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Faster broadband gets the green light in Hampshire
Faster broadband gets the green light in Hampshire
27/01/2012 12:00:00
Hampshire County Council has just heard that its proposals for faster broadband in Hampshire have been accepted. Hampshire is to get £5 million of the £8.4 million that the Government set aside for the region, including Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight. The County Council submitted its revised local broadband plan to Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) in November last year and the £5 million of government funding is to be matched by local public and private finance.
Enhanced speeds of 24Mbs for homes and businesses
The BDUK funding is part of government plans to ensure that everyone in the country will have access to broadband. Together with the planned commercial investment, the funding will bring enhanced speeds of at least 24 Mbs (Megabits per second) to at least 90 per cent of homes and businesses in the UK and provide universal access to standard broadband with a speed of at least 2Mbps.
50,000 households and 7,000 businesses in 'not-spots'
Today around 50,000 households and nearly 7,000 Hampshire businesses are in broadband 'not spots', with very slow broadband speeds of 2 Mbs or less. Everyone should see improvements over time, if they are below the minimum levels.
Responding to the news, Councillor Ken Thornber, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said he was proud that the County had secured this funding which is crucial for Hampshire's future social and economic prosperity.
“Today's news marks the start of the Hampshire broadband programme, Faster broadband, getting Hampshire connected, and the first question everyone will ask is when are they going to get an improved service. We've been waiting for this green light and are ready to go, but we recognise that this is a major project and results will not be seen overnight. Our immediate next steps are to secure a commercial partner to support and develop detailed implementation plans for the county. We can then publish a timetable for the planned roll out.
“In Hampshire it is estimated that only 80% of the county will be able to access faster broadband speeds by 2013 through the commercial market and further investment is needed to reach more people. Our role is to improve speeds for those people living in the predominantly rural areas that the commercial market currently doesn't reach. The public sector gap funding is designed to stimulate investment and finance the shortfall where there are too few potential customers to cover the costs of the upgrade to the network infrastructure.”
Project estimated to start January 2013
The contract for the commercial partner is expected to be awarded in December 2012. The broadband project will be phased, estimated to start in January 2013 with a three year implementation programme due to be completed by the end of 2015.
A vital component of the Hampshire broadband plan is collecting evidence of demand for improved broadband from within communities. For this reason, individuals and businesses are encouraged to continue to register their interest at: Faster Broadband.
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media enquiries please contact: Kirsty Gunner, Senior Press Officer Tel: 01962 847110 Email: kirsty.gunner@hants.gov.uk
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Council efficiencies enable capital investment
Council efficiencies enable capital investment
27/01/2012 12:00:00
Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet is to consider a budget for 2012/13 that freezes council tax, builds on the reductions in running costs already made, protects essential frontline services for the most vulnerable and paves the way for significant capital investment in key areas.
Hampshire County Council has planned to meet the funding reductions and budget pressures it faces over the Government’s four year comprehensive spending review period - in two years. This was to reduce uncertainty, capture efficiencies early and put the Council in a strong position. The Council is halfway through an ambitious £100million efficiency and expenditure reduction programme that has focused reductions on operating costs and looked to modernise service delivery rather than cut services.
Offsetting the risks
The approach the Council has taken is not without risks. Contingency funds were put in place to ensure services could be maintained and the Council remained within budget, even if some of the planned savings could not be achieved within the set timescales, or came in at a lower level than predicted.
The success of the savings programme over 2011/12 has meant that the Council is now able to free up contingency funds of £20.6million, together with other savings of £5.7million and use them for one-off investment projects. The Cabinet will consider how this money can be used to support the £124million required for high priority capital schemes. This will enable the Council to reduce the amount it needs to borrow and the associated costs of doing so. Contributions from reserves, the new homes bonus and the one-off council tax freeze grant will also be used to help fund these capital projects.
Funding for key capital projects
The funding will provide £10million for Extra Care Housing which offers housing solutions for an older population - helping individuals to maintain independence and avoiding expensive care in residential homes. This brings the Council’s direct contribution for this project to £13.2million. There will also be a contribution towards: the provision of more school places to meet rising birth rates; the identification of priority areas for coastal and flood defence work; the £4million cost of repairing, upgrading and replacing assets, including children’s homes, early years’ facilities, education study centres and school kitchens.
Councillor Ken Thornber, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “Despite the full year effect of this year’s savings, equating to around half of the 2012/13 budget gap of £45million, the Council still needs to save £21.7milllion next year. Once again there will be risks attached to any delays or non-delivery of our savings proposal, so new contingencies will be put in place to cover those risks. Should these not be needed, we can use them to invest in further capital projects or offset future funding reductions, including the loss of the council tax freeze grant at the end of the four year CSR period.
“It is as a result of our careful financial planning and our sensible approach to the risks involved in such an ambitious savings plan, that we find ourselves in a strong revenue budget position for 2012/13. We are also able to make contributions to capital that will enable key projects, such as Extra Care Housing to proceed and ensure required investments are made in IT and in improving the condition of our buildings to enhance services and further increase efficiency.
“However, despite our strong track record, we must not be complacent, all of the savings made in the early years of the transformation programme are needed for the further grant reductions to come and we have already been warned in the Chancellor’s autumn statement about difficult times ahead when the next CSR is announced from 2015/16 onwards.”
“Our budget proposals are about providing improved, modernised or transformed services, or changing the way we provide public services, and providing greater choice where possible. The process has not been painless and we have seen staff reductions and changes to services that have affected residents, but we have tried to keep compulsory job losses and direct impact on those who most need our services, to a minimum and we will continue to do so.
“The County Council will freeze council tax in 2012/13, which means it will have been at the same level for three years - at a time when household budgets are under pressure. Band D council tax will be £1,037.88, one of the lowest in the country, which means Hampshire continues to provide services at a lower cost per head than other county councils.”
Ongoing cuts in public sector spending led to Hampshire losing 14.3 per cent of its Government grant last year and will see an additional cut of 10.4 per cent in 2012/13, with further cuts yet to be confirmed for the next two years.
The Cabinet will debate the budget on 3 February and make recommendations to the County Council on 23 February when the budget will be set.
For further information please visit our budget web pages
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media enquiries please contact: Kirsty Gunner, Senior Press Officer Tel: 01962 847110 Email: kirsty.gunner@hants.gov.uk
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Funding Boost For Hampshire’s Village Halls And Community Centres
Funding Boost For Hampshire’s Village Halls And Community Centres
26/01/2012 12:00:00
Village halls and community centres across Hampshire are set to benefit from £39,363 of grant funding from Hampshire County Council.
At his Decision Day (20 January 2012), Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, Councillor Keith Chapman awarded grants to eleven Community Organisations and Village Hall Trusts, in the current financial year.
Supporting Valuable Community Facilities In Hampshire
The money will be used towards the upkeep of their buildings and to allow for improvements to be made to help ensure everyone in the community has the best possible facilities available to them.
The full breakdown of grant funding is as follows:
| Hall/Centre | District | £ | | Buckskin and Worting Community Association | Basingstoke | 2,236 | | Copythorne Parish Hall Trust | New Forest | 3,900 | | Denmead Community Association | Winchester | 665 | | Liss Community Association | East Hampshire | 4,902 | | Old Alresford Village Hall Trust | Winchester | 3,321 | | Pilands Wood Community Association | Eastleigh | 3,385 | | Portchester Community Association | Fareham | 4,797 | | Romsey Abbey Parish Church Council | Test Valley | 500 | | Sparsholt Memorial Hall Trust | Winchester | 859 | | St Matthews Church Parish Council | Gosport | 2,298 | | Winnall Community Association | Winchester | 12,500 | | TOTAL | | 39,363 |
A further £2,500 is also being made available to the Victoria Hall Trust in Sutton Scotney for financial support to allow them to purchase the car park next to the Village Hall which is earmarked for sale by its current owners. This will ensure that residents who use the hall, continue to have parking facilities on site.
Councillor Keith Chapman, said: “These grants are vital in helping local village halls and community centres to maintain a good level of service. They play a significant role in their communities, providing people with venues and facilities for a wide variety of activities and bring together people of all ages. This funding shows how much we value their important contribution and the support that they provide for the work of the County Council. It’s important therefore, that the buildings and equipment remain in the best possible condition.”
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media inquiries please contact Suzie Southgate, Senior Press Officer Tel: 01962 847367 Email: suzie.southgate@hants.gov.uk
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Step closer to passenger rail for Waterside
Step closer to passenger rail for Waterside
25/01/2012 12:00:00
A viability study for the re-introduction of passenger trains on a branch line between Southampton and the Waterside area has been given the go-ahead by Hampshire County Council.
Case for line serving Totton, Hounsdown, Marchwood and Hythe
Following completion of the GRIP 2 study (Governance for Railway Investment Projects) - which established a business case for a passenger line serving Totton, Hounsdown, Marchwood and Hythe – Hampshire County Council and its partners* have agreed to take the next step in an eight stage process towards bringing the Waterside line back into use for passenger rail travel.
Currently in use for freight only
The rail line is currently in use for freight trains only and this next technical study (GRIP 3) will focus on: identifying the infrastructure that would be needed to enable the rail line to be brought into passenger use; calculating passenger demand; and determining how the scheme could be funded.
Councillor Mel Kendal, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, commented: “There is no doubt that there is potential for the development of the rail network in South Hampshire and we have had some very constructive discussions with Network Rail and South West Trains on this matter.
“The outcome of the GRIP 2 study has enabled us to develop a business case for the development of the Waterside line but there is still a great deal of technical work to be done and detail to be worked through so we are still some years away from opening the line to passengers. Nonetheless what we have established so far is encouraging and I can see that a Waterside rail line could help enormously in reducing congestion on the A326. Tackling congestion to keep all areas of Hampshire moving is a key priority for us, and we will continue to investigate any options which will improve travel and offer more choice for local residents and businesses A rail line in this area would complement the existing public transport services available in the area and offer local residents greater choice and flexibility for travel.”
An hourly shuttle to connect to other rail services
Passenger rail services ceased on the existing freight only line in 1966. The case for re-opening the line to passenger services is based on providing an hourly shuttle between Hythe and Southampton Central where passengers would be able to connect to services running to the West, East, London and beyond. An hourly service would mean one train an hour back and forth with a journey time of 23 minutes each way. It is not envisaged that the passenger service would extend to Fawley as this would increase the journey time to over 30 minutes each way and prevent the running of an hourly service.
GRIP 3 to start in the Spring
The GRIP 3 study will start in the Spring. A report on the findings will then be considered by Transport for South Hampshire before any agreement is made regarding moving to stage 4 in the GRIP process.
*Waterside rail partners are Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council, New Forest National Park Authority, Hythe and Dibden Parish Council and Marchwood Parish Council.
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media enquiries please contact: Diana Leahy, Press Officer Tel: 01962 847666 Email: diana.leahy@hants.gov.uk
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Grant support to benefit children with disabilities
Grant support to benefit children with disabilities
24/01/2012 12:00:00
Activity projects run by the voluntary sector for the benefit of children with disabilities and two County Council run services have been given a cash boost totalling more than £55,000.
The grants were approved by Councillor Roy Perry, Hampshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services at his decision day on Wednesday, 18 January, 2012.
The recipients of the grants, which have been awarded under the County Council’s Short Breaks programme for children with disabilities and their families, are:
•Space Short Breaks – awarded £9,959 to support a new service countywide which provides activities in a child’s own home for up to four hours at a time. This is a scheme coordinated by the National Childminding Association and it offers parents a break while their child enjoys activities in the familiar environment of their own home
•Andover Leisure Centre – awarded £10,998 to fund two Caring For You open days offering taster sessions for a wide variety of sports and art activities which families can attend together. The grant will also fund a 10 week multi activity club at the leisure centre for children with disabilities and their siblings
•First Opportunities in Ashley – awarded £5,686 for twice weekly specialist play sessions for under 3s at a specialist pre-school providing a high level of support for children with disabilities
•UK Youth Action at Avon Tyrell Outdoors Centre, Bransgore –awarded £16,800 to fund three services: Activities for February Adventure Cycling weekend; Daily Funday activities during February half-term and funding to support a specialist Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme which will meet fortnightly to support young people with disabilities achieve the award
•The Gap Club in New Milton – awarded £11,843 to support children who attend the after school clubs and holiday clubs
In addition to these more than £79,605 has been awarded to a range of groups across the county in grants totalling less then £5,000 A further £39,300 has also been awarded to two County Council projects:
•Adoption Support Services – awarded £15,000 to provide a range of short breaks (individual child and whole family activities) targeted at newly adopted children with disabilities and/or additional needs
•Haven Children’s Centre – awarded £24,300 to develop short break service provision at the specialist SEN hub for under 8s and their families including Stay and Play weekends; Friday fun evening for Children with autism and fortnightly drop-in activities sessions (weekly in school holidays)
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The grants are part of an annual budget of £3.25m to fund voluntary sector organisations and special schools to deliver short breaks, activity sessions and holiday playschemes for children with disabilities. They are part of the final round needing Executive member approval for this financial year.
In 2010 more than 2,000 children benefited from playschemes, short breaks and activity sessions and it is hoped the current Short break programme will reach even more.
Councillor Perry said: “I am pleased to approve these grants. We know from the consultation we have done with families that access to holiday playschemes and short breaks projects such as the ones receiving grants today is what they value the most.
“Indeed parent representatives are on the panels which evaluate the bids and recommend the grants. This helps ensure the money is awarded to schools and the voluntary sector organisations working in the local community, which are usually better placed to meet the needs of disabled children and their families.”
ENDS
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media enquiries please contact: Claire Sheret, Senior Press Officer Tel: 01962 847368 Email: claire.sheret@hants.gov.uk
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School meal prices held for fourth year in a row
School meal prices held for fourth year in a row
23/01/2012 12:00:00
There is good news for parents this week as the price of school meals served by Hampshire County Council’s Catering Service are to be kept the same for the fourth consecutive year, costing £2 per meal.
At his decision day on January 18, Councillor Roy Perry, Hampshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, approved the maintaining of the price of school meals at its current level of £2 per meal. This is the fourth year in a row that the County Council has not increased the price of the meals providing good news for families under increasing pressures in the current difficult economic climate.
There is increased take-up of the tasty meals with around 7m likely to be served in the County’s primary schools by the end of the school year based on the current take-up. More than one in three pupils (a total of around 34,000 children each day), are now eating a school meal, putting Hampshire’s percentage meal take-up at its highest ever level. Figures for the Autumn term show a 10% increase on the same time last year. The rise in popularity of the meals is being attributed to the addition of a number of tasty lunchtime favourites on the menu, including roast dinners which are now available twice a week, turkey curry, pizza, and fish on a Friday, and for vegetarians, choices include sweet potato and lentil curry, vegetable and bean bake and Italian tomato pasta.
Throughout the year youngsters can select a main meal, a side helping of vegetables and salad together with either potatoes, pasta or rice. Dessert is a choice of fresh fruit or handmade pudding such as raspberry love cake and custard, or date and banana cake. Every meal combines to make up a third of the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals for a child over the weekly menu, which also helps support learning in the classroom.
An added benefit of Hampshire school meals, for the local economy, is that they are made from ingredients sourced from around 26 local suppliers. The ingredients include locally grown fruit and vegetables, pork and beef from Hampshire farms, free range eggs from the New Forest, which recently resulted in the catering service being awarded the national Good Egg award, and apple juice from Selborne. Suppliers also ensure all fish is from well-managed, sustainable fisheries. The meals also meet the criteria of the Hyperactive Children’s Support Group (HACSG) for the removal of additives that can affect a child’s behaviour.
Commenting Councillor Perry said: “The school meals service plays an important role in the development of healthy eating in children, providing them with a choice of high quality meals served daily in most of our schools. The service also plays a part in supporting local food producers where possible which is important for the development of the Hampshire economy. The increased take-up has enabled us to hold the price for the fourth year in a row. I am mindful that we are living in difficult economic times so hope this news is welcomed by parents.. In my view the meals represent excellent value for money providing a nutritious lunchtime meal for pupils.”
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media enquiries please contact: Claire Sheret, Senior Press Officer Tel: 01962 847368 Email: claire.sheret@hants.gov.uk
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Funding Boost For Portchester Volunteer Project
Funding Boost For Portchester Volunteer Project
20/01/2012 12:00:00
Portchester Community Association will gain a new volunteer co-ordinator thanks to a grant from Hampshire County Council.
At his latest Decision Day (19 January 2012), the Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber approved a grant of £4,990 to Portchester Community Association for their volunteer scheme.
The scheme aims to encourage younger people to volunteer in their local community to enhance their skills and meet new people.
Portchester Community Association was founded in 1962 and is one of the longest established Associations in Hampshire. It strives to meet local needs and for many years has hosted events, taster days and other initiatives designed to foster community spirit and cater for local interests.
Councillor Ken Thornber, said: “With many younger people struggling to find jobs in these challenging economic times, volunteering is an ideal opportunity to learn new skills and improve career prospects. Hopefully this scheme can help youngsters experience some new and exciting challenges.”
For more information please visit - http://portchestercommunitycentre.btck.co.uk/
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media inquiries please contact Anya Fisher, Press Officer Tel: 01962 846006 Email: Anya.Fisher@hants.gov.uk
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Grant To Help Hospice Gardens Flourish
Grant To Help Hospice Gardens Flourish
20/01/2012 12:00:00
Young people at Naomi House Hospice in Sutton Scotney will be able to enjoy a new garden thanks to a grant from Hampshire County Council.
At his latest Decision Day (19 January 2012), the Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber approved a grant of £5,000 to the children’s charity. The grant will provide a newly landscaped garden at the hospice to make a safer and more enjoyable environment for the children.
The garden will have new turf, re-surfaced paths and a new circular lawn outside the children’s bedrooms.
Naomi House has provided support and care to children and young adults with life threatening conditions throughout Hampshire for over fifteen years.
Councillor Thornber, said: “Hampshire County Council is pleased to continue its support to a charity so close to home. The work carried out by Naomi House across the South is invaluable to our local communities. The new garden will give the children at the hospice a better, safer space to play and enjoy the outdoors.”
For more information visit – http://www.naomihouse.org.uk/
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media inquiries please contact Anya Fisher, Press Officer Tel: 01962 846006 email: anya.fisher@hants.gov.uk
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Major Redevelopment Design Plans Unveiled For Havant School
Major Redevelopment Design Plans Unveiled For Havant School
20/01/2012 12:00:00
Building design plans for the £20million redevelopment of Park Community School in Havant have been approved by Hampshire County Council.
At his latest Decision Day (19 January 2012), the Leader of Hampshire County Council and Executive Member for Policy and Resources, Councillor Ken Thornber agreed the design of a major rebuild of the school.
The project will see 70% of the existing buildings remodelled to replace the current buildings which have now reached the end of their useful life. Park Community School was originally due for refurbishment in 2009 as part of the former Government’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme to remodel school buildings. However, the programme was suspended and its projects cancelled in 2010.
Enhanced Facilities To Support Learning
Under new plans by the County Council, a new three storey teaching block, along with sports and community facilities will be provided for 900 secondary school pupils. Other facilities will include those for the performing arts as well as new music rooms, a media suite and special education needs teaching areas. There will also be refurbished science and technology classrooms. In addition, the design includes a new outdoor play area, discovery centre library and dining hall with café.
Work is due to start in Summer 2012 and is expected to finish in Autumn 2014. The school will continue to operate during the construction period.
Councillor Thornber said: “The remodel of Park Community School will enhance the learning environment for all of its pupils. The project, which represents a significant investment by the County Council, will provide youngsters with new and improved facilities to help make their education experience more enjoyable in the future.”
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media inquiries please contact Anya Fisher, Press Officer Tel: 01962 846006 email: anya.fisher@hants.gov.uk
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New Education Centre for Gosport
New Education Centre for Gosport
20/01/2012 12:00:00
Hampshire County Council has agreed building design plans for the new Quayside Educational Centre in Gosport.
At his latest Decision Day (19 January 2012), Leader of Hampshire County Council and Executive Member for Policy and Resources, Councillor Ken Thornber approved the design of the £4 million project in Tukes Avenue.
The scheme will see the school relocated from its current location in temporary buildings in Mill Lane to purpose-built facilities that will cater for almost 50 secondary school children who are considered either too emotionally vulnerable to attend mainstream education or who have been excluded from school. The school will provide students with the opportunity to work in a significantly improved learning environment.
Among the new facilities that the building will provide, will be new classrooms for food technology, art, science and design technology. It will also provide a number of separate learning environments for emotionally vulnerable pupils and those with behavioural issues.
In addition, there will be a common room, outside play areas and a dining area that will look out onto the courtyard.
Building work is expected to start in July 2012 and will be completed in August 2013, in time for the Autumn school term.
Councillor Thornber said: “The new Education Centre in Gosport represents a significant investment by Hampshire County Council into educational facilities in the area. It will ensure that vulnerable students who are facing educational challenges remain in a mainstream learning environment but also receive the aitional tailored support they need to achieve success.”
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media inquiries please contact Anya Fisher, Press Officer Tel: 01962 846006 email: Anya.Fisher@hants.gov.uk
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Grant Helps Youngsters Access Acting Workshops in Winchester
Grant Helps Youngsters Access Acting Workshops in Winchester
20/01/2012 12:00:00
A project to inspire teenagers to hold their own events at local sites has received funding from Hampshire County Council.
The Edge project is an innovative idea from the Hampshire Museums and Galleries Trust to encourage younger generations to make use of their local resources, including galleries, libraries, discovery centres and museums.
At his Decision Day (19 January 2012), the Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, awarded funding of £5,000 to the project for a series of workshops.
Over the spring and summer The Edge Project will hold acting workshops in Winchester culminating in a production later this year.
The organisation which gives young people the opportunity to organise and run events, has set up projects involving photography, music, theatre and performance, multimedia, filming, dance, DJing and many more.
Councillor Thornber, said: “The Edge Project has been very successful to date in inspiring young people to take a unique perspective on the County’s heritage, and we fully support their effort to continue this throughout Hampshire.”
For more information please visit - http://www.theedgeproject.co.uk/
www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre For media inquiries please contact Anya Fisher, Press Officer Tel: 01962 846006 email: Anya.Fisher@hants.gov.uk
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