Issue - meetings

Report by the Service Director, Economy and Regeneration.

Cllr Toby Sturgis, Cabinet Member for Waste, Property, Environment and Development Control Services presented a report regarding Wiltshire Council involvement in the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Partnership.

Following the Government’s recent White Paper on the environment, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) was in the process of establishing a national network of Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs).  Cabinet’s agreement was sought for Wiltshire Council to support the recently established Wiltshire and Swindon LNP. It was noted that following application to DEFRA by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and its success in its bid to secure a £20,000 award and the involvement of a Steering Group which involved the Service Director for Economy and Regeneration, the Partnership received official Government recognition in July 2012.

Details of the proposed structure and membership of the Wiltshire and Swindon LNP, the draft Wiltshire Strategic structure and draft terms of reference for the LNP Board were presented.

The options considered as part of the proposals were detailed in the report presented.

Resolved:

That Cabinet agree to:

a)            receive this update on the emerging Wiltshire and Swindon Local Nature Partnership (LNP);

b)           agree representation of Wiltshire Council on the LNP Board by         Cllr Toby Sturgis;

c)            agree to redirect funding from the Wiltshire Biodiversity Action Plan to the Wiltshire and Swindon LNP;

d)           agree to replacement of the Wiltshire Environmental Alliance by the Wiltshire and Swindon LNP, subject to consensus by the wider Wiltshire Assembly and

e)            support the work of the Wiltshire and Swindon LNP and give due consideration to its advice on environmental matters.

Reason for Decision:

DEFRA has strongly suggested that successful LNPs must have local authorities as part of their core membership in order to influence key strategic decision making.  Wiltshire Council’s input will be critical for the effective operation of the Wiltshire and Swindon LNP.