Dorset 3rd sector Sustainability and Environment Forum

Report on meeting of

West Dorset Partnership

                                     Magna Housing, Dorchester, 10 December 2009

 

 

Three items of possible relevance to Sustainability & Environment Forum members:

 

1.  West Dorset Climate Change Strategy

  This strategy was launched at the WD Partnership Annual Assembly in October; but, to strengthen its credibility, individual Partnership members have been asked to provide a written endorsement.  Unless anyone has any objections, I will do this early in the New Year on behalf of the 3^rd Sector Sustainability & Environment Forum; but, also, it would help if individual forum members could write in separately.  In particular, Maria requests explicit support from DA21.  All it requires is a brief formal note pledging support to the Strategy sent to Maria Clarke, Community Planning Officer, WDDC, Stratton House, 59/60 High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ.

 

2.  West Dorset Partnership Funding Allocation

  Of the £40,000 available for small projects within the WD Action Plan (2009/10), £28,207 remains to be allocated.  Only three proposals have been submitted (and approved) so far.  Further project proposals (from organisations operating within West Dorset) are invited – the new closing date is 8^th January.  For S&E organisations, the relevant Aim within the WD Action Plan is ‘Our Environment’, and this simply requires proposed projects to support the implementation of the WD Climate Change Strategy – which is a fairly broad, accommodating agenda.  [Note: other 3^rd Sector fora could submit proposals in respect of other Plan Aims, e.g. Housing, Local Prosperity, Health & Well-being, etc.]  Enquiries and proposals to Maria Clarke at 01305 252305 or m.clarke@westdorset-dc.gov.uk

 

3.  Community Plan Review

  As noted in my report of the WDP September meeting, a revised West Dorset Community Plan will be adopted in 2010.  (This plan will help determine how funding, as in point 2 above, is allocated in future.)  A draft (and summary) of this Plan have been prepared for public consultation between 18 January and 12 April.  It will be available in council offices and libraries and on www.dorsetforyou.com/communityplan/west (and partners are welcome and encouraged to create links from their own websites).  [Proposed themes within the new plan are:  - Decent, affordable and sustainable housing

               - Improved transport and access to services

               - Economic wellbeing

               - Safer communities

               - Health and wellbeing

               - Culture and leisure

               - Supporting our local communities

               - Protecting and enhancing our environment.]

 

Next meeting of the WDP is on 4^th February.  Agenda topics include Project Funding Allocation, Climate Change Strategy and Community Plan Review.   Any comments or other issues to be raised, please let me know (at jonesodowd@aol.com ).

 

 

Mike Jones

13 December 09