News Release : 04 July 2001

KEY ISSUES FOR BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE IN SOUTH EAST IDENTIFIED IN NEW SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

The South East has set out its vision for improving the region’s quality of life during the launch this week of its Sustainable Development Framework.

The document - “A Better Quality of Life in the South East- Framework for a Sustainable Future” - sets out a series of objectives, indicators and targets to guide and help in monitoring the quality of life in the Region. These objectives include:

Ensuring social progress which recognises the needs of everyone
Effectively protection of the environment
Prudent use of natural resources
Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment
Chris Corrigan, Chairman of the Regional Sustainable Development Framework Steering Group and Executive Committee member of the South East England Regional Assembly said: “This Framework is the culmination of over a year’s research and consultation into the issues and factors affecting the development of the South East. However, its launch this week is only the beginning of a long-term process of analysis, influencing of strategies, action and monitoring of changes, which should make a real difference to the lives of everyone in the region.

“Sustainable Development is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone has a part to play in turning sustainable development into a reality. This is an enormous challenge. Up until now we have only achieved economic development at a price - for example, roads have become more congested and the amount of waste we produce has increased. Yet our future economic prosperity depends on a high quality environment rich in wildlife and wonderful landscapes together with vibrant communities. We need to radically change the way we have done things in the past to ensure that our children inherit a region to be proud of.”

The Sustainable Development Framework document was developed by the South East England Regional Assembly in partnership with a wide range of regional bodies such as the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA); the Government Office for the South East (GOSE); the Environment Agency (EA) and the National Health Service (NHS). Invaluable contributions were also given by local businesses, voluntary organisations and specialist social and environmental groups throughout the Region.

For a copy of the Sustainable Development Framework (SDF) or its Executive Summary, contact the South East England Regional Assembly on 01483 555200. Alternatively, it can be downloaded from the Assembly web site at www.southeast-ra.gov.uk.

Contact

Lesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223

Alex Butlin, PR Executive - 01483 555221

Notes to editors:

1. The Regional Assembly is the “voluntary regional chamber” for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
   
   
2. The Assembly is made up of 111 members including elected councillors nominated by the region’s local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations).
   
   
3. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
1. It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
   
   
2. The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
   
   
3. The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007

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