What are Sustainable Communities?

Sustainable communities are places in which people want to live, now and in the future. They embody the principles of sustainable development at the local level. This means they improve quality of life for all whilst safeguarding the environment for future generations.

They require a joined-up and balanced approach. These communities are likely to be:

• safe and inclusive;
• well planned, built and run;
• offering equality and opportunity for all.

Additional information can be found on the government's website

However, sustainable communities cannot be delivered by councils, or single groups on their own. Many local organisations and agencies need to play their part, as do individuals within the communities themselves.

This is why the Local Strategic Partnership has this particular action group and specialist associated task groups, each focusing on integrating social, economic and environmental issues and in tackling the East Riding's longer-term and more global impacts.

If you have any questions about the work of the Sustainable Communities and Transport Action Group (SCaTAG) or associated task groups and Partnerships, please contact Chris King, Community and Sustainable Development Officer, at chris.king@eastriding.gov.uk

There are six sub groups that sit under the Action Group. These groups reflect the cross-cutting nature of what makes a truly sustainable community. They are:

• Sustainable Natural Environment Task Group
• Sustainable Economic Development Task Group
• Sustainable & Efficient Use of Resources Task Group
• East Riding Cultural Partnership
• East Riding Transport Partnership and
• East Riding Rural Partnership 

Task Group Questionnaires

As part of the SCaTAG restructure and to ensure the task groups are `fit for purpose' questionnaires were sent to existing and potential new members.  The questionnaires have been tailored to the specific task group areas.  The themes emerging from the surveys were areas such as renewable energy, climate change, biodiversity, tourism, economic development, engaging communities, community participation, housing, transport, engaging young people, etc.  The areas highlighted by the groups assist in developing the links between group activities and the priorities in the Sustainable Community Strategy.

The exercise was a good starting point for each group to base it terms of reference on and also aids the process of governance and direction for subsequent meetings.  All of the groups will revisit these theme areas over time and ensure they comply with their Terms of Reference.

SCaTAG and Climate Change

In the first half of 2010, SCaTAG is pulling together its wide ranging Task Groups and Partnerships to facilitate the refreshed Climate Change Strategy. This will involve the expert sub groups being actively involved in the production of the Strategy, not merely consultees. An initial part of this process will be the sub groups looking at their current work and assessing how it directly or indirect affects climate change mitigation or adaptation in the East Riding. The information collected and work produced will also be fed up to the LSP Board through the Group Chair so that it can be disseminated to all LSP partners. Please see the minutes of recent SCaTAG meetings for more detailed information.

The SCaTAG meeting dates for the rest of 2010 are as follows:

Monday 10th May, 10am - 12pm

Tuesday 10th August, 10am - 12pm

Friday 12th November, 10am - 12pm

All of these meetings will take place at County Hall, Beverley.