matter most for people in the county and was produced by six independent watchdogs.

It says how overall Cambridgeshire is a county of prosperity and growth and that local services are addressing the challenges their communities and agencies say they should tackle.

Cambridgeshire has been given a coveted green flag for reducing waste and driving up recycling and composting levels of household waste to over 50 per cent. Green flags are given to public bodies which are achieving exceptional outcomes or doing something innovative.

The new independent assessment also recognises that public services across Cambridgeshire have identified real challenges, such as inequalities in the county’s less well-off areas, and are working together to help their communities.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Jill Tuck, Chairman of the Cambridgeshire Together partnership, which represents all of the county’s key public services said: “I'm delighted that this report recognises the services provided by partners to support our communities. Only by working together will we meet and beat the challenges we are facing.

"There are many terrific examples of where our public services are really delivering for communities, such as our green flag for recycling. But we are not being complacent. We are already looking at how we can make our public services even better, particularly in areas like tackling poverty, making people feel safer, improving education standards and integrating migrant communities.”

The OnePlace survey, also known as the Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA), highlights where things are going well and where improvements need to be made. CAA is a new way of assessing local public services in England.

It examines how well councils are working together with other public bodies to meet the needs of the people they serve. It's a joint assessment made by a group of six independent watchdogs. The public bodies assessed by CAA form part of Cambridgeshire Together, a group of the county’s most influential organisations working in partnership.

The report highlighted that by working together, partners are having a big impact on communities. In particular, partners are praised for their quick response in helping local people and businesses deal with the recession.

Government cuts cause delays to local projects

Funding earmarked for the building of new homes across Cambridgeshire has been cut by the Government

Following the announcement from Government at the end of last year that Cambridgeshire’s Housing Growth Fund allocation will be cut by almost £6 million, the local authorities and Horizons have been working hard to create a revised funding programme.

In July, Communities and Local Government (CLG) ministers announced their intentions to reduce the 2010/11 Housing Growth Fund (HGF) capital allocation for Cambridgeshire by £6 million. Then on Tuesday, 15 December, following a short Government consultation, confirmation was received that the full £6 million cut will be made. Across the country, all Housing Growth Fund allocations have received the same level of funding cuts.

However, despite the funding reductions Cambridgeshire will still benefit from £21.5 million worth of Housing Growth Funding in 2009 to 2011, which will support over 20 different schemes.

These projects range from providing a new Country Park in Ely and eco-friendly homes in Huntingdon through to improvements to the Cambridge Station area and regenerating the Wisbech Nene Waterfront area. These schemes will help to support the delivery of thousands of much needed new homes, and associated services and facilities, across the County over the coming years.

Due to the 43 per cent cut by Government, difficult decisions have had to be made by the Horizons Partnership and some projects have had to be deferred to a future year, or scaled back to some extent. The projects that have been affected are as follows, although alternative funding is being investigated for all of them.

Sir David Trippier, Chairman of Cambridgeshire Horizons, added: “Whilst the cuts have undoubtedly posed us with many challenges, we believe that the partnership has found the best possible way forward to ensure as many of these vital projects can be delivered in the future. By scaling back project funding, or deferring start dates to future years, we can deliver the best possible results for the county during this challenging financial time.

“The partnership has managed to deal with this difficult and unwelcome reduction in funding both quickly and efficiently, so allowing a greater certainty and ability to progress the schemes that remain with the HGF programme. The good news is that many projects will still be going ahead as planned during the next financial year, including the Cambridge Gateway scheme in the City, money towards the Wisbech Nene Waterfront project, Huntingdon town centre development, significant Green Infrastructure and funding for Ely Country Park.”

Councillor, Jill Tuck, Chairman of Cambridgeshire Together and Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: "Councils, organisations and projects across Cambridgeshire and indeed the country have been hit by the Government's decision to cut by half the funding which they had previously told us we would have. When this was reported to us, we, together with the City and District Council colleges had to make a decision, all be it reluctantly, on which projects would be delayed until the funding was available. Despite this Cambridgeshire Councils and organisations are committed to working together to take forward projects that will benefit existing and new communities, making the County a great place to live."

Ambitious plans for the East of England's food and farming industry

Plans have been unveiled for an ambitious vision for the region's food and farming industry.

Plans have been unveiled at Westminster detailing an ambitious vision for the East of England's food and farming industry.

The 2020 Vision, led in consultation by the East of Cows in a field

England Development Agency has brought together business and public and private sector organisations to agree priorities for the sector and how it can respond to challenges such as the ever-increasing global market for food, the environmental footprint of the sector and the problems caused by poor diet.

Concentration of efforts and investment in five key areas - research, skills and retraining, business infrastructure, resource efficiency and communication - have been identified as essential to delivering the 2020 Vision.

Deborah Cadman, Chief Executive at EEDA, said: "The food and farming sector in the East of England is one of the most productive, dynamic and progressive anywhere in the world. With a world class research base, temperate climate, productive soils and progressive businesses, this region has been at the forefront of agricultural development for well over a century. EEDA is committed to providing ongoing support and leadership for what is a key sector for future economic recovery.

"The 2020 Vision... is about cementing this region's position as a world leader, and making sure that businesses recognise and take advantage of the opportunities which are presented by the challenges we face today. EEDA manages £65 million worth of support for rural industries in this region through the Regional Development Programme for England (RDPE) - a clear indicator that we're right behind the ongoing prosperity of this sector."

Funding available for projects helping young people participate in sport

Sport Unlimited is an initiative run by Living Sport, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's sports partnership, providing funding to support eight week long projects which create more opportunities for young people to participate in sport.

Funding is available for each project to cover coaching, venue and even transport.

If you need funding for a project that aims to get semi-sporty young people doing sport for one hour each week for eight weeks in a fun and safe environment, please visit Living Sport or contact Ross Hayward on 01487 849915 or email ross.hayward@livingsport.co.uk

Increasing the number of young people accessing postive activities is a key priority of Cambridgeshire's Vision, the Countywide Sustainable Community Strategy

Look after yourself and others this winter

In Cambridgeshire there are, on average, over 250 additional deaths in the winter months, associated with the colder weather.

The elderly and those with underlying health problems such as heart and chest conditions are particularly vulnerable at this time of year.

Recent local analysis, which looked at data from 2002-2007 shows that in Cambridgeshire there are an average of 87 extra deaths per month in the winter, between December and March.

The analysis found that the highest numbers of excess winter deaths occurs amongst people aged over 85, followed by people aged 75-84.

Because of this, in the winter it is particularly important that people maintain good health. By taking some simple steps people can ensure that they keep themselves warm and well during the winter months.

Dr Liz Robin, Director of Public Health at NHS Cambridgeshire said: “The cold weather can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable people, such as the elderly or those who have an underlying health condition – especially at the moment while the weather is so cold. However, there are some simple measures that people can take to make sure they stay as healthy as possible during the cold winter months. For example, you should dress warmly and appropriately for the weather and wear layers that can be taken off as you warm up. Coughs and sneezes should be covered up with a tissue to prevent the spread of any infection. If you are more at risk, you should avoid going out during a cold snap unless you have to – but if you do, remember to wrap up warm. If you have older neighbours or relatives, look after them during the winter to make sure that they stay safe and well.”

Providing older people with the care and support that they want as close to home as possible, and minimising the need for emergency hospital admissions is a key priority of Cambridgeshire's Vision, the Countywide Sustainable Community Strategy

partnerships

Frequently asked questions

Cambridgeshire Together is a partnership of the county's most influential organisations that aim to improve the quality of life for all who live, learn, work and travel in Cambridgeshire.

The Partnership was formed to meet the challenges of a changing county over the next decade and beyond. Its agenda is to innovate, transform and deliver high quality cost effective services that meet the needs of all communities and individuals throughout Cambridgeshire.

The Cambridgeshire Together Board includes Leaders of the County Council and District Councils, representatives for the Police Authority, Fire and Rescue, NHS Cambridgeshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Voluntary Sector Infrastructure Consortium (CVSIC) Cambridgeshire ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England)and business representatives. The Board meets every two months. Read more about who's on the Board

All of the organisations involved in Cambridgeshire Together are committed to delivering the Partnership's priorities.

Cambridgeshire's Vision is the county's sustainable community strategy. The Vision sets out the Partnership's ambitions and priorities until 2021.

The Vision priorities were chosen with local needs in mind. They reflect the local priorities of the sustainable community strategies produced by the county's five districts - Cambridge City, East Cambridgeshire, Fenland, Huntingdonshire, and South Cambridgeshire. The priorities were chosen after consultation with residents.

The Vision's priorities are organised by five cross cutting themes and express the challenges the county will face in the future. These are:

The Vision has its own three year delivery plan called the Local Area Agreement (LAA), This is an agreement between Cambridgeshire Together and central government with set targets (called national indicators), which runs until 2011. All Cambridgeshire Together's partners are working to meet the national indicators.

Organised by the themes set out in the Vision, the LAA has been revised/refreshed and now has:

The review of the partnership structures in Cambridgeshire conducted in 2008 identified that Cambridgeshire Together required thematic partnerships to lead on the delivery of the priorities outlined in the Cambridgeshire Vision and the LAA.

An LSP is a partnership between the public, private and voluntary sector organisations. They are set up within Cambridgeshire's five districts - South Cambridgeshire, Fenland, East Cambridgeshire, Cambridge City and Huntingdonshire.

Established in 2003, LSPs serve the local area by linking in with the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and a number of themed groups.

LPSAs are voluntary agreements between upper-tier local authorities and government. Their aim is to improve the delivery of local public services by focusing on targeted outcomes with support from Government. They allow local authorities and their partners to tackle local improvements for local people.

In 2008, Cambridgeshire received a £9 million LPSA reward grant for meeting stretched targets.

Most of the LPSA reward grant is evenly distributed to the five Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs). A partnership agreement was signed in 2003 setting out how this distribution would work.

The Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) offers substantial funds to invest into the county, and great opportunities to make a lasting impact on Cambridgeshire's Vision.

The CPSB, formerly the Chief Executives Liaison Group (CELG), includes Chief Executives from Cambridgeshire County Council and the five district councils, the Chief Constable, the Chief Fire Officer, NHS Cambridgeshire and Cambridgeshire Horizons.

The redesignation of CPSB from CELG, comes from the group's shared ambition to provide even stronger joint leadership and action. In particular, the group intends to:

Cambridgeshire Together's agendas and minutes are posted onto Cambridgeshire County Council's website click here to view.

Cambridge Local Strategic Partnership update

Cambridge Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) will be meeting on 22 January 2010 to look at improving partnership working in the City and to review progress with the delivery of its project work.

Local actions that will contribute towards reducing health inequalities in the City - for example average life expectancy in disadvantaged areas can be five years shorter than in the least deprived areas - will be discussed and how they can be delivered locally to make a difference.

- What more can be done to support the growing number of young people, not in employment, education or training in the City, and
- Developing its projects to improve community cohesion - local people have said they feel people from differing backgrounds generally get on well together but have said overall they don't feel a high level of attachment to the place in which they live.

East Cambridgeshire Strategic Partnership update

Communities across East Cambridgeshire now have their chance to bid for grants to help the planet.

The East Cambridgeshire Strategic Partnership is launching round one of their Green Grant scheme where local projects can bid for up to £1,000 to raise awareness of climate change and reduce CO2 emissions in the district.

A total pot of £45,000 - which was part of reward money from Central Government - has been made available from March 2012, with a new round of bidding opening up every quarter for groups to bid into.

Community groups can apply for a grant if they show they will raise awareness of Climate Change, show a local CO2 reduction and that the project is match funded.

Rachel Doyle from East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "The conference at Copenhagen will have a major impact on the future of our planet. Countries from across the globe will be coming together to set the targets and goals to ensure we seize the last chance to manage climate change - a lot depends on the agreement which these world leaders can reach over the next two weeks. "Climate Change is not something which we should leave up to prime ministers and presidents - we can all make a difference at a local level. Green Grants are there for community groups to tackle the problem in our towns and villages where even a small change in behaviour can make a difference. So please get in touch and help us make sure our planet has a future."

Huntingdonshire Local Strategic Partnership update

Huntingdonshire Local Strategic Partnership - improving the quality of life throughout Huntingdonshire

Just over a year ago, Cambridgeshire Together was awarded over £9 million to support community projects across the county. £1.3 million was allocated to Huntingdonshire Strategic Partnership which is funding13 projects.

The projects identified will further improve services to residents, in particular helping to reduce anti-social behaviour, protecting the environment, improving health, getting people into work and improving road safety.

The money was awarded to the partnership because it had made significant improvements across many different services and met targets set by the government.

Since the grants were awarded, all the projects are progressing well. Here is an update on three of them:

Exercise classes specifically for people with mobility issues received a share of the funding and are really taking off around the district. In particular a class aimed at improving strength and balance is showing encouraging results. One participant commented that they were ‘delighted that suitable exercise for retired people is available in Yaxley’ and many find that it improves their balance in particular which we hope will lead to a reduction in falls.

Huntingdonshire Health Walks started in St Ives and expanded to take in St Neots, Huntingdon, Ramsey and Yaxley. The additional money has allowed the scheme to introduce new routes such as those in Graveley and Alconbury Weston. It has also meant more themed walks and family friendly events during half term and at weekends encouraging participation by the whole family. This nationally accredited scheme involves a team of over 40 volunteers leading a programme of walks across the district. The walks range from 30 mins to 90 mins and are based on the national ‘Walking for Health Initiative’. Since the scheme started there have been almost 28,000 attendances at the walks and Irene Willard (pictured) has become the first walker to achieve over 500 walks since the scheme started.

For further information please call the Sport and Active Lifestyles team on 01480 387047

This scheme is designed to encourage energy conservation at home through the introduction of ‘smart meters’ giving householders’ information about the energy they use at home.

The challenge was launched in Warboys, where over 100 residents recorded their electricity meter readings over four weeks. The first week they were asked to record ‘business as usual’ consumption without the monitor and the following three weeks showed use with the monitors in place. Over the four weeks recorded energy use was shown to have fallen by 22 per cent. During the same time a ‘Greener Living’ fair took place in the village giving information about cavity and loft insulation and available grants. There were also energy and water efficiency solutions, home composting and BBC Radio Cambridgeshire’s Energy Doctor was on hand to advise people on how to reduce their energy bills.

It is now planned to extend the scheme to other communities in the district and several have expressed an interest in taking part. Our environment team would like to hear from others who may like to get involved. Please call Heidi Field on 01480 388843.

As well as these projects, Huntingdonshire Strategic Partnership supports a number of initiatives looking at road safety measures and health related issues such as helping to reduce smoking and obesity.

Councillor Ian Bates, Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council and also Chairman of the Huntingdonshire Strategic Partnership, said: “Since we were awarded the money we have worked very hard to make sure that we are using it wisely and have already made significant improvements to services which have benefited our communities. The aim of the partnership is that residents enjoy a good quality of life, making the most of the opportunities available to them in this growing and developing district, and this money is enabling us to progress these aims.’

The partnership’s Sustainable Community Strategy sets out a shared long term vision for Huntingdonshire over the next 20 years, and is available on www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk, or by contacting Claire Sides on 01480 388495.

The South Cambridgeshire Local Strategic Partnership update

The South Cambridgeshire Local Strategic Partnership is busy working to ensure that the district will continue to be a place where people want to live, now and in the future.

Some good news to report is that the Connections Bus Project has now taken delivery of its second youth bus, which will be used in South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City. The bus and some running costs have been funded jointly by the South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge LSPs as well as South Cambridgeshire District Council.

The partnership has also recently funded a number of projects that will help to achieve its vision, including a Community Chest fund, which has proven extremely popular. The capital grant funding of up to £1,000 per voluntary or community organisation or parish council has funded 37 projects since the scheme's launch in January 2009.

The Community Chest is now empty for the remainder of the financial year, however, the good news is that a further £20,000 will be made available from April 2010.

For more information, please contact Gemma Barron, Partnerships Manager, on 03450 450 500 or visit www.scambs.gov.uk/lsp

Making Cambridgeshire Count update

Making Cambridgeshire Count (MCC) is a countywide project commissioned by the Cambridgeshire Together Board, a group of key decision makers from the county's most influential organisations.

The purpose of the project is to make sure residents receive maximum value from every pound spent on public services in Cambridgeshire.

In December 2009, the Cambridgeshire Together Board and Cabinet Members from Cambridgeshire's six local authorities met to discuss the projects developed by MCC. The following projects will now be taken forward:

This project will aim to bring together (under existing governance arrangements) the work of public sector organisations in Cambridgeshire so that there is a shared plan, leadership team, corporate service and way of working. This could lead to a virtual public sector organisation which will be able to deliver better services to the people of Cambridgeshire through increased collaboration across service areas.

The needs and priorities of local areas could also be better addressed through ‘Virtual Cambridgeshire’ because the organisation will be better placed to coordinate the public sector resource that is going into an area. Members of the shared leadership team that represent an area will be enabled, through Virtual Cambridgeshire, to control a budget that is currently split between numerous organisations.

By mapping and analysing the usage of all the assets owned by each partner organisation this project could produce significant savings by combining, sharing and selling assets where possible.

This project will seek to gain better asset information for decision making and could ultimately lead to a joint asset management strategy, rationalisation of existing assets, reduced running costs of assets, increased customer satisfaction and provide new ways of raising finance.

This project will also seek to enable continued discussions with Government around local asset backed vehicles.

The project aims to develop community provided support to older people to reduce the level of need for public service intervention.

This project is based on a belief that additional small investment can enable communities, neighbourhoods, and individuals to increase the level of preventative care that extends the time until older people need intrusive and expensive medical or social care provided by public services.

The project proposes to find an appropriate area, pilot a model of neighbourhood care for 6 months and see what savings are delivered compared to normal spend over those 6 months. Recommendations could then be made for a full roll if the pilot is successful.

This project will seek to examine our approach to tackling inequality in the county, and articulate a better way of working through an inequalities charter that will be adopted by the public sector organisations in Cambridgeshire, and used to inform their strategic planning. The charter will feature a single set of priorities which are intended to save money and improve performance through the redesign of our approach to tackling inequalities, by using resources better in an area. This approach could be trialled in the Arbury area of Cambridge as well as a rural area

This project could create efficiencies through an improved service for survivors of domestic abuse; it will provide all survivors of domestic abuse in Cambridgeshire access to a premium and appropriate service of their choosing, to address their needs and increase their safety and that their children.

By doing this, the overall prevalence of domestic abuse in Cambridgeshire can be reduced, and the cost implications of domestic abuse to all agencies within the county could also be reduced.

This project could establish shared service arrangements in a number of key areas across Cambridgeshire, the areas identified as having the greatest potential for improvement to current services and efficiency savings are: CCTV, Customer Contact, Waste, Economic Development and Growth. This will link closely with the work of the Public Service Redesign project which will be exploring the potential for shared corporate services across partner organisations.

The creation of these shared service arrangements between partner organisations could lead to:

The project will investigate new ways of working between public sector services in Arbury and a rural location, looking to reduce overlaps in service provision whilst maintaining and improving services and reducing spend.

The project may initially pilot different ways of working in two geographic areas, concentrating on statutory services, and looking at opportunities through community co-production, different use of assets and addressing need on a very local level.

Different chains of command – the ways in which services can be managed to greatest effect

Different job descriptions for workers – widening the scope of their work where possible

Single point of access help desk – developing the customer contact work already in place

The next phase of Making Cambridgeshire Count will be communicated by a roadshow visiting the seven organisations taking part in MCC. This will give employees an informal opportunity to learn about the work coming out of MCC and what it will mean to them.

diary

Cambridgeshire Together Board

The Cambridgeshire Together Board: A joint multi-agency Board of high-level representatives from key organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors involved in the delivery of local services. The Board implements Cambridgeshire Together's actions and improves service delivery.

Dates and venues:

Wednesday, 24 March 2010 - This meeting has been cancelled

Meetings of the Board are open to the press and public and the agenda, reports and minutes are available for inspection at Cambridgeshire County Council's offices and on the County Council's website at least five working days in advance of each meeting. [This excludes items of business containing confidential information or information that is exempt from publication in accordance with Access to Information legislation.]

Other participating local authorities may make links from their website to the Board's papers on Cambridgeshire County Council's website.

Cambridgeshire Together (the Board) is accountable to the people of Cambridgeshire. It will be open and transparent in its decisions and activities and communicate them effectively to the public. The Board needs to ensure service users are involved in decision-making and operational activities through direct involvement and through consultation, and provide service users with the means for redress when things go wrong.

The LAA Joint Accountability Committee (JAC) will scrutinise Cambridgeshire Together at a strategic level.

For more information:

For more information about this meeting, including access arrangements and facilities for people with disabilities, please contact Michelle Rowe at the County Council's Democratic Services Division on Cambridge (01223) 699180 or by email at michelle.rowe@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Cambridgeshire Horizons

The Cambridgeshire Horizons Board: A thematic partnership of high-level representatives from key organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors involved in the delivery of the growth strategy for Cambridgeshire, which equates to at least 73,300 new homes, 50,000 new jobs and over £4 billion worth of new infrastructure by 2021.

Meetings of the Board are open to the press and public and the agenda, reports and minutes are available via the Cambridgeshire Horizons website. [This excludes items of business containing confidential information or information that is exempt from publication in accordance with Access to Information legislation.]

Children's Trust Partnership

Children's Trust Partnership: A thematic partnership of high-level representatives from key organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors responsible for improving outcomes for children and young people, so that every child achieves their potential.

Thursday, 20 May at 2.00p.m. - The Boathouse Business Centre, Nene Parade, Wisbech, Cambs PE13 3BH

Meetings of the Board are open to the press and public and the agenda, reports and minutes are available via Cambridgeshire County Council's website. [This excludes items of business containing confidential information or information that is exempt from publication in accordance with Access to Information legislation.]

Community Wellbeing Partnership

Community Wellbeing Partnership Board: A thematic partnership of high-level representatives from key organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors involved in the strategic delivery of healthier communities throughout Cambridgeshire.

Environmental Sustainability Partnership

The Environmental Sustainability Partnership: A thematic partnership of high-level representatives from key organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors involved in the delivery of environmental sustainability for Cambridgeshire, involving, reducing CO2 emissions, mitigating the affects of climate change, reducing waste and increasing bio diversity.

Greater Cambridge Partnership

The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) Board: A thematic partnership of high-level representatives from key organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors involved in the strategic delivery of economic growth across the Cambridge sub region,

The area includes Huntingdon, Wisbech, Ely, Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill, Royston and Stansted.

With 750,000 people, 27,500 businesses and an annual economy worth over £12 billion, it is home to one of the world’s leading technology clusters and Europe’s top ranking university.

Thursday, 4 March 2010 - Shire Hall, Cambridge
Thursday, 17 June 2010 - Shire Hall, Cambridge
Thursday, 2 September 2010 - Shire Hall, Cambridge

Meetings of the Board are open to the press and public and the agenda, reports and minutes are available via the GCP website.[This excludes items of business containing confidential information or information that is exempt from publication in accordance with Access to Information legislation.]

Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership

Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership Board: A thematic partnership of high-level representatives from key organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors involved in the strategic delivery of Community Safety, the Domestic Violence Partnership, the Drug and Alcohol Action Team, the Road Safety Partnership, Community Cohesion, Community Engagement and Third Sector Development.

Welcome to Cambridgeshire Together's e-magazine

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managing growth

Northstowe shortlisted as a possible eco-town

The announcement, made on the 1 December, is a response to proposals put jointly to Government by Cambridgeshire Horizons, Cambridgeshire County Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council, and lists Northstowe as one of the 'potential second wave eco-town proposals' due to the 'opportunity to redesign elements of the existing project(s) to meet even higher sustainability standards'.

The second wave of eco-towns stand to share up to £10 million worth of funding to help deliver the highest standards of sustainability.

Councillor David Bard, South Cambridgeshire District Council portfolio holder for New Communities and Member of the Cambridgeshire Together Board, said: "This announcement is extremely welcome. South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridgeshire Horizons have long argued that Northstowe should be built to the highest possible standards of environmental sustainability and being accorded full eco-town status would significantly increase the likelihood of this aspiration being translated into reality.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Roy Pegram, Cabinet Member for Growth Infrastructure and Strategic Planning and Member of the Cambridgeshire Together Board, said: "This is welcome news. We and our partners have been fighting hard against proposals for eco-towns in the wrong place, such as Hanley Grange and lobbying Government even harder to look at including the planned development of Northstowe in this second round of the eco-town plans. I am glad Government has listened to us and our arguments and agreed to include Northstowe in a list of potential sites for eco-towns.

"Now the Minister must make sure the right amount of funding is delivered to make this a reality and we will be working with our partners to secure that. We want Cambridgeshire to be at the forefront of creating communities that are environmentally friendly, well served by transport and have all the right facilities for residents to call them home and Northstowe has a key part to play in that."

Sir David Trippier, Chairman of Cambridgeshire Horizons, commented: "Our ambition for Northstowe has always been to deliver a truly modern community, showcasing excellent sustainability standards, high quality design, and cutting-edge public transport that will inspire people to want to live and work there. The potential inclusion of Northstowe in the second wave of eco-towns provides us with the opportunity to stretch that ambition further and access additional funding to turn the vision into reality."

Ensuring high sustainability standards are present in the design, mix and construction and occupation of new developments including energy efficiency and more sustainable waste management is a key priority of Cambridgeshire's Vision, the Countywide Sustainable Community Strategy

Have your say on Cambridgeshire’s Green Vision

Cambridgeshire's Green Vision will enhance the natural environment for residents and wildlife

To create sustainable new communities every aspect of the local environment must be considered.

Green spaces, officially known as Green Infrastructure, are vital to the quality of life of both new and existing residents in Cambridgeshire, which is why Cambridgeshire Horizons has helped create a Green Vision for the County.

Launched back in 2006, the Cambridgeshire Green Vision, a Green Infrastructure Strategy for the sub-region, is a 20-year masterplan to enhance the natural environment for both residents and wildlife.

Now that four years have passed, Cambridgeshire Horizons are working with our

Ensuring green spaces for Cambridgeshire's communities

partners to review our strategy, and expand its reach to cover the whole of Cambridgeshire.

Cambridgeshire Horizons are therefore keen to know your thoughts on the updated Green Infrastructure Strategy for Cambridgeshire, which covers a range of outdoor places and spaces including rivers and watercourses, country parks, woodlands, hedgerows, public rights of way and much more.

You can also find out more, and complete the consultation questionnaire (which will be open for responses between 25 January and 5 March 2010).

Ensuring easily accessible local and strategic open spaces that are safe, clean and rich in biodiversity is a key priority of Cambridgeshire's Vision, the Countywide Sustainable Community Strategy

Quality new communities

Delivering sustainable new communities for Cambridgeshire is a key priority for all local authorities and Cambridgeshire Horizons, which is why a new Quality Panel is being set up to ensure these new communities reach the highest standards.

The local authorities have high aspirations for the quality of the new developments that are being brought forward and design review can play an important role in supporting and challenging the local planning authorities in their quest for high standards.

The principal purpose of the Cambridgeshire Communities meeting the needs for all residents

Quality Panel is to provide ongoing scrutiny of the emerging master plans and design codes of the major growth sites in Cambridgeshire, and to assist officers and members in upholding and reinforcing the high quality aspirations set out in the Cambridgeshire Quality Charter for Growth.

The Panel would also support and challenge the in-house design and planning processes of the authorities, in order to ensure that the best possible outcomes are achieved.

It may also support local authorities in their own procurement and development processes, for instance on the design of schools or community facilities. Panel Principles - The '4 Cs' Design review does not just cover aesthetics, it also plays an important role in assessing the wider sustainability and functionality of a project.

Therefore, the Quality Panel will be organised around the four broad themes of the Cambridgeshire Quality Panel for Growth:

There is also an overarching fifth C - Collaboration - which is needed to make the principles of the Quality Charter work.

Providing high quality developments for Cambridgeshire communities is a key priority of Cambridgeshire's Vision, the Countywide Sustainable Community Strategy

economic prosperity

Engineering skills being nurtured in Huntingdonshire

Students from the Abbey College in Ramsey working towards their engineering diplomas

Abbey College in Ramsey is developing a wide range of vocational options for students aged 14-19. The College started the Engineering Diploma course there in September at levels 1, 2 and 3 together with the Btec in Engineering.

Important to the successful introduction of vocational courses has been the development of new facilities. The existing engineering block went through a major refurbishment last academic year.

In order to encourage students to consider vocational options the school provides a range of tasters and extra-curricular activities. The school also runs an engineering club every Wednesday and Thursday after school. Last year’s club made two Greenpower cars (formula 24) and were proud to win their first race. This year the club is run in conjunction with apprentices from Perkins Engineering.

The Diploma in Engineering is an intensive course. The level 2 course takes 30 per cent of lesson time. Functional Maths, English, and IcT are a mandatory part of the diploma, all students take Science and Faith and Ethics so students have just one GCSE option. However there is a wide range available.

The course is made more meaningful due to the relationship the school has built up with companies around the world. This gives the students the opportunity to learn from real-life engineering , and see what they could be doing in years to come.

To support its vocational provision the school has partnered with over 300 companies and organisations. Engineering classes have made nearly 20 visits to engineering sites since September.

Abbey College has nearly 1,500 students, including over 250 in years 12 and 13. Of the year groups eligible to do vocational training, over 10 per centare doing a diploma. It is anticipated that in subsequent years this may rise to 35-40 per cent.

New Diploma courses currently being developed at Abbey College are Hospitality and Health and Active Fitness.

The range of Diploma lines now offered is very impressive, and are becoming available in different schools throughout Cambridgeshire. They are:

1,500 students across the county are currently studying on diploma courses, and the Investing in Communities programme has invested £418,000 in this financial year, following £500,000 in the previous two years.

This is funding capital projects such as the refurbishment at Abbey. Vocational skills development is a crucial ingredient in countywide strategy to develop key sector employment skills for the future at all levels and also to reduce the number of young people who leave school 'Not in Education, Employment or Training' (NEET).

Ensuring young people have the right skills for the workplace is a key priority of Cambridgeshire's Vision, the Countywide Sustainable Community Strategy

Citizens Advice and the recession

In 2009 the four Cambridgeshire CABs – Cambridge, Ely, Fenland and Huntingdonshire - dealt with nearly 80,000 enquiries.

The economic climate is creating an unprecedented demand for CAB services, as more people face financial and social problems.

At the same time, the county is growing rapidly with a population increase of around 33% expected between now and 2031.

In response to this growing demand for its services, the four Cambridgeshire CABs have launched Advicehub.

A Big Lottery funded project, Advicehub will make access to advice services easier for more people, particularly in remote rural areas like Fenland.

Innovative technologies such as touch-screen kiosks, webcams and Skype phones, supported by specially trained staff, will be used to provide advice services at locations across the county.

Advicehub will also manage the introduction of the new Gateway assessment initiative and provide a pathway for integrated advice services.

In addition, a central Advicehub building will open in Cambridge City during summer 2010, made possible through a loan from the Futurebuilders Fund of The Social Investment Business.

It will house Cambridge CAB as well as a range of specialist advice giving agencies, allowing people to access key support services through a shared appointment facility, as well as training courses for advisers and a suite of meeting rooms for hire.

Touch-screen kiosks will play a vital role in the delivery of information and advice in areas where access to specialist advice agencies is limited.

Easy to use, located in widely-used community sites, and supported by friendly, trained staff, these kiosks give easy 1-2-3 steps to solutions for hundreds of common problems.

Benefits Access to advice is tailored to fit to the needs of the local community. For example, in areas like Fenland where there are specific issues with language, literacy and numeracy, basic advice is given in other languages and trained staff can help with literacy.

Negotiations with several more potential partners throughout the county are taking place. Particular emphasis is currently being placed on organisations in Fenland, where funding from the Investing in Communities fund of EEDA is being used to strengthen advice services in this remote rural area and for development of the ICT infrastructure needed to support kiosks and other Advicehub facilities such as webcams and Skype phones.

If you would like more information about Advicehub or if you are interested in becoming an Advicehub partner, call Kulbir Singh on 01223 222765 or email kulbir@advicehub.org.

environmental sustainability

£42 million recycling plant open

Inside the mechanical sorting hall of the Mechanical Biological Treatment Plant

A £42 million waste treatment plant, which will put Cambridgeshire at the forefront of waste management in the UK, opened on 9 November 2009.

The Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) Plant is the first of its kind in the country and will recycle and compost much of the waste that normally ends up in landfill from people’s “black bag” rubbish.

Rubbish collected from households across the county will be sorted at the plant which is off the A10 near Waterbeach, and run by local family firm Donarbon in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council.

The massive, hi-tech treatment plant, built by BAM Nuttall which is the length of three football pitches, houses giant shredding machines called Terminators, and the latest mechanical sorting equipment, provided by Kelag and Komptech, which removes items for recycling before turning the rest of the waste into compost like material for use on non-food crops or as a fuel.

An education centre is being developed at the site so people can learn more about the facility and why it is so important to continue recycling and reducing our waste.

Waste which is normally not recycled , through kerbside collections and the County Council's recycling centres, will be sorted at the facility. At the moment just over half of the County’s domestic waste is recycled or composted. But this new facility, combined with improved recycling centres, will mean Cambridgeshire will massively reduce the tonnes of rubbish that ends up in landfill.

Landfilling rubbish is not only bad for the environment but Government taxes every tonne of waste that ends up in the ground. This tax is currently £40 a tonne and will increase by £8 a tonne year on year.

Increasing recycling and minimising waste is a key priority of Cambridgeshire's Vision, the Countywide Sustainable Community Strategy

Businesses can help save the planet

To help local businesses recycle more of their waste, East Cambridgeshire District Council is now offering practical advice on the best ways to reduce the rubbish sent to landfill.

The Community Recycling Officer from the Council will visit firms to look at their waste disposal services to see if their costs can be reduced as well as waste going into landfill.

Waste can cost organisations nearly five per cent of their turnover; by recycling more a business can bring down costs and help protect the environment.

Councillor David Brown, who is lead member for waste and recycling at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "We offer lots of advice to households to help them to reduce their waste and we believe the advice we give can be hugely beneficial for businesses too. As well as the obvious environmental benefits, we believe we can help them bring their costs down in these difficult economic times.

“As businesses in Cambridgeshire produce almost a million tonnes of waste each year there are obviously savings that can be made by recycling. Over the next few months our Community Recycling Officer will be available to visit businesses to give advice about recycling and suggest improvements they can make. All businesses no matter their size have a legal duty of care to make sure a registered waste carrier correctly disposes of their waste."

Increasing recycling and minimising waste is a key priority of Cambridgeshire's Vision, the Countywide Sustainable Community Strategy

equality and inclusion

Gypsy and Traveller Health Project

Cambridgeshire Community Services has developed a Gypsy and Traveller health project initiative in response to the increased health needs experienced by this community.

Shaynie Larwood-Smith, lead nurse Gypsy & Traveller health said: “The team consists of lead nurse for Gypsy and Traveller health, a project development worker from Cambridgeshire Race Equality and Diversity Service, and advocacy support provided by the Ormiston Children and Families Trust.

“Additional local strategic partnership funding from Cambridge City and South Cambs has been allocated to the project for health trainers who will be recruited from within the Gypsy and Traveller community, led by a NHS employed community development worker, to raise awareness of health prevention and promotion.”

Reducing inequalities by improving health outcomes, particularly in relation to disabled people, travellers and new migrant populations is a key priority of Cambridgeshire's Vision, the Countywide Sustainable Community Strategy

Funding secured for extra facilities at Doddington Hospital

The funding - £4 million from the Homes & Community Agency (HCA) and £5 million from Sanctuary Group - follows approval by NHS Cambridgeshire, after recommendations were made for future health care provision for people living in south Fenland.

The recommendations were put forward following a public consultation that took place earlier this year.

The new facilities at Doddington Hospital will include the opening of 10 intermediate care beds within the extra care housing facility.

In addition to housing the 10 intermediate care beds to be used for NHS patients, the new extra care facility with a further 50 beds, will also provide social care for frail, elderly people.

The funding will be used for the extra care housing scheme, being built by leading UK housing provider Sanctuary Group, which will be a high quality development of 50 one and two bed flats, with dedicated care services for the residents.

In addition, a community hub will provide a bistro restaurant, gym, beauty salon and IT access, together with a range of other facilities designed to be accessible to older people.

Equality in health for all communities is a key priority of Cambridgeshire's Vision, the Countywide Sustainable Community Strategy

safer and stronger

Fenland Youth project scoops national award

A YOUTH stereotype-busting campaign Fenland has won a national award for its work to change the public’s perception of young people.

The multi-agency Kids Are Alright campaign has beaten 50 competitors nationwide to scoop the Youth Justice Board’s (YJB) Best Communication in Youth Justice Award.

The campaign, running in Fenland’s Cambs Times and Wisbech Standard newspapers, highlights positive contributions young people make to society and challenges stereotypes surrounding youth, crime and antisocial behaviour.

Anna Jack and Jonathan Sloane of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Youth Offending Services

collected the award on behalf of the Kids Are Alright team during the YJB’s Annual Youth Justice Convention in Southport last week.

They received a cut glass trophy, presented by YJB chief executive John Drew and board member Bob Reitemeier. Before the award was presented, the 900 conference delegates watched a DVD, also called The Kids Are Alright, filmed by the Fenland Youth District Council in Wisbech and March to gauge attitudes to young people.

Cambridgeshire Criminal Justice Board chair Tom Jefford, who also heads Cambridgeshire Youth Offending Service said: “I’m delighted that The Kids Are Alright has been recognised by the Youth Justice Board as making a contribution to communicating positive images of young people. I’d like to thank all the people whose enthusiasm and dedication has made this happen – especially the Cambs Times and Wisbech Standard, whose commitment has been a key strength.”

Launched in February 2009, The Kids Are Alright uses weekly newspaper coverage, posters, competitions and events to get its message across.

All of the artwork has been designed by Wisbech graphic design student Beth Moore, 19, and features local youth. The Kids Are Alright team also picked up awards in the ‘engaging communities’ and ‘partnership of the year’ categories during the Cambridgeshire Justice Awards on Monday.

Promoting community cohesion is a key priority of Cambridgeshire's Vision, the Countywide Sustainable Community Strategy

Facts about alcohol

Brian Mitchell (Alcohol Coordinator) is finding more opportunities for partners to work together. He said, “We are shifting the focus from the symptoms of harm to the causes, everyone has a role in promoting responsible attitudes as drinkers and role models”

Brian is funded by Cambridgeshire Together's Local Public Sector Agreement Award funding. Anyone who is also working to reduce alcohol related harm is asked to contact Brian brian.mitchell@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Ensuring safer communities through reducing alcohol related harm is a key priority of Cambridgeshire Together