Rural Needs Annual Monitoring Report 2021/22
Name of Public Authority: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
Reporting Period: April 2021 to March 2022
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Draft Volunteering Policy.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Cross Cutting
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
Through the consultation process the Community Section noted in rural areas there was:
Great levels of social isolation
Poor provision of facilities for leisure activities, sporting activities, training, health etc
Longer distance to travel to access Council facilities
Longer distance to travel to access health and other facilities
Poor pubic transport links
Increased costs for groups as a result of transport hire costs
Poor broadband and in some cases mobile phone coverage
Most Council provided community centres are in urban areas (although this differs between legacy Council area) so many rural community groups provide their own community centres, the costs of which are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain;
Consideration has been given to the barriers that may affect the ability of people in rural areas to undertake volunteering roles.
Volunteering opportunities within Council are more likely to be based in Council buildings; in most cases these are located in urban areas. This would involve travel for volunteers living in rural areas, either by public transport or by use of their personal transportation mode.
It has been agreed that potential volunteers should not be out of pocket while volunteering for Council. The rural needs identified have influenced the development of the Policy which details that Council will work with the 2 local Volunteer Centres (Causeway VC and Limavady VC) and line managers) to support potential volunteers and try to mitigate barriers such as the location, volunteer role, flexibility with working hours around public transport and payment of volunteer travel costs.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: The project is to determine opinions, location and design of a potential memorial which remembers those who lost their lives in the Bomb in 1973 at Railway Road, Coleraine and present same to Council for decision.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Other
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
A formal consultation process commenced mid November 2020 which did not identify any social or economic needs or impacts relevant to the memorial.
As the memorial will be based in Coleraine there may be issues with regards to travel to the area; however bus routes are reasonably good to Coleraine as it is a central shopping hub. Impacts will be reviewed again following the proposed extended consultation process.
Information will be included on the website relating to options identified. If requested a hard copy of the detail can be issued to individuals in large print, alternatively this information can be downloaded from the website.
The issues to date considered were:
Travel;
Parking;
Accessibility;
Internet accessibility;
Disability specific needs such as large print or virtual view of options;
Cost and
Socially relevant factors.
There were no issues raised during the initial consultation with regards to travel to the area, bus routes, impact on current services and access to the proposed location.
It is anticipated that visits to the memorial will be free, thus causing no financial impact to those from rural or urban areas.
Socially relevant factors were be taken into account at the design phase through the formal consultation process – individuals did not raise any issues and this area will further be reviewed as potential design options become available.
Any of the previously identified or future needs highlighted via the proposed extended consultation will be taken into consideration and updated at that time.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: The development and introduction of a Breastfeeding Policy and associated procedures within Council Buildings to support mothers to breastfeed their child/children.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Health or Social Care Services
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
Socially individuals from rural areas tend to have to travel longer distances to work, to socialize with friends/work colleagues and to shop in larger supermarkets. Economically younger people and women are impacted by the need to work coupled with the requirement to travel to do so. (As detailed in the Economic Development Strategy). This may mean that they are away from home at the time when their child needs to feed, so the opportunity for staff to express or feed their child may attempt to counteract this obstacle. This policy will support this in a safe environment.
The provision of this service in Council buildings is free in that no purchase is necessary to rest and feed their child. In addition, mothers with other dependents are welcome to use the area.
The provision of the same service across the Borough in various rural and urban settings means that individuals from various areas can avail of this provision and the associated health benefits regardless of the area they live in, their income, employment status, or family size.
Research by the Economic Development section for its strategy; highlighted that socially individuals in rural areas my feel more isolated, therefore supporting individuals to drop into central locations and chat to others may reduce this isolation.
Many of the themes raised within the various consultations and research have been included in the policy ie the need to offer the service in rural and urban areas, the need to promote and ensure accessibility in rural areas and the need to advertise in alternative formats or languages.
The opening hours of facilities can be accessed via the web, by email or telephone to support users of the building/facility.
The policy will be reviewed bi-annually and needs of rural users will also be reviewed at this time.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Review of Planning Enforcement Strategy.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Cross Cutting
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
Enforcement cases in relation to social and economic needs of people in rural areas will be considered taking into account whether it is expedient to take formal action. The alleged offender will have the opportunity to provide any supporting information to demonstrate if their development is immune from enforcement action, benefits from planning permission, negotiate to resolve the planning issues identified etc. People from rural areas will be able to submit complaints/information electronically or have someone represent on their behalf.
The strategy supports individuals to make complaints, submit information electronically without having to attend the Council offices; or to have someone represent on their behalf.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Provision of a new Litter Strategy for the Borough.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Rural Businesses & Tourism
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
To date the strategy has considered the specific needs of people in rural areas and included elements to mitigate the adverse-effects of littering to this section of our community. In addition the partnership with Northern Ireland Environment Agency will support a joined-up approach to rural fly-tipping and the identification of specific relevant impacts.
However the formal consultation process will support a more in-depth understanding of needs and how they can align to improve the strategy and its overall impact.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Revision of current practices to develop a new policy and procedure to fly the Union Flag at selected Council Buildings 365 days per year.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Other-Services and Access
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
Socially individuals from rural areas tend to have to travel longer distances to work, to socialize with friends/work colleagues. This may mean that they chose a workplace nearer to their home address to meet their economic needs. In turn as a result of the proposed policy change their place of work may now fly a flag which does not reflect the community background to which they belong and the acceptance of diversity and equality. There have been no complaints relating to the current provision by rural individuals although due to increased migration to rural areas the composition may have changed since the initial policy was introduced. This may be of particular relevance to the additional social function provided by town halls and the possibility of a ‘chill factor’ for rural individuals based on their beliefs. Ways to mitigate any factors should be identified through consultation.
Therefore it is important that the viewpoints of individuals living in both rural and urban areas will be considered as part of the overall consultation process.
In addition the final policy will be developed in light of research, good practice guidelines and information from:
Other Councils policy and processes;
Good Relations Strategy;
“Together building a United Community” Strategy May 2013.
Consultation with individuals from both rural and urban areas who are colleagues, visitors or customers to the Council buildings.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: The Inclusive Customer Service Policy outlines the Council’s commitment to uphold the spirit and letter of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Other-Services and Access
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
Socially individuals from rural areas tend to build deeper relationships with neighbours and due to their location socialize in local groupings. This policy will support this in an inclusive and accessible environment.
Research by the Economic Development section for its strategy; highlighted that socially individuals in rural areas may feel more isolated, therefore supporting individuals to drop into central locations and chat to others may reduce this isolation.
The fact that the local building offers this provision will support the need for local opportunities to socialize.
Many of the themes raised within the various consultations and research have been included in the policy ie the need to offer the service in all areas (rural and urban).
The opening hours of facilities can be accessed via the web, by email or telephone to support users of the building/facility.
The policy will be reviewed bi-annually and needs of rural users will also be reviewed at this time.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Elite Athlete / Gold Card Scheme is an incentive to help support local athletes who are competing at an elite level of excellence in their chosen sport.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Health or Social Care Services
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
Socially individuals from rural areas tend to have to travel longer distances to partake in sporting activities, incur increased costs associated with training due to their residing location and have reduced opportunities to socialize with other sportspeople. This may mean that an increased number of individuals give up their sporting dreams or their families have to spend an increased part of their wage to support their participation. Although the provision of public transport may alleviate this to some degree it may not always be available to suit all training schedules. All Leisure Centres in the borough have good parking availability.
In addition the lack of interaction with other sportspeople may also be reduced.
The provision of the scheme across the Borough means that individuals from various areas can avail of this provision and the associated health benefits regardless of the area they live in, their income, employment status, or family size. In addition schemes encouraging free participation may again support the economic impact.
It is anticipated that knock-on effects will relate to a reduction in costs and increased opportunities for athletes of all ages.
The scheme will be consulted via the use of community groups and sport clubs across the borough. Once finalized the scheme will be both accessible to and promoted in rural areas.
The increased use of technology to book training slots will support rural dwellers to pre-book fitness / swim sessions at a time which best suits their needs.
In addition, information can be supplied in alternative formats or languages.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Disposal of Land located off New Market Street, Coleraine.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Other-Asset Disposal
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
The land is in an urban area which following review and consultation with stakeholders determined no usage by the rural community. In addition, the stakeholders indicated there were no current or future operational requirements relating to this piece of land.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: List of materials that are suitable to be deposited at Council’s network of Household Recycling Centres (HRCs). The list aids the harmonization of service delivery at the various sites.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Other-Asset Disposal
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
The policy revision support harmonization of the service only and provision was raised to an equal standing across the borough in both rural and urban areas.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Disposal of Land located off Coleraine Road, Garvagh.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Other-Asset Disposal
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
The land is sited in a rural area which following review and consultation with stakeholders determined no usage by the rural community. In addition, the stakeholders indicated there were no current or future operational requirements relating to this piece of land.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Disposal of Land at Station Road, Dunloy.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Other-Asset Disposal
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
The land is sited in the outskirts of the rural town area which following a review and consultation with stakeholders determined no usage by the rural community. In addition, the stakeholders indicated there were no current or future operational requirements relating to this piece of land.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Water Well & Right of Way located off Mullan Road, Rasharkin.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Other-Asset Disposal
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
The land is sited in a rural area which following review and consultation with stakeholders determined no usage by the rural community. In addition, the stakeholders indicated there were no current or future operational requirements relating to this piece of land.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Disposal of vacant landscape land located off Coleraine Road, Ballymoney, Post Boys Walk
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Other – Asset Disposal
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
The land is sited in the outskirts of a rural town area which following a review and consultation with stakeholders determined no usage by the rural community. In addition, the stakeholders indicated there were no current or future operational requirements relating to this piece of land.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Policing and Community Safety Partnership Disability Programme
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Rural Crime or Community Safety
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
Socially individuals from rural areas tend to be more spread out with regards to housing and have to travel longer distances to work, socialize with friends/work colleagues and to shop in larger supermarkets. Crime can have a devastating impact on rural dwellers who may be more isolated from neighbours. This project aims to understand the fears of rural dwellers and set in place actions to support and reduce this impact.
The on-line survey and ability for people to complete it using various methods and formats supports increased inclusion and individuals can be heard without an economic impact.
Research by the Economic Development section for its strategy; highlighted that socially individuals in rural areas my feel more isolated, therefore supporting individuals to speak out about their fears and have them addressed may not only reduce this fear but in turn isolation.
In addition, individuals who live in rural areas often have to travel long distances to work, so they must be able to do this without fear of crime when using public transport or when out and about in urban shopping areas.
Many of the themes raised within the various meetings to date and research have been included in the project i.e. the need to support rural and urban dwellers, the need to promote and ensure accessibility in rural areas and the need to advertise in alternative formats or languages.
Description of the activity undertaken by the public authority which is subject to section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016: Anti-Poverty Action Plan.
The rural policy area(s) which the activity relates to: Poverty & Deprivation
Describe how the public authority has had due regard to rural needs when developing, adopting, implementing or revising the policy, strategy or plan or when designing or delivering the public service:
The cost of living is higher in rural areas and rural households are twice as likely as urban households to be in fuel poverty.. Source: Northern Ireland House Condition Survey 2016, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, 2018
Poor public transport links - private transport is a necessity in many rural areas in terms of access to employment and basic services. Source: Continuous Household Survey, 2018/19, NISRA
Access to social housing is much more limited, and rates of owner-occupation are substantially higher in rural than urban areas . Source: Continuous Household Survey, 2018/19, NISRA
Rural pensioners are almost twice as likely to be in relative or absolute poverty as their urban counterparts. Source: Households Below Average Income (HBAI), DfC, 2018/19
Poor broadband coverage in some areas; similarly mobile phone network coverage
Consideration was given to how best to deliver services that were accessible to rural dwellers.
Grant programmes were included to allow locally based community and voluntary organisations to deliver services locally such as community fridges, grow your own schemes, luncheon clubs etc.
Links to be developed between foodbanks in the main towns and local community organisations in rural villages to support the creation of ‘community larders’ in order to allow easier access to food for rural dwellers.
Advice provision to be delivered via telephone and email with the opportunity for face to face pre-arranged appointments.
A Wraparound support service to be delivered to ensure that residents were supported to access all the services that they needed to support them back to a position of financial stability eg debt advice, benefit checks, social supermarket etc.
A Where to Turn campaign was developed in order to ensure that people in all areas of the borough were aware of the range of services that were available. www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/advice-services
The development of the Action Plan has been influenced by the needs of communities across Causeway Coast and Glens whether they are defined by geography, identity or interest. Because of the significant rural nature of Causeway Coast and Glens the needs of rural communities are particularly to the fore. The needs that are more prevalent in rural areas such as access to services, poor transport links, fuel poverty, increased cost of delivering services all influenced the development of the Action Plan and the design of the actions in the Plan.
Consideration was given to how best to deliver services that were accessible to rural communities both in terms of location and method of delivery e.g advice helpline.
Consideration was also given as to how best to support the community and voluntary sector in rural areas to address local needs and to connect and collaborate with Council and Anti-Poverty Stakeholder Steering Group partners to do so.