Implementation of the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme (CRSSRP) Rural
Implementation of the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme (CRSSRP) Rural Needs Impact Assessment
SECTION 1 -
Defining the activity subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016
1A. Name of Public Authority.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
1B. Please provide a short title which describes the activity being undertaken by the Public Authority that is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016.
Implementation of the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme (CRSSRP)
1C. Please indicate which category the activity specified in Section 1B above relates to.
Implementing a Plan
1D. Please provide the official title (if any) of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service document or initiative relating to the category indicated in Section 1C above.
Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme (CRSSRP)
1E. Please provide details of the aims and/or objectives of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service.
Key Programme objectives are:
• Physical regeneration of small settlements in order to improve place making and aid recovery from COVID-19
• Improvements that encourage people to live, work, visit and invest in the area by 2022/23
• Improvements that enhance walking, cycling and other facilities within the scheme area by 2022/23
1F. What definition of ‘rural’ is the Public Authority using in respect of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service?
Population Settlements of less than 5,000 (Default definition).
Details of alternative definition of ‘rural’ used. N/A
Rationale for using alternative definition of ‘rural’. N/A
Reasons why a definition of ‘rural’ is not applicable. N/A
SECTION 2 -
Understanding the impact of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service
2A. Is the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service likely to impact on people in rural areas?
Yes If the response is NO GO TO Section 2E.
2B. Please explain how the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to impact on people in rural areas.
Each of the project interventions brought forward will in some small way address the substantial need identified within the comprehensive Village plans. The Village Plans were developed in 2019 by the Rural Development Programme intervention and allowed village communities to set out their vision for the future development of their villages from a variety of central and local government funding streams.
The need for such interventions is well established within each village plan and clearly shows the depth of pride residents have in their villages and how they can come together to help create a comprehensive plan of how to improve village life.
The provision of enhanced community services, pathways linking residents to those facilities and facilities for healthy outdoor recreation may see a marked regeneration of these villages after the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic. Residents and visitors will have a reason to visit and use these facilities and the knock- on effect of this will be increased usage and footfall for other business in the villages eg cafes, mini supermarkets, craft shops, creating a ‘buzz’ in the villages once again and creating a better quality of life for residents there.
Improvements will be made to Core Path Networks to allow better usage for health and fitness. Play park improvements to facilitate play and accessible equipment will be installed. Innovative solutions to allow older people to enjoy the outdoors.
2C. If the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to impact on people in rural areas differently from people in urban areas, please explain how it is likely to impact on people in rural areas differently.
The new and upgraded facilities may primarily cater for rural dwellers simply because of location however, all facilities created or upgraded will be open and available to all.
Better facilities may attract more visitors to the Settlements which will provide an economic boost to the areas and may encourage more people to live work and visit the areas.
2D. Please indicate which of the following rural policy areas the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to primarily impact on.
Rural Businesses
Rural Tourism
Jobs or Employment in Rural Areas
Poverty in Rural Areas
Deprivation in Rural Areas
If the response to Section 2A was YES GO TO Section 3A.
2E. Please explain why the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is NOT likely to impact on people in rural areas.
N/A
SECTION 3 -
Identifying the Social and Economic Needs of Persons in Rural Areas
3A. Has the Public Authority taken steps to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas that are relevant to the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service?
Yes If the response is NO GO TO Section 3E.
3B. Please indicate which of the following methods or information sources were used by the Public Authority to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas.
Consultation with Rural Stakeholders
Consultation with Other Organisations
Research Papers
Surveys or Questionnaires
3C. Please provide details of the methods and information sources used to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas including relevant dates, names of organisations, titles of publications, website references, details of surveys or consultations undertaken etc.
Extensive consultation has been undertaken in the Settlements through the Rural Development Village Renewal Programme 2014-2020.
Each Settlement has had a Village Plan drawn up or updated.
These Plans detail the current situation regarding facilities available and also record the various local and central government funding streams that may help deliver on the hopes and aspirations of the communities.
Surveys and workshops have been conducted with wide participation from all village communities including local community groups, schools, places of worship, businesses and local sports clubs.
3D. Please provide details of the social and economic needs of people in rural areas which have been identified by the Public Authority?
Extensive consultation has been undertaken in the Settlements through the Rural Development Village Renewal Programme 2014-2020.
Each Settlement has had a Village Plan drawn up or updated.
Surveys and workshops have been conducted with wide participation
Issues highlighted were lack of public transport, lack of activity programmes for young people and the elderly populations. Other issues such as lack of recreation facilities, walking paths, outdoor games areas are highlighted along with a sense of dereliction of street furniture and outdoor spaces. Allotment schemes and hanging baskets were mentioned as ways of creating a good feel around the villages. The refurbishment of derelict buildings was also an issue as these can reflect a lack of pride in the community.
Schools mentioned the lack of maintenance to play parks and a lack of accessible and innovative play equipment for children with disabilities.
If the response to Section 3A was YES GO TO Section 4A.
3E. Please explain why no steps were taken by the Public Authority to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas?
N/A
SECTION 4 -
Considering the Social and Economic Needs of Persons in Rural Areas
4A. Please provide details of the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas.
The Village Plan process followed a number of key steps including:
- Development of a robust socio-economic profile of the village;
- Preparation of infographics to animate the area statistics;
- Analysis of existing documents, consultations and plans;
- Spatial analysis audit and mapping of physical and community assets;
- Community engagement;
- Developing priority actions;
- Agreeing the Village Plan.
Areas considered within the socio-economic profile were:
Population
Ethnicity, Identity, Language and Religion
Health
Housing and Accommodation
Qualifications
Multiple Deprivation
Labour Market
Older People Facilities or Activities
Youth Engagement
The outcome from the exercise was the development of a coherent Action Plan with priority areas for intervention from a variety of local and central government funding streams. Local ideas to rejuvenate the community were discussed and options set out for delivery. The Village Plans are in place to be dipped into when funding becomes available for these rural areas and can be updated to reflect on any progress made. They also serve as a focal point for future discussions within the villages and can act as a catalyst for future lobbying and actions.
SECTION 5 -
Influencing the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service
5A. Has the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or delivery of the Public Service, been influenced by the rural needs identified?
Yes If the response is NO GO TO Section 5C.
5B. Please explain how the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or delivery of the Public Service, has been influenced by the rural needs identified.
Council has committed to a funding stream of £250,000 to supplement the proposed Small Settlements Regeneration Programme and has also direct staff resource towards this much needed Scheme.
Council is very much aware of the lack of investment in rural communities and areas within the Borough and has taken positive steps to engage with rural dwellers through its Community Development officers.
The needs and demands of rural dwellers are at the forefront of Council future plans to direct resources away from the coastal areas and major towns to create a more balanced approach through its Community Plan.
If the response to Section 5A was YES GO TO Section 6A.
5C. Please explain why the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or the delivery of the Public Service, has NOT been influenced by the rural needs identified.
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SECTION 6 -
Documenting and Recording
6A. Please tick below to confirm that the RNIA Template will be retained by the Public Authority and relevant information on the Section 1 activity compiled in accordance with paragraph 6.7 of the guidance.
I confirm that the RNIA Template will be retained and relevant information compiled.
Rural Needs Impact Assessment undertaken by: Project Co-Ordinator
Division/Branch Prosperity & Place
Date:7/9/22
Rural Needs Impact Assessment approved by: Programme Sponsor
Division/Branch Prosperity & Place
Date: 23/11/22