What's New
The latest edition of "This Weeks Messages" see Publications
THE FUTURE OF THE WEST MIDLANDS RURAL AFFAIRS FORUM
Since the General election back in May 2010 and the formation of the Coalition Government, in addition to the serious issues about the fiscal deficit and the Government's commitment to tackle it, there have been some fundamental changes to the regional landscape, with many organisations either having disappeared or set to disappear. The West Midlands Rural Affairs Forum needs to take stock of its future role and purpose against this changed background. Clever Elephant have been appointed Contractors to develop a future plan for the Forum and are due to report by mid March 2011. They may contact Forum Members and others as part of their work.
If you want to feed into the work then you can do so by emailing Barbara Parkinson or Dr Anna Hraboweckyj on
anna@cleverelephant.co.uk or barbara@cleverelephant.co.uk
RURAL PRIORITY STATEMENTS FOR THE WEST MIDLANDS
A series of rural priority statements for the West Midlands have been produced by the WMRAF. These capture the critical issues faced by those living and working in the shire areas of the West Midlands and as such can be used to influence those in and organisations that are responsible for delivering policies and programmes to the rural areas.
The statements can be found under the 'Publications' section of the website.
Secretariat Arrangements
Rebecca Mackay is leaving the Government Office at the end of October 2010 to take a new post in the Civil Service. Becky has provided excellent support for the Forum over the last two years - the Forum wishes to put on record its appreciation for all her hard work.
Following Becky's departure, in the short term the Government Office will continue to provide the secretariat support for the Forum until and when the future of the GO network becomes clear. The secretariat contact in the interim will be David Howatson on 0121 352 5400 david.howatson@gowm.gsi.gov.uk.
New Blog
Hear how the latest Chairs' meeting went, initial thoughts on the future - see Bob's Blog
New Defra Ministers and their Portfolios
For more information please see the Defra website
JSIB Statement
The attached Statement was issued by the West Midlands Joint Strategy and Investment Board (JS&IB), made up of representatives from the West Midlands Leaders Board, the board of Advantage West Midlands and Business Voice West Midlands, on 23rd March 2010. Read more…
New webpage for WMRAF Review
Please see the new webpage Review 2009.
You will find all the current information, relevant papers, questionnaire results summary and time table for the process.
If you would like anything else added, let me know
The reply to Regional Spacial Strategy (RSS) Phase 3 Review
Thank you to all those who contributed to the reply Alison provided on behalf of the WMRAF.
Please see the final version - narrative here
Please see the final version - questionnaire response here
Review of WMRAF
WMRAF Chair - Bob Forster - instigated a review of the Forum.
This started with these three questions:
1. What should we be doing?
2. What outcomes should we be achieving?
3. What structures do we need to support this?
and has now been expanded to this questionnaire.
You are all invited to contribute.
Rural Evidence Base
Advantage West Midlands have developed an up to date evidence base which provides an in depth understanding of our rural areas as well as tools to support policy development.
Annual Report
The annual report for 2008/2009 is now available via the Annual Report page.
Rural Business
The Government have now published their response to the report from the Rural Advocate, a copy of which can be accessed via this link.
Appointment of a new chair
Bob Forster has been elected to take over from Nick Read as Chair of the West Midlands Rural Affairs Forum.
Bob was the Regional Director for the NFU in the West Midlands from 1994 until 2002. He was also instrumental in setting up Heart of England Fine Foods and the West Midlands Rural Support Network.He later became a member of the West Mercia Police Authority, where he remained for eight years,spending two years as Chair.
Bob is currently a trustee of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution as well as being their Deputy Chair with responsibility for the North of England.
Bob is married and lives in Telford,his hobbies include gardening and travel.
Bob's first meeting as Chair will be on 12 March 2009 at Stratford upon Avon Town Hall.
The next Forum meeting will be held on Thursday 11 June 2009 at the Staffordshire Show Ground,Stafford
Details of the Rural Affairs Forum annual conferences can be found via the Annual Conference page.
The final version of the Forum's Housing Report is now available. More information about the Housing Task Group.
The most recent meeting of the Forum was on Thursday 12 March 2009, at Stratford upon Avon Town Hall,Stratford upon Avon,Warwickshire
Forum meetings and specialist seminars in 2009
| Date | Venue | Specialist Seminar |
| 12 March 2009 | Stratford upon Avon Town Hall | A specialist seminar will not be held |
| 11 June 2009 | Staffordshire Show Ground | EU Connects - Rural Funding Opportunities |
| 10 Sept 2009 | Quatt Village Hall,Shropshire | High Technology Business in Rural Areas |
| 10 Dec 2009 | tbc Birmingham | tbc |
West Midlands Regional Forestry Framework
Growing our Future, the West Midlands Regional Forestry Framework, was published and launched in October 2004, clearly setting out how trees and woodlands are important to people - in different ways, in different contexts and at different life stages. Alongside priorities such as timber production, landscape enhancement and biodiversity there are lots of opportunities to engage actively with people and through growing partnership working.
Climate change and wood energy alternatives are climbing higher up the regional agenda, as are healthier lifestyles, better community involvement and more opportunities for leisure and recreation. Well managed trees and woodlands are exemplars of sustainability and those in the West Midlands are no exception. However, in recent years, some have declined in value and this needs to be addressed if we are to achieve best value from the region's woodland.
The Delivery Plan for 2006 - 2009 is available online (in .pdf). It is for everyone who can help protect, maintain or improve the Region's trees, forests and woodlands, or assist others through their activity, expertise and commitment to do so.
Changing Times - A Framework for Regeneration Consultation
The response from the Forum to the consultation is now available (in pdf)
Rural Economy Report
The Environment,Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee at the House of Commons have recently published a report on"The potential of Englands rural economy",which examines Defra's objectives for rural communities. A copy of the report is available on line (in pdf format)