Study into Non-statutory Services in the Vale of Usk Region

Descriptions

An exciting opportunity exists for a suitably qualified, highly networked and skilled individual to work with the Vale of Usk Local Action Group to help further shape, inform and identify, within a clear framework, those non-statutory services that are most at risk and most significant to the rural community. Also within this context there is a need to consider public perceptions about where, across the framework, priorities for future development and investment should lie.The current austerity measures are fundamentally affecting all public services. The effects are being felt across the whole range of services whether they are statutory or not although it is primarily the non-statutory services which are most at threat. However, many of these services are much valued by our communities and are thought vital in helping with issues such as social inclusion and rural poverty. Rural areas especially are also being hit by services outside the remit of the local authority such as the closure of post offices, community policing and public transport for example.There is a very large range of non-statutory services delivered by local authorities; not all are threatened by financial cut-backs; not all are particularly critical to community well-being and not all are relevant to rural communities. The challenge therefore in seeking out and selecting projects that will explore alternative funding and delivery methods via the Rural Development LEADER Programme, assisting the Local Action Group in their decision regarding areas of provision which are most likely to provide greater benefit and also prove most popular with those living and working in the rural areas of the Vale of Usk i.e. Monmouthshire and the rural wards of Newport.