LAST CHANCE TO COMMENT ON SUSTAINBLE FUTURE

There are only two weeks left for people to give their views on what we must all do to ensure the South East remains a business, social and environmental success story.

Individuals, businesses and public sector bodies all need to think about how to cut damaging pollution and waste while still creating jobs to fund a good quality of life for everyone in the region.

Plans to achieve these aims are set out in a Regional Sustainability Framework (RSF). A 12-week RSF consultation closes on 26 November 2007. Consultation is managed by the South East England Regional Assembly on behalf of a group of experts called the Sustainable Futures Group (SFG).

The RSF suggests a common vision and objectives for South East organisations to ensure a strong society where everyone benefits from economic growth, a quality environment and uses natural resources efficiently. It also proposes four priorities, which businesses as well as public and voluntary organisations will need to build into their operations:

• Achieving sustainable levels of resource use
• Reducing the region's carbon footprint
• Ensuring that the South East is prepared for the inevitable impacts of climate change
• Ensuring that everyone, including the most deprived people, has an equal opportunity to benefit from and contribute to the region's sustainable prosperity.

Assembly member and SFG member Chris Corrigan, who is also Chairman of the South East Forum for Sustainability, said:

"It is important that everyone has their say during RSF consultation to ensure our final framework takes account of all possible views. Our aim is a framework that will help all types of organisations contribute to a shared vision for a better quality of life for every resident in the South East in a strong society that is economically successful and protects our precious natural resources."

Contacts

Steve Baker, Assembly PR Executive - 01483 555234

Heather Bolton, Assembly Communications Director - 01483 555220

Notes to editors:

1. The RSF vision for the South East is a strong, healthy and just region that respects the limits of the global environment. Achieving this will require the active involvement of all individuals to deliver a society where everyone, including the most deprived people, has an equal opportunity to benefit from and contribute to the region's sustainable prosperity. At the same time the impact of current high levels of resource use will be reduced and the quality of the natural environment will be maintained and enhanced for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.
2. The RSF has two goals, four priorities and 24 objectives. It updates the Integrated Regional Framework published in 2004.
3. In addition to online consultation, the Assembly has printed 1,500 leaflets on recycled paper to create a more environmentally friendly consultation. Hard copies of the consultation document and questionnaire are available by calling 01483 501309.
4. The Sustainable Futures Group has steered the preparation of the RSF. It is a high level panel made up of regional representatives from the South East England Regional Assembly, GOSE, SEEDA and stakeholders including environmental and voluntary groups, the health and business sector and local authorities. The group is chaired by Ian Christie, an independent researcher, consultant and lecturer on sustainable development.
5. The Assembly is a partnership of councils and communities in the South East region. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the region, which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire and Surrey.
6. The Assembly is made up of 112 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) as well as the New Forest National Park Authority.
7. The Assembly has six roles:
1. Regional Planning
   preparing and delivering the South East Plan
2. Regional Housing
   the Regional Housing Board decides housing investment priorities
3. Regional Transport
   the Regional Transport Board decides transport investment priorities
4. Advocacy
   pressing the South East's interests in London and Brussels
5. Accountability
   scrutinising SEEDA's plans and impact
6. Alignment
   co-ordinating regional policies and decisions.

Our vision is for a distinctive, outward-looking, accessible region of prosperous, sustainable communities, with a high quality of life and environment.

Last updated: 27 November 2007