Delivering a low carbon economy is a major priority within the Northwest.  A low carbon economy not only addresses the implications of climate change leading to an economy less reliant on carbon emissions, it also supports a better quality of life for everyone, actively contributing towards local businesses becoming more efficient, less wasteful and more cost effective. The characteristics of a low carbon economy include:

• Minimising waste by adopting the principle of reduce, reuse and recycle;
• Reducing energy consumption;
• Generating or utilising energy from low carbon energy sources and methods e.g. renewable and alternative energy sources, fuels and sequestration;
• All resources (in particularly energy) should be used efficiently;
• Wherever practical local needs should be served by local production;
• A high awareness and compliance with environmental and social responsibility initiatives.

In the United Kingdom, the Climate Change Act outlining a framework for the transition to a low-carbon economy, became law on November 26, 2008. This legislation requires a 80% cut in the UK's carbon emissions by 2050 (compared to 1990 levels), with an intermediate target of between 26% and 32% by 2020. Thus, the UK became the first country to set such a long-range and significant carbon reduction target into law.

There is an urgent need to move to a low carbon economy in order to address the global challenges of diminishing fossil fuel reserves, climate change, environmental management and finite natural resources serving an expanding world population.

The Carbon Trust has identified that the transition to a low carbon economy will have a negligible impact on long term GDP growth and will present tremendous opportunities for those who develop and deliver low carbon products and services. The Carbon Trust (and others) consider that the benefits of moving to a low carbon economy will more than offset the impact on the limited number of disadvantaged industrial sectors. Furthermore, security of supply will be increased by the lower energy demand and greater diversity of energy sources in a low carbon economy.

In 2005, all greenhouse gas emissions for the Northwest were estimated at 59 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e).  Of that carbon dioxide accounts for about 88%.  Industry and commerce accounted for 40% of carbon emissions, followed by domestic emissions (28%) and road transport (24%).  The majority of the other emissions are attributable to aviation (7%) and land use change accounting for 1%.  There is a prominent higher level of carbon emissions across the south of the Region along the axis of Liverpool to Manchester.  However, per capita, carbon emissions are higher in the north of the region where there is an increase reliance upon private motor vehicles (State of the Region Report 2008).

It is anticipated that carbon emissions in the Northwest are likely to increase by over 2% by 2020 if current consumption trends continue in a strictly defined business as usual scenario. 

A key requirement in developing a low carbon economy is to ‘decarbonise' the region's energy mix by promoting energy efficiency and the development of renewable power, both small and large scale.

Research by the Carbon Trust and Imperial College, has demonstrated that a 60% reduction in carbon emissions can be achieved by 2050 using a mixture of energy efficiency, renewable sources of electricity, replacing coal and oil with lower carbon fuels such as gas and the use of hydrogen as a fuel.

For example, energy efficiency could deliver around 50% of the achievable cuts.  However whilst some of the knowledge and many of the techniques concerned have been with us for 20 years or more there is still a long way to go before they are accepted practice.

The remaining half of the 60% reduction target could be met by low emission hydrocarbon fuels, renewables and the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a fuel.

Climate Change Northwest is the new regional website exploring the opportunities and challenges that a changing climate presents to England's Northwest. You can use the site to find out how you can help and assist your business , household or school to better understand and manage climate change.

Climate Change Northwest

NWDA - Low Carbon Economy Exploring Low Carbon Economy Projects Throughout the Northwest

DEFRA Economic Framework

A copy of the Climate Change Act.

Building a Low Carbon Economy - Implementing the Climate Change Act

Since 2005, Manchester is my Planet has been working in partnership with Local Authorities, universities, businesses and over 20,000 individuals towards a low carbon future for our region. 

All goods have embedded energy and resources. They have been transported, and at some point will need to be recycled or disposed. All phases of a product's life cycle consume scarce natural resources. At current level of practice we are not sustainable.  In order to reduce our impact, opportunities should be sought to source materials and goods locally to their point of production or manufacture wherever possible. 

Food Northwest has identified that from 2003 to 2007 the UK local and regional food and drink sector grew from an estimated market size of £3.7 billion to £5 billion - representing a 35 per cent growth while in 2007 the Northwest's quality regional food sector turned over an estimated £500 million. In addition to supporting the regional economy sourcing food locally helps to:

• Contribute to local community and economic development and creates opportunities for market diversification;
• Helps to increase awareness of the contribution to improving diet and health which can be made by shortening the local food supply chain and using more fresh produce;
• Improves quality assurance with traceability from farm to plate.

The reduction in the distance travelled between source of production and point of sale has the potential to deliver significant environmental benefits.  Bringing goods from afar generally requires using more energy than transporting goods locally.

In addition food security will become an increasingly important issue for the Northwest as a big producer of food and drink, with a large consumer base, as well as playing a key role in supplying the wider UK. While global markets cannot be ignored, strengthening the local and regional foods sector is crucial, as it helps to build a secure regional supply chain by creating a market for primary producers and processors within the region. Meanwhile, messages of stronger provenance help to better link consumers with food and encourage them to support their local producers and the economy.

Procurement is called sustainable when the organisation uses its own buying power to give a signal to the market in favour of sustainability and bases its choice of goods and services on:

• economic considerations: best value for money, price, quality, availability, functionality;  
• environmental aspects, i.e. green procurement: the impacts on the environment that the product and/or service has over its whole life-cycle, from cradle to grave; and
• social aspects: effects of purchasing decisions on issues such as poverty eradication, international equity in the distribution of resources, labour conditions, human rights.

Organisations practicing sustainable procurement meet their needs for goods, services, utilities and works not on a private cost-benefit analysis, but with a view to maximising net benefits for themselves and the wider world.

The Northwest region is identified as the second largest producer of waste in the UK generating approximately 24 million tonnes per annum of which:

• 8.3 million tonnes is commercial and industrial waste;
• 11 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste; and
• 0.6 million tonnes of hazardous waste.

With the costs of both purchasing materials and dealing with waste increasing it is important that opportunities are taken to ensure that materials are recovered and reused rather than disposed of.

Sustainable procurement is a national and international issue. This can be seen from the Johannesburg Earth Summit that "relevant authorities at all levels should promote procurement policies that encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally sound goods and services". Sustainable procurement is a process whereby organisation meet their needs for goods, services, works and utilities in a way that achieves value for money on a whole life basis in terms of generating benefits not only to the organisation, but also to society and the economy, whilst minimising damage to the environment.

WRAP - Sustainable Procurement

Coordinated Sustainable Procurement

Corporate Responsibility can be defined as how an organisation, (either public or private sector), addresses the social, environmental and economic impacts of their operations and so help to meet the UK's sustainable development goals.

The Government has a role in setting standards in areas such as environmental protection, health and safety and employment rights. It can also provide a policy and institutional framework that stimulates companies to raise their performance beyond minimum.

It is considered that by adopting social and environmentally responsible behaviour, business can made a significant contribution to boosting wealth creation and employment, fostering social justice and protecting the environment.  Essentially this means organisations taking account of the economic, social and environmental impacts that arise from the way they operate.

Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, told business leaders gathered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2009 that they needed to embrace "global co-operation and partnership on a scale never before seen" and should abandon short-term thinking in favour of long-term solutions to climate change and other pressing global challenges. The UN's Global Compact aims to make this a reality by setting out 10 principles through which companies all over the world should tackle such issues as human rights, labour, the environment and corruption.

Business Link

At enterprise level, the Northwest economy is comprised of 199,990 businesses, employing 2,610,810 people with an annual turnover of £221 billion.  For the period to 1999 to 2005 the employment rate in the Northwest increased by 1.3 percentage points from 72.2% to 73.5%, which equates to 61,000 more people in employment.  The majority of jobs created have centred around Liverpool and Manchester, jobs growth was not as strong in Lancashire but Cumbria generally has sustained strong jobs growth.  Although the long term trend of employment has been upward and the natural rate of employment is higher than in the 1990's the recent downturn has eroded some of this employment gain.  However, this is forecast to be a mid-term reduction in employment levels and by 2014 it is anticipated that employment levels will have returned to pre-recession levels. 

Although there was strong growth in employment, there is a concern that  many of the new jobs are low paid, often part-time and mainly within the service sector. Continuing this progress while addressing the existing issues can be achieved by improving the productivity and enterprise of the region's business and the economy as a whole. However, this can only be achieved if all efforts are underpinned by creating and maintaining the conditions essential for sustainable growth.

This means investing in the region's environment, culture and infrastructure (especially ensuring links to growth areas with more deprived communities), improving the quality of life, addressing deprivation, valuing diversity and social inclusion, and recognising the social and environmental implications of economic growth.

It is critical to wider regional success to create sustainable communities where a thriving economy is matched by high quality natural and built environment, high quality local services, good transport connections and an active, safe and inclusive society.

The Northwest's industrial past has created an economy dominated largely by manufacturing companies. Although manufacturing is still important to the region, the economy is changing to a service sector economy with a focus towards business and professional services.

The agricultural sector of the Northwest has over 22,000 farm businesses employing some 40,000 people. The sector contributes less than one per cent of the region's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but this figure masks agriculture's contribution to the local economy in remote rural areas like Cumbria, where it is significantly higher than one per cent.  The farming and food industry has three key challenges: to compete successfully with the world's best; care for the environment; and to build public confidence in what it produces. The industry needs to achieve these aims in order to be sustainable and in order for everyone else to see real improvements in the quality of life.  The food and drink chain in the Northwest is a major employer, employing some 370,000 people. The combined contribution of agricultural and food sectors to the region's economy is £9.5 billion or 12% of GDP.

As part of the development of the Northwest's Regional Economic Strategy (RES) there has been a drive to understand better the functioning of the economies in the region. These economies are based primarily on the three City-Regions of Central Lancashire, Liverpool and Manchester, together with Cumbria. The City- Regions are recognised as the key drivers of regional economic growth. They do not accord with administrative boundaries, although for the purposes of analysis and development local authority districts have been used. These broad areas of economic influence cover most of the region's population, key assets and opportunities. It is here that most of the region's economic growth will occur. They have a strong relationship with adjacent rural areas. They also contain many of the region's most severe economic challenges. The cores of the City-Regions closely relate to the subregional geographies of Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, but extend beyond them. In the case of Liverpool and Manchester City-Regions, they embrace most of Cheshire and Warrington.  They overlap, are very different in character and also have significant connections to other parts of the region and into adjacent regions. 

The Sub-Regional Partnerships have led the preparation of City-Regional Development Programmes. These are being further developed to understand and prioritise transformational activities around the drivers for growth of each City-Region, based on their specific assets and opportunities. Understanding how the region's key economic drivers function and relate to each other, to the rest of the region and to key growth drivers in adjacent regions, is a critically important piece of developmental work which will be pursued during this RES period.

The emphasis upon improving employment opportunities in areas of deprivation and/or low economic growth should reduce disparities of economic performance within the region. Improved employment opportunities in areas of deprivation should also deliver indirect social and health benefits and improve the image of parts of the region.  In-migration to the region provides the opportunity to enhance regional culture and support employment growth.  The impact of population increases in areas remote from economic growth, including rural areas, should provide those communities with a more sustainable future.  However, it may also increase pressure on environmental resources and existing infrastructure.

Unemployment levels provide an indicator of economic prosperity in the region and can be used to judge the success of initiatives aimed at reviving local economies.  In 2007 the unemployment rate in the North West was 5.8% compared to 5.4% nationally.  Since the average unemployment rate in the Northwest overtook the England Average in 2005, the gap has widened.  There have been annual increases in unemployment in the region since 2004, which has seen unemployment rise by 1.1%.  Over the same period there have been increases in other regions, however trends indicate that the unemployment rate is rising faster than any other English Region.

The Northwest RSS Annual Monitoring Report (2009) shows that 39 of the 43 Northwest Local Authorities have shown an increase in the unemployment rate since 2004, with the highest percentage increases occurring in Wigan, Pendle, Burnley and Rossendale.  Only Lancaster, Manchester, Allerdale and West Lancashire saw a reduction in unemployment over the time period (2004-2007).

Providing employment opportunities in areas suffering from deprivation, together with proposed supporting actions on skills and infrastructure, should improve accessibility for local communities and reduce their need to travel.  The emphasis on improving economic activity in areas with strong economic drivers as well as in areas remote from growth, including locations important to the rural economy, will improve accessibility to job opportunities for local communities. However, the corresponding economic growth may exacerbate existing environmental problems within strongly performing areas such as city centres, without appropriate mitigation measures for example, the impact on air and water quality. In the more remote parts of the region, growth should sustain local needs without undue impact on the natural environment.

A number of actions will enable wider sections of the community to access employment and also enhance social development for example, tackling barriers to work and providing improved support networks. Actions addressing worklessness and support for improvements in the health of workers, workplaces, and a promotion of access to sport and physical activity, will address issues associated with health and health inequalities.

The following links are to the Northwest Regional Economic Strategy (Summary and full document).  The Northwest RES has been prepared to identify priorities for action for the next 20 years to maximise sustainable economic growth.

Regional Economic Strategy (full version)

Regional Economic Strategy (summary)

The following link provides the RSS Annual Monitoring Report (2009).  

A key sustainable development objective is to use natural resources more efficiently. The rate of consumption of resources should not reduce their availability for future generations, and producing more with less means reducing environmental pollution, climate change, and the degradation caused by the extraction, use and disposal of natural resources.

More energy must come from sources which emit little or no carbon dioxide if the overall emission level is to be reduced.

Energy is fundamental to our way of life.  With significant demand in the manufacturing, transport and domestic sectors, the Northwest is a major producer and consumer of all forms of energy.  This includes a strong interest in the nuclear sector.  However, the damage to the environment caused by carbon emissions, and the diminishing domestic supplies of oil and gas, represent major long-term challenges.  Furthermore, demand for energy is continuing to grow, both in the UK and internationally, so there is increasing competition for the resources available.  It is therefore vital that we ensure a supply of secure clean energy at affordable prices, while at the same time tackling climate change.

The Northwest Sustainable Energy Strategy was published by the NWRA in 2006, to reduce the region's energy wastage, improve efficiency, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and facilitate the transition to more sustainable forms of energy.  This includes the target of providing at least 10% of the region's electricity from renewable sources by 2010.

The Northwest Sustainable Energy Strategy 2006 aspires to deploy sufficient renewable electricity generating capacity to provide:

• 10% of final demand by 2010;
• 15% of final demand by 2015;
• 20% of final demand by 2020;

Meeting these targets will be encouraged through the promotion of micro-generation, such as the use of smaller scale community and on site renewable electricity projects via planning frameworks and supporting business and community deployment. There should be a requirement in residential and non-residential developments and major refurbishment schemes where 10% of the predicted energy requirements should be met by renewable energy production.

Land is a finite resource.  Its re-use (that is development on previously developed land, (PDL) protects soils by avoiding the use of agricultural, Greenfield land and it can support objectives surrounding the efficient use of land (PDL is often at higher densities) and in more accessible locations which support local services and facilities and reduce the requirement for journeys by private transport.  Furthermore re-using land often results in the remediation of contamination.  Regional performance on PDL is good, over four fifths (87.3%) of dwellings in the Northwest were built on previously developed land in 2007/08. This surpasses the regional target of 70% identified in the RSS.

Household water consumption is amongst the lowest in England and Wales. United Utilities reported a daily use of 142 litres per person whilst the average for England and Wales was 148 litres in 2005-06. Despite this relative, national performance however the region's water supply will require careful husbandry if it is to keep pace with demand. 

WWF-UK, SEI and CURE, Counting Consumption: CO2 emissions, material flows and ecological footprint of the UK by region and devolved country, 2006, available at http://www.ecologicalbudget.org.uk/

 ‘One Planet Living' is a concept from WWF and BioRegional.

Northwest Sustainable Energy Strategy 2006

Government Office for the Northwest  - In addition to providing an overview of the issue, the Government Office for the Northwest website also includes links to a number of other relevant documents and reports.

Climate Change Northwest

Northwest Regional Forestry Framework

Northwest Green Infrastructure Think Tank

Northwest Regional Aggregates Working Party - http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/nwannual2008.pdf

Environment Agency -State of the Northwest 2008 - http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/library/publications/34061.aspx

DEFRA

Resource efficiency is about reducing the need for finite resources, maximising the use of renewable resources and minimising waste. It has been estimated that only one per cent of what goes into making products is still in use in six months time. So, clearly we are not making the best use of resources. Waste represents inefficient use of resources, cost to business and clean-up costs to society.

Minerals are just one of many raw materials that are essential to the nation's prosperity and quality of life, not least in helping to develop sustainable communities.

Government policy promotes the general conservation of minerals while at the same time ensuring an adequate supply is available to meet needs. Mineral resources are not distributed evenly across the country and some areas are able to provide greater amounts of certain minerals than they actually use. The Northwest is an important national source of salt, silica sand, gypsum, peat and clay and has significant reserves of building stone, clay, shale and coal, as well as aggregates. In addition, the region has important reserves of minerals in offshore, coastal and estuary locations, notably hydrocarbons but also marine sand.

The Northwest Regional Aggregates Working Party Report 2008 reported total aggregate reserves increased during 2007 from 385.06mt in 2006 to 385.41 in 2007, an increase of 0.35mt (approx 0.09%). Reserves remain higher than figures recorded since 2001. The Annual Report 2007 recorded a significant increase in reserves in 2006 from 343.53mt in 2005 to 385.06mt in 2006, an increase of 41.53mt (approx 12%).

Government Office for the Northwest

Northwest Regional Planning

Northwest Regional Forestry Framework

Northwest Green Infrastructure Think Tank

Climate Change Northwest

Northwest Regional Forestry Framework

Northwest Green Infrastructure Think Tank

Northwest Regional Aggregates Working Party

Environment Agency -State of the Northwest 2008

DEFRA

It is more sustainable - in environmental, social and economic terms - to make better use of what we already have, by rehabilitation and refurbishment, rather than creating something from new. The concept of re-using materials is that they require no additional processing but can be used again. This means that no energy is used to re-process or alter the material before it is re-used and no other resources are used in the creation of products which might otherwise be purchased.

England and Wales as a whole produce over 100m tonnes of waste each year (excluding construction and demolition waste) - a figure that until recently has been growing at around 3% annually. Waste cannot be eliminated but its environmental impact can be lessened by preventing waste where possible, and making more sustainable use of waste, through recycling and designing products that use fewer materials and processes that produce less waste.

The Northwest Annual Monitoring Report for 2009 states that household waste recycling rates are the fourth lowest in England. 29% of household waste is recycled compared to the England average of 31%..

The Northwest Regional Waste Strategy 2004 has set the target to recover the value from 40% of municipal solid waste by 2005, 45% by 2010 and 67% by 2015 (recovering the value includes a combined total of recycling/composting and recovering energy from thermal processing of municipal waste).

More information on the re-use of existing materials can be accessed via the following links.

Government Office for the Northwest  - In addition to providing an overview of the issue, the Government Office for the Northwest website also includes links to a number of other relevant documents and reports.

Climate Change Northwest

Northwest Regional Forestry Framework

Northwest Green Infrastructure Think Tank

Northwest Regional Aggregates Working Party
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/nwannual2008.pdf

Environment Agency -State of the Northwest 2008 - http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/library/publications/34061.aspx

DEFRA

Northwest Development Agency

Waste & Resources Action Programme - WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change.

Total water resource use across the region was estimated by Defra/EA to be 3,003 million litres per day in 2005.  The majority of this (53%) was for public water supply, 19% was used by power stations and 25% for other water resource. Other water resource includes supply to the three main industrial sectors within the Northwest - chemicals, food and drinks and wood/paper manufacture.

In total, United Utilities has over 200 sources of water abstraction with over two thirds of the supply coming from reservoirs in the Lake District, Pennines and North Wales.  Overall, the capacity of the region to supply water is considered to be sufficient to cope with current and predicted demand for the medium to long term up to 2035.  Nevertheless the largest and fastest growing pressures on the global environment come from areas such as household energy and water consumption.  As such it is critical that efforts to raise awareness to encourage water efficiency and conservation and measures to promote local water recycling initiatives and sustainable urban drainage systems are taken.

Overall, the region's rivers are the cleanest they have been for over 100 years with 92% rated as good or fair with low levels of organic pollution and adequate levels of oxygen.  Despite this the region has one third of the poorest quality rivers in England and Wales.

Water is a precious natural resource and its sustainable management is essential to protect the water environment and to meet current and future demand. Population, household size and growth and affluence all affect how much water we use. Factors such as climate change are also likely to put supplies under greater pressure in the future, making it important that we adopt more efficient water use patterns.

Rainwater harvesting is the collection of water that would otherwise have gone down the drainage system, into the ground or been lost to the atmosphere through evaporation.  Large surfaces such as roofs or driveways are ideal for rainwater harvesting and can provide up to 100m3 per annum from a medium sized area and can be used to flush the toilet, water gardens and even fuel the washing machine. Rainwater harvesting systems can be installed in both new and existing buildings, and the resulting water used for all purposes except drinking.  Traditional drainage practice is designed to move rainwater as rapidly as possible from the point at which it has fallen to a discharge point, either a watercourse or soakaway.  Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems offer an alternative approach to drainage in developed areas.

Water and how we use it has a tremendous impact on our environment. About 85% of the freshwater that we use in the Northwest comes from our rivers, lakes and reservoirs that are replenished by rainfall.  The rest comes from groundwater, which is abstracted from underground aquifers via boreholes and springs.  The Northwest's water quality is the best it has been since the industrial revolution, but we still have a long way to go.

From the Solway to the Dee, the coastal landscapes are amongst the most varied and highly valued.  Over 80% of the Northwest Coastline has been designated as being of European importance for wildlife and international importance for birds. 

British Waterways manage and care for more than 2,000 miles (3,220 km) of canals and rivers in England, Scotland and Wales.  Water UK is the industry association which represents all UK water and wastewater service suppliers.  United Utilities own and operate water networks in the Northwest.  The Northwest Biodiversity Audit highlights the various types of water habitats in the region which need preservation and management.  The Northwest Regional Economic Strategy references protection of water resources as part of the drive to protect the natural environment.  It also points to the economic benefits for tourism that protection of water courses and marine environments can bring.  Finally there is mention of the development of deep water port facilities at Liverpool.  Northwest Coastal Forum co-ordinates all things coastal in the Northwest.  Both the Mersey Basin Campaign & Mersey Basin Trust operate to protect and promote the waterways of the Mersey catchment.  Meanwhile the Lancashire Biodiversity Action Plan explains the quality of the rivers Lune & Ribble.

United Utilities have an obligation under the The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD, 91/271/EEC) establishes a new legal framework for the protection, improvement and sustainable use of surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater across Europe. It requires all inland and coastal waters to reach "good status" by 2015. This will be achieved by establishing a river basin district structure within which demanding environmental objectives will be set, including ecological targets for surface waters. Tougher standards of discharge can therefore be expected going forward.  As part of their obligation under the UWWTD, United Utilities invested £2.5 billion between 2005 and 2010 on improving infrastructure across their region.

Regional Coastal Strategy

Unless carefully managed, demand and abstraction of water for public supply, industry and agriculture can give rise to unacceptably low flows in rivers, damaging wildlife habitats and having adverse effects on water quality, and recreational and amenity value.

The Northwest is a relatively water-rich region compared to other parts of the UK.  However, water supply will not keep pace with projected housing growth unless greater efficiencies in use are met.  Regionally, total water abstractions have fluctuated markedly over the period 1995-2005 with a low of just over 2400 (million litres per day) in 2002 and a high of 3200 in 2004.

Water abstraction has caused problems such as the drying-out of wetlands.  Agricultural practice has made a significant contribution to flooding in the Region.  Increased land drainage and shorter sward length (caused by intensive grazing) has increased run-off and has significantly increased peak flows (e.g. River Lune).  Accelerated erosion of stream banks has led to flooding problems downstream.

Pollution and waste are by-products of economic processes. Greater resource efficiency is one of the essential steps along the road to more sustainable development. Waste is only a partial measure of resource use but tackling it is important if we are to achieve the improved resource efficiency essential for sustainable development.

It is estimated that the total amount of waste generated in the Northwest in 2006 was in the order of 23 million tonnes.  Of this, 4.4 million tonnes was municipal waste, 8.1 million tonnes was commercial and industrial and construction and demolition waste accounted for 10.4. million tonnes.

It is essential that waste management systems are developed in accordance with the principles of sustainable development and integrated waste management, making the maximum possible contribution to reducing environmental impact by:

• Reducing waste produced in the region;
• Maximising the reuse of waste products;
• Recycling and composting waste;
• Recovering the value (in the form of energy) from waste that is not recycled;
• Maintaining sufficient landfill capacity for the disposal of final residues following treatment and recovery.

(Objectives of the Regional Waste Strategy for the Northwest -September 2004).

As a 24 hour 7 days a week consumer society we have become accustomed to fast and packaged foods, single use disposable goods and frequent changes in fashion along with a growing taste for DIY. Whilst this may be good for the economy, our ‘throw away' society relies heavily on natural resources and produces significant quantities of waste; a link we must break.

England and Wales as a whole produce over 100m tonnes of waste each year (excluding construction and demolition waste) - a figure that until recently has been growing at around 3% annually. Waste cannot be eliminated but its environmental impact can be lessened by preventing waste where possible, and making more sustainable use of waste, through recycling and designing products that use fewer materials and processes that produce less waste.

Better collection and treatment of waste from households and other sources has the potential to increase England's stock of valuable resources and also to contribute to energy policy. And achieving both of these aims helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Government's vision is of a waste collection and treatment infrastructure where:

• Increasing amounts of waste are separated by householders and other producers themselves for joint kerbside collection. This maximises its value whether as material (e.g. aluminium cans) or energy feedstock (e.g. food waste);
• greater value is derived from unwanted products that can be reused;
• valuable materials find ready markets as recyclate;
• other wastes have electricity and heat recovered where appropriate;
• better joining up between municipal and private sectors enables provision of local as well as regional facilities, with plant treating both merchant and municipal wastes wherever practicable; and
• properly managed landfill (with capture and use of methane gas emitted) is available to take those wastes from which no useful value can be extracted economically from further treatment.

It is estimated that the total amount of waste generated in the Northwest in 2008 was in the order of 24 million tonnes, an increase of 1 million tonnes from 2006. 41% of all waste is disposed of by landfill and 45% recycled. 1% is used for energy recovery. Each person in the Northwest produces on average 544kg of waste. This is the highest regional average (all England average 511kg).

Landfill capacity is a finite resource, and at current rates of waste production there is only sufficient landfill capacity remaining in the region to take us to the end of this decade.

The Regional Waste Strategy for the Northwest 2004 recommends wholesale changes to the way in which we regard the waste we produce and how it is managed. The necessary changes will not be popular with everyone. The first message the Strategy aims to deliver is that there is now an urgent need to reconsider how we view waste and how new methods of waste management can be put in place, including new collection and treatment regimes, reprocessing infrastructure and new built developments.  Key targets set out in the Regional Waste Strategy are as follows:

• Reduce growth in municipal waste to 2% by 2006, 1% by 2010 and 0% by 2014;
• Recycle or compost 25% of household waste by 2005, 35% by 2010, 45% by 2015 and 55% by 2020;
• Recover the value from 40% of municipal solid waste by 2005, 45% by 2010 and 67% by 2015 (recovering the value includes a combined total of recycling/composting and recovering energy from thermal processing of municipal waste);
• Achieve and retain 0% growth in commercial and industrial waste through the life of the strategy, without compromising economic growth in the region;
• Recycle 35% of all commercial and industrial waste by 2020;
• Recover value (including recycling) from 70% of commercial and industrial wastes by 2020;
• Provide sufficient treatment and landfill capacity for the commercial and industrial waste stream up to 2020 - approximately 4m cubic meters per annum.

The Regional Waste Strategy for the Northwest 2004 and the latest Waste Management Monitoring Report can be viewed using the following links:

Northwest Regional Waste Strategy

Northwest Waste Management Monitoring Report 2009

Further information on this subject can be accessed using the following links:

Government Office for the Northwest - The link provides access to GONW providing some addition baseline information as well as link to external websites.

DEFRA - The link provides access to Defra and their waste and recycling webpage.  In addition wider sources of information can be accessed from this page.

Environment Agency 
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/library/data/34427.aspx

Waste & Resources Action Programme - WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change.

Business and industry also has an important role in the development of new ways of using recycled material in new products and in specifying sustainable materials in procurement.  There is a misconception that recycled materials are often more expensive or inferior to new products and this can act as a barrier to their procurement.  There are a number of significant reasons to purchase recycled materials, these include:

Energy - recycling aluminium requires 95 percent less energy than producing aluminium from bauxite ore. Making paper from recycled stock requires 64 percent less energy than using wood pulp. Containers made from recycled plastic save up to 60 percent of the energy required to make the same product from virgin material. Recycled ferrous scrap consumes 75 percent less energy than new ore. Virtually every material recycled uses less energy than using virgin materials.

Resources - About 70 percent of all metal is used only once before it is discarded. Use of waste oil saves the finite resources of crude oil. Over 50 percent of household waste is paper. Even though trees are a renewable resources, the rapid increase in paper use in our information society, coupled with the demand for pulp wood worldwide, has created a situation in which pulp trees are used more quickly than they are being replaced. The plastic manufacturing industry is a major user of petrochemicals (oil).

The use of recycled products also helps organisations to demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility and policy in action.  The use of recycled materials also helps to lower costs of waste and recycling with potential benefits for the local economy.

• developing new and profitable applications for recycled material. This includes the development of quality standards to improve market confidence in recycled product quality;
• levering in investment to the recycling sector;
• providing robust market analysis to demonstrate the potential for new recycled products in existing markets; and
• persuading end-users to ‘buy recycled'.

The Government will be continuing to support this market development work (focusing on priority materials) and asking WRAP to create a centre of expertise on export markets for recycled materials. This will allow business and policy decisions to be made on the basis of much better information, and risks to UK recycling levels to be better managed and the promotion of compliance with the controls that apply to the export of waste.

Local authorities in the Northwest have made significant progress in providing recycling services for households and have changed the focus of civic amenity sites to centres where waste can be taken for recycling. Waste Disposal Authorities in the region have begun to develop Municipal Waste Management Strategies that set a framework to divert waste away from landfill, in conjunction with Waste Collection Authorities.

The Regional Waste Strategy 2004 set a target to compost 25% of household waste by 2005, 35% by 2010, 45% by 2015 and 55% by 2020.  The 4^th Waste Management Monitoring Report 2009 reported that whilst the 2005 target was met one year late, acceleration in recycling and composting to 36% in 2007/8 means that the rate of increase is now on track to meet the regional 2010 target of 35%.  Lancashire has achieved the highest rate of recycling with over 41.2% recorded for 2007/8.

Further information can be accessed via the links provided below:

Northwest Regional Waste Strategy

Northwest Waste Management Monitoring Report 2009

Additional baseline and supporting information can be viewed at the following sites.

Government Office for the Northwest - The link provides access to GONW providing some addition baseline information as well as link to external websites.

DEFRA - The link provides access to Defra and their waste and recycling webpage. In addition wider sources of information can be accessed from this page.

Environment Agency

Waste & Resources Action Programme - WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change.

One of the greatest challenges facing the region is to control the rate of growth in the amount of waste we produce. For municipal waste this growth rate has been at about the national average of 3% each year. This means that the amount of waste we produce will double within about 20 years if we do not try to reduce waste growth.

For many businesses, waste will become a far more important element of their operation. However it is not just businesses, that this applies too - there is a need to educate and change behaviour amongst the public at large. It is important that we seek to minimise the amount of waste that is produced. This means providing links between manufacturers where one's waste is another's raw material, education about the costs of waste production and disposal and efficient technologies.

We need to be minimised to the greatest extent practicable and such waste as does arise to be managed as far up the waste hierarchy as reasonably achievable. Resources should be recovered in ways that maximise the cost-effective reduction in green house gas emissions over the life-cycle.

The landfill tax escalator will strengthen the incentives to private businesses and municipal waste collectors to manage their wastes further up the hierarchy and enable synergies with changes in municipal waste management which are mandated by the Landfill Directive to be achieved.

Packaging waste risings now total over 10 million tonnes per annum and are predicted by the industry to continue to rise.

The Regional Waste Strategy 2004 set a target to reduce growth in municipal waste to 2% by 2006, 1% by 2010 and 0% by 2014.  The 4^th Waste Management Monitoring Report 2009 reports municipal waste risings have continued to decline since 2003/4 and the total for 2007/8 is 7.5% below that of the peak year.

Further information can be accessed via the links provided below:

Northwest Regional Waste Strategy

Northwest Waste Management Monitoring Report 2009

Government Office for the Northwest - The link provides access to GONW providing some addition baseline information as well as link to external websites.

DEFRA - The link provides access to Defra and their waste and recycling webpage.  In addition wider sources of information can be accessed from this page.

Environment Agency 

Waste & Resources Action Programme - WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change.

The Government has limited the amount of residual waste that can be disposed of to landfill and set targets for local authorities to achieve for recycled or composted waste. Over a third of our waste in the Northwest goes to landfill sites and we have one of the lowest household recycling rates in the country at around 14%. Our regional target is to recycle or compost 35% of municipal waste by 2010 and 55% by 2020.

What we do about waste is a significant part of how we treat our environment. Reducing our use of natural resources, and recycling materials and recovering energy from those we do use, is a vital part of moving towards a more sustainable future.

Disposal of biodegradable waste to landfill results in emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas which adds to global warming (currently about 3% of UK emissions). On the other hand, recycling waste and recovery of energy from it can preserve virgin materials and reduce the use of fossil fuels (so reducing greenhouse gas emissions).

By further reducing landfill and increasing the amount of waste that is recycled, composted or has energy recovered, there is considerable scope for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the waste we produce.

The Chancellor announced in the Budget 2007 that the standard rate of landfill tax will be increased by £8 a tonne, each year, from 1st April 2008 until at least 2010/2011 in order to encourage greater diversion of waste from landfill and the use of more sustainable waste management options.

Use of landfill remains high by European standards, and recycling levels and recovery of waste as energy, low. While there has been significant improvement in recent years, investment in waste collection and treatment to achieve these objectives in England has historically been low and slow to get off the ground. A number of important new waste treatment technologies (such as anaerobic digestion) have not been established in this country.

One of the most important changes that will take place in the region over the coming years will be growth in the amount of waste that is burnt as a fuel, following the removal of recyclable material in order to recover value (in the form of energy) from it. Energy or value recovery has an important part to play in the Regional Waste Strategy because it bridges the gap between success in recycling and the remaining residual waste, which cannot be deposited in landfill because of the Landfill Directive targets.

Recovering energy from waste which cannot sensibly reused or recycled is an essential component of a well balanced energy policy, and most of our European competitors already pursue this vigorously. Denmark, for instance, derives 3.6% of its electricity supply from municipal waste.

The Regional Waste Strategy 2004 set a target to recover the value from 40% of municipal solid waste by 2005, 45% by 2010 and 67% by 2015 (recovering the value includes a combined total of recycling/composting and recovering energy from thermal processing of municipal waste).  The 4^th Waste Management Monitoring Report 2009 reported that whilst recycling and composting has increased significantly, the region fell short of its 40% target by 2005.  In addition to recycling and composting there is only one facility in the Northwest region which is currently recovering energy from MSW.  The 2007/8 figure for value recovered from municipal is 38%.

Further information can be accessed via the links provided below:

Northwest Regional Waste Strategy

Northwest Waste Management Monitoring Report 2009

Government Office for the Northwest - The link provides access to GONW providing some addition baseline information as well as link to external websites.

DEFRA - The link provides access to Defra and their waste and recycling webpage.  In addition wider sources of information can be accessed from this page.

Environment Agency 
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/library/data/34427.aspx

Waste & Resources Action Programme - WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change.

Mobility and the freedom to travel is an important facet of modern human life, however it comes at a cost.  As travel grows so too does fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, air pollution from nitrous oxides and particulates, noise, congestion and demand for land. Whilst all forms of mechanised transport have at least some impact on society and the environment, most policy focuses on road and air transport because of their sheer scale and forecast growth.

Mobility and the freedom to travel is an important facet of modern human life, however it comes at a cost.  As the amount of travelling we undertake grows so too does fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, air pollution from nitrous oxides and particulates, noise, congestion and demand for land. Whilst all forms of mechanised transport have at least some impact on society and the environment, most policy focuses on road and air transport because of their sheer scale and forecast growth.

Transport

Transport is an essential part of economic activity. Infrastructure, roads, rail, airports and ports - and the businesses that use these assets - are all vital components of the North West economy. Transport has a significant and positive contribution to make to economic growth, and to the prosperity and quality of life of people living in the region.

It is recognised that Transport is a key element of providing of sustainable, low carbon society. The DfT guidance ‘Delivering a Sustainable Transport System' provides guidance on how transport can be used to maximise economic growth whilst protecting environmental assets and improve the quality of life for transport users and non-transport users, and promote a healthy natural environment.

Key Trends

We are travelling more than we have done in the past. Our growing economy and changing society have led to changes in the journeys we make and the way in which we travel. The estimated average distance travelled per person per year increased by 275% between 1952 and 2007 although there have been relatively minor changes in average trip length at 7% to 6.9 miles per trip.

We are travelling more by car in comparison with other modes. The private car is by far the dominant mode of transport for people in the Northwest. In 2006/07, 74% of work journeys were undertaken by a car with only 14% walking or cycling.

This increased reliance on cars is mirrored by a reduction in other forms of transport such as walking and cycling. These forms of sustainable transport have been falling in recent years and now make a very small contribution to the overall journey compared to previous years.

We are also travelling more by plane. One of the most significant changes in transport in recent years has been a dramatic growth in air travel. This reflects the availability of cheaper fares and greater choice in flights. This is accentuated in the Northwest due to airports such as Manchester, Liverpool and Blackpool. Between 1950 and 2005, there was a twelve-fold increase in passenger numbers.

The following provides a link to the Department of Transport Delivering a Sustainable Transport System (2008).

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/transportstrategy/dasts/

The following provides a link to the Governments Transport White Paper published in 2004 looks at the factors that will shape travel and transport over the next thirty years and sets out how the Government will respond to the increasing demand for travel, maximising the benefits of transport while minimising the negative impact on people and the environment.

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/whitepapers/previous/fot/

The following link provides access to the Transport Statistics of Great Britain (2008 edition). The report provides a comprehensive view of transport use within Great Britain.

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/tsgb/2008edition/

Manchester Airport currently handles over 20 million passengers per annum and is the largest airport outside of the Southeast.  Liverpool John Lennon Airport handles approximately 5.5 million passengers per annum and Blackpool currently handles around 500,000 passengers per annum.  Whilst there are no capacity issues at any of the region's main airports it should be recognised that in terms of carbon emissions, air traffic is one of the largest contributors

THE NORTHWEST

Air travel has increased dramatically in recent years and this is expected to continue   until at least 2030. The DfT white paper ‘The Future of Air Transport' sets out the UK plans for aviation expansion and airports within the region are mentioned for future development.

Over the past 20 years, the number of passengers carried into and out of UK airports has trebled and air transport movements and freight have more than doubled. The Department for Transport and the Department of Communities and Local Government produced its latest set of air traffic forecasts in May 2000. These indicate that unconstrained demand for passenger air travel may be almost double current levels by 2015. Cargo traffic is also predicted to grow very rapidly.

The aviation industry directly provides jobs for over 180,000 people in the UK and contributes some £10.2 billion to our gross domestic product. With the number of air passengers growing by 5% a year and the air freight market growing by 7%, the aviation industry is an important contributor to the UK economy. The Government is planning a long-term framework for the industry, looking ahead for the next 30 years. The aim is to ensure that the future of UK air transport is a safe and sustainable one.  Domestic air travel has shown rapid growth since the mid 1950s, passenger kilometres increasing about twenty-fold. Data for the financial year to March 2007 show that 22.2 million passengers travelled by UK airlines on domestic flights in 2006/07, compared to 12 million in 1991, an increase of 54%.

The Manchester Airport Ground Transport Strategy
(http://www.gmltp.co.uk/pdfs/annex-2002/annex-airport.pdf) sets out plans for to have at least 25% of passengers travelling by sustainable modes, thus reducing local environmental impacts. Further travel alternatives, predominately high speed rail may lead to a reduction of air trips, however the significance of this is currently unable to be specified.

The following link is to the Government White Paper The Future of Air Transport: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/whitepapers/air/

The Northwest is strategically located on international shipping and aircraft routes.  Gateways include ports at Liverpool, Birkenhead and Heysham.  The region has a number of international airports, which are experiencing rapid growth, notably at Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon, which may increase further under Government proposals currently undergoing public consultation.  The Northwest hosts one of England's major freight arteries, the M6 motorway, which has a major effect on traffic in towns and surrounding rural road infrastructure, as well as interactions with the other major motorways of the region.

The Northwest is strategically located on international shipping and aircraft routes.  Gateways include ports at Liverpool, Birkenhead and Heysham.  The region has a number of international airports, which are experiencing rapid growth, notably at Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon, which may increase further under Government proposals currently undergoing public consultation.  The Northwest hosts one of England's major freight arteries, the M6 motorway, which has a major effect on traffic in towns and surrounding rural road infrastructure, as well as interactions with the other major motorways of the region.

There has hardly ever been a better time to promote rail-freight.  Road congestion levels will continue to get worse with no clear prospect of any improvement, making rail-freight a more attractive alternative.

The latest Government figures show traffic volumes decreased by 1 per cent for 2008, however road congestion does not just slow down distribution, it also reduces reliability since a congested road is more vulnerable to disruption, forcing hauliers to build-in ‘recovery time' to their journeys to ensure right-time arrival every time. This in turn reduces productivity and adds cost. Retailing is very competitive, shoppers are very demanding and the logistics companies that move the goods have to offer the highest standards of speed and reliability at the best rates possible.

The CBI has estimated the cost of congestion in the UK is over £20 billion per annum (http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200405/cmselect/cmtran/218/21805.htm) or 2% of GDP. Therefore it is extremely important to reduce the impact on the economy, whilst improving the effects of transport and road travel in particular.

The sparse geographic distribution of rural settlements can result in large distances of journey times between origins and destinations.  In this context, providing access for rural communities to key services and opportunities is both vital and extremely challenging, particularly when considering public transport services.

The centralisation of services and facilities has resulted in the closure of many rural facilities, meaning that rural communities are becoming less self-sufficient and people are required to travel further to access employment, education, healthcare, training and services. 

Reduced accessibility has a significant impact on all aspects of sustainability of rural communities, both on individual community members and on rural services and businesses. 

The sparse geographic distribution of rural settlements can result in large distances of journey times between origins and destinations.  In this context, providing access for rural communities to key services and opportunities is both vital and extremely challenging, particularly when considering public transport services.

The centralisation of services and facilities has resulted in the closure of many rural facilities, meaning that rural communities are becoming less self-sufficient and people are required to travel further to access employment, education, healthcare, training and services. 

Reduced accessibility has a significant impact on all aspects of sustainability of rural communities, both on individual community members and on rural services and businesses. 

There are access to services concerns for the one sixth of rural households who do not have the use of a car. Even when a family has a car, some members may not have access to it during the day and typically women in particular are often more dependent on public transport. All rural residents are affected by traffic levels, rising fastest on rural roads and by concerns about road safety, with casualty rates falling more slowly on rural than on urban roads.

Accessibility must be considered important when designing facilities and transport infrastructure and where possible, ensuring that sustainable modes are promoted as a viable alternative over the private car.

The following link provides access to National Statistics (Neighbourhood Statistics). 

Enter the relevant local authority you are interested in and search.  The link on access to services provides a useful baseline on issues such as distance travelled to work based upon the 2001 Census.

http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/

The Travelwatch Network undertook a review of public transport needs in rural areas.  Although the report has a national focus, it does help to provide a broad overview of some key issues.

http://www.travelwatch-northwest.org.uk/RuralFunding.pdf

In 2006, some 57 billion vehicle kilometres were travelled by road across the Northwest, on a road network that covers over 37,000 kilometres.  Since 1996, the volume of traffic on the region's major roads has increased by 16% compared to a national average of 15%.  Major routes such as the M60, M56, M6 and M62 already experience severe congestion and ‘stress' and this is expected to worsen considerably through to 2026 if current patterns continue. 

Within the Northwest use of the private car for commuting purposes is the second highest in England and rail use is amongst the lowest.

In 2006, some 57 billion vehicle kilometres were travelled by road across the Northwest, on a road network that covers over 37,000 kilometres.  Since 1996, the volume of traffic on the region's major roads has increased by 16% compared to a national average of 15%.  Major routes such as the M60, M56, M6 and M62 already experience severe congestion and ‘stress' and this is expected to worsen considerably through to 2026 if current patterns continue. 

Within the Northwest use of the private car for commuting purposes is the second highest in England and rail use is amongst the lowest.

As demonstrated in the Transport Statistics of Great Britain car use is the main mode of transport in the Northwest region for most journey purposes. The vast majority of journeys to work in the Northwest are by car, van or minibus rather than by sustainable modes such as public transport. Access to employment, shopping, education, leisure and health is a major difficulty for those without access to a car.  New ways of working through the use of ICT can have a positive effect on the access to employment and the environment. The main areas of online activity which could have a traffic/energy reduction effect are telecommuting, teleworking, conference calls, online financial services, online shopping, online entertainment services and online learning.

The use of a Travel Plan can lead to reduction in actual journeys and encourage smarter travel when a trip must take place. A travel plan is a business management tool, which aims to improve transport efficiencies whilst seeking to reduce single occupancy vehicle journeys. A travel plan will include both physical and behavioural measures to improve access to a site or development by using sustainable modes of transport. Organisations that introduce travel plans for their employees, students or visitors are able to make positive transport changes to reduce congestion and pollution whilst seeing a positive impact such as the reduction in demand for parking spaces.

The relative cost of owning and driving a car has been getting cheaper over many years, however this trend is likely to change as other influences take effect. It is therefore vital that future regional initiatives encourage increases in usage of public transport, cycling, walking or where possible, staying at home!  In Manchester for example, 47% of people do not have access to a car  and this leads to accessibility concerns, especially as the national average is only 31% of households without access to a car.

The introduction of new information and communication technology (ICT) is enabling rapid changes to be made in the size, specification and location of development, particularly in the service sector and the knowledge based economy with consequent implications for planning policy. ICT is facilitating increased flexibility in working patterns, including more home working which has the potential to reduce daily commuting to work and enable some journeys to take place outside the peak periods. It also has the potential to increase the distance between homes and places of work, resulting in less frequent, but longer, journeys that may make less use of public transport.  

ACT Travelwise actively promotes sustainable transport in the region, especially via MerseyTravel.

The following link provides access to the Regional Transport Statistics (2008 Edition)

(http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/regionaldata/rts/
regtranstats2008),

ACT Travelwise promotes sustainable transport.  Their website includes a number of good case studies and further information on travel plans.

http://www.acttravelwise.org/

The following link provides access to National Statistics (Neighbourhood Statistics).  Enter the relevant local authority you are interested in and search.  The link on access to services provides a useful baseline on issues such as distance travelled to work based upon the 2001 Census.

http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/

The following link is to the Travelwise Merseyside website and provides a link to their Bike Ride Times for 2009.

http://www.letstravelwise.org/content67_Bike-Rides.html

The effects of a changing climate can already be seen. Temperatures and sea levels are rising, ice and snow cover are declining, and the consequences could be catastrophic for the natural world and society. Scientific evidence points to the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere by human activity as the primary cause of climate change. We need a profound change in the way we generate and use energy, and in other activities that release these gases. At the same time we must prepare for the climate change that cannot now be avoided.

NWDA Climate Change Perception Study

Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge facing the world today. Rising global temperatures will bring changes in weather patterns, rising sea levels and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather. The effects of climate change will be experienced internationally, nationally and locally with certain regions being particularly vulnerable.

The Climate Change Act 2008 represents the world's first legally binding framework to tackle climate change.  There are two principal aims which underpin the Act and these are:

• To improve carbon management and help the transition towards a low carbon economy in the UK; and
• To demonstrate strong UK leadership internationally, signalling a commitment to reduce carbon emissions.

The Key Provisions contained within the Act include:

• Legally binding targets: Greenhouse gas emission reductions through action in the UK and abroad of at least 80% by 2050, and reductions in CO₂ emissions of at least 26% by 2020, against a 1990 baseline.
• A carbon budgeting system which caps emissions over five year periods, with three budgets set at a time, to set out our trajectory to 2050. The first three carbon budgets will run from 2008-12, 2013-17 and 2018-22, and must be set by 1 June 2009. The Government must report to Parliament its policies and proposals to meet the budgets as soon as practical after that.
• The creation of the Committee on Climate Change, a new independent, expert body to advise Government on the level of carbon budgets and where cost effective savings could be made. The Committee will submit annual reports to Parliament on the UK's progress towards targets and budgets to which the Government must respond, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability on an annual basis.
• Further measures to reduce emissions include powers to introduce domestic emissions trading schemes more quickly and easily through secondary legislation; measures on biofuels; powers to introduce pilot financial incentive schemes in England for household waste; powers to require a minimum charge for single-use carrier bags (excluding Scotland).
• On adaptation the Government must report at least every five years on the risks to the UK of climate change, and publish a programme setting out how these impacts will be addressed. The Act also introduces powers for Government to require public bodies and statutory undertakers to carry out their own risk assessment and make plans to address those risks.
• A requirement for the Government to issue guidance next year on the way companies should report their greenhouse gas emissions, and to review the contribution reporting could make to emissions reductions by 1st December 2010. Requirement also that the Government must, by 6th April 2012, use powers under the Companies Act to mandate reporting, or explain to Parliament why it has not done so.

The Northwest has responded to the need to tackle climate change by creating the Northwest Climate Change Action Plan http://www.nwda.co.uk/PDF/climatechange.pdf and http://www.climatechangenorthwest.co.uk/. 

The Chancellor announced on 19 July 2005 that he had asked Sir Nick Stern to lead a major review of the economics of climate change in the UK and globally. The Stern Report (2006) concluded that by ignoring climate change we will eventually damage economic growth.  Therefore tackling climate change should be viewed as a pro-growth strategy for the longer term, and it can be done in a way which does not cap the aspirations for growth of rich or poor countries.  The Stern Report states identifies that climate change is happening now and as such measures should be put in place to help people to adapt.  In addition, the report concludes that the less mitigation we do now, the greater the difficulty of continuing to adapt in the future.

The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006 is designed to encourage measures to combat climate change on a UK level, encourage micro generation, energy efficiency, renewable heat and certain other renewable energy sources and to alleviate fuel poverty.  Micro generation means the generation of energy (heat or electricity) by individual householders or by small groups of householders and communities. It can take various forms, including micro-wind, fuel cells, and photovoltaic's (solar panels). 

http://www.gos.gov.uk/gonw/EnvironmentRural/EnvironmentalIssues/ClimateChange -

This website has links to the Stern Report, White Paper etc.
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/stern_review_report.htm

Climate Change Predictions
http://ukcp09.defra.gov.uk/

English Heritage - Climate Change your Home
http://www.climatechangeandyourhome.org.uk/live/

The Department for Energy and Climate Change Five Point Climate Change Plan
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/change_energy/the_issue
/five_point_pla/five_point_pla.aspx

If we achieve our targets on greenhouse gases, we can limit and reduce the negative effects of climate change.  However, greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, have a relatively long lifetime in the atmosphere. Much of the change in climate over the next 30 to 40 years is already decided by past and present releases of greenhouse gases.  Consequently, some climate change is unavoidable and will have implications for our social, economic and environmental well being. In addition to cutting emissions we must also adapt to climate change.

http://www.climatechangenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/
documents/jun_07/cli__1181141206_Climate_Change_in_the_Northwes.pdf

‘Rising to the Challenge' is the Climate Change Action Plan for the Northwest (2007-09).  The objectives are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to those effects on climate change that are now unavoidable.  The action plan focuses on enabling, encouraging and engaging with individuals, groups and communities, partnerships and businesses to ensure that a low carbon, well adapted region is achieved.  We do not know what the precise rate of greenhouse gas emissions or impacts of climate change will be and therefore work within a range of possible scenario futures, each equally plausible in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and the resultant degree of climate change.  However The UK Climate Impacts Programme has identified the following projected outcomes of climate change for the UK:

• By the 2080's average annual temperatures may rise between 2ºC and 3.5º.
• High summer temperatures will become more frequent and very cold winters will become increasingly rare. "Very hot" summers may occur as often as once every five years.
• Winters will become wetter and summers may become drier;
• Heavy winter rain will become more frequent;
• Sea levels will rise; and
• Extreme sea levels (storm surges) will be experienced more frequently.

Experiences within the Northwest which have already been documented (Shackley et al 1998) include a 0.4ºC rise in annual mean temperatures measured at Manchester Airport between 1988 and 1997, 20% decrease in summer rainfall over the last century and an increase in sea levels at Liverpool of around 6cm in the last 50 years.

In terms of potential future impacts, it is considered that climate change would directly affect the region in a number of areas including:

Critical National Infrastructure - there is a significant risk of water shortages during the summer and a potential for an increase in water quality problems.  In addition energy, water and sewerage infrastructure is likely to be at an increased risk of flooding, storms and extreme heat.

Healthcare - It is anticipated that changes in climate will result in reduced winter mortality but there is likely to be more heat related health problems.  Risks of skin cancer will increase.

Households - Drier and hotter summers will increase the potential for subsidence as well as general discomfort in homes.  There is also likely to be an increased risk of flooding across the region.

Natural Environment - It is anticipated that some terrestrial and marine biodiversity will be negatively impacted although other habitats and species may thrive.  There is likely to be an increased risk of damage to ecosystems, loss of carbon stores in peat soils, reduction of soil quality, increased risk of invasive species taking hold.

Economy - Within agricultural and horticulture there may be potential to diversify the range of crops which can be grown in the region, however there is also likely to be an increase in different forms of pests and diseases.

Wider Economy - The UKCIP has identified that extreme weather is likely to result in the increase risk of damage to historic buildings and ancient monuments.  The financial and insurance market will need to adapt to the likely increase in insurance claims with the potential for increased premiums.  The flooding event of July 2007 resulted in costs of £3 billion. The tourism and leisure industry may experience some positive as well as negative changes, nevertheless, there is likely to be an increased pressure on the use of green spaces.

Alongside policies to mitigate future climate change, we also need to adapt to the changes we are likely to face.  This affects everyone - individuals, businesses, charities, Government and public authorities. 

The Stern Review on Economics and Climate Change said: "Adaptation will be crucial in reducing vulnerability on climate change and is the only way to cope with the impacts that are inevitable over the next few decades...Without early and strong mitigation, the costs of adaptation rise sharply. 

The following website takes you to the Defra Climate Change Predictions webpage.  It includes details on mitigation measures and approaches to adapting to climate change.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climate/index.htm

Northwest Climate Change Action Plan can be viewed at
http://www.climatechangenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/documents/
jun_07/cli__1181141037_Climate_Change_Action_Plan.pdf

And the progress report on the Northwest Climate Change Action plan can be viewed at the following website.

http://www.climatechangenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/documents/nov_08/
cli__1226075071_CCAP_40pp.pdf

The Government has produced Adapting to Climate Change (July 2008) http://81.29.86.172/~nwdatk99/toolkit/docs/20-defra_adapting_to_climate_change.pdf. 

Making Space for Water forms part of a wider range of guidance which seeks to identify how the Government shall manage risk with regard to flooding and coastal erosion.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/flooding/policy/strategy/index.htm

In addition the practice guide to Planning Policy Statement 25 Development and Flood Risk can be viewed at

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/
pps25practiceguide.pdf

In order to tackle climate change it is important that people understand the impact which their behaviour and activities have on climate change.  It is equally important that people recognise the potential impacts which will arise from changes to our climate and are able to adapt to those changes. 

During the last 40 years, the UK's winters have grown warmer, with heavier bursts of rain. The summers are growing drier and hotter - one of the starkest changes over the last 200 years is that our summers have become drier causing widespread water shortages.  Flooding is a looming threat over much of the country. Severe storms and rising seas - some 10cm higher than sea level in 1900 are slowly eating away at our coastline. As rainfall comes down in deluges, rivers are bursting their banks more often, with flashfloods becoming a more common occurrence. The floods experienced in the UK during the summer of 2007 were the result of the heaviest rainfall since records began. 

The 2007 Fourth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said that it is very likely (over 90%) that man-made greenhouse gas emissions have caused more of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid 20^th century.  It is recognised that climate change is already occurring and we need to mitigate and adapt to the changes brought about already.  However it is important that we seek to minimise additional changes to our climate by changing a number inherent social and cultural practices and activities which contribute towards climate change.

Much of the drive towards behavioural change has come from the Government towards energy suppliers and housing providers.  The ability to promote behavioural change at the individual level can be more difficult. Research commissioned by Defra in 2007 suggests that there are some key issues surrounding the ability to encourage behavioural change.  This arises from some of the key characteristics associated with community action and with climate change.  For example community organisations usually:

• are locally relevant and often immediately obvious
• have personal or known beneficiaries from action
• have clear agency (‘if we act we gain') and feedback (‘we can see the benefits and improvements from our actions').

But by contrast, the issue of climate change:

• is long term and ‘worst somewhere else' and ‘some time in the future'
• has benefits of action which accrue principally to unknown others elsewhere at some unspecified point in the future
• Individual actions are, in and of themselves, invisible and insignificant in the context of the science of climate change (i.e. the actions of a few, even if they are many within a community, genuinely make little difference to the scale of the threat).

This contrast can lead to a sense that the focus should be on trying to make climate change locally relevant so that it ‘feels' more like the sort of issue that does resonate for community initiatives (and the individuals they are reaching).

An alternative proposal therefore is to concentrate on motivating action by focusing on the non-carbon benefits, such as reduced fuel bills or improved road safety and there are many interests where this approach is already used.  The same research therefore recommends an additional third strategy which is ‘collective agency' or responsibility.

Communications tactics for behavioural change a the community level can be found at http://81.29.86.172/~nwdatk99/toolkit/docs/17-NewRules_NewGame.pdf

Energy efficiency is a comparatively low-cost means by which individual households can save on their fuel costs and reduce the amount of energy needed for heat and power. Government requires energy suppliers to promote energy efficiency via the Energy Efficiency Commitment targeting priority groups using a variety of partners including social housing providers, charities, retailers, manufacturers and local authorities. The introduction of HECA, The Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 (HECA) required every UK local authority with housing responsibilities - "energy conservation authorities" - to prepare, publish and submit to the Secretary of State an energy conservation report identifying practicable and cost-effective measures to significantly improve the energy efficiency of all residential accommodation in their area.  This has focused the attention of local authorities more closely on the energy efficiency of all residential accommodation.  Other initiatives include the Decent Homes Standard which should apply to all council and housing association homes by 2010.  Under the Government's Warm Front initiative households may be eligible for grant assistance to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient. 

Further to this, by 2020 all homes will have smart meters installed which will enable people to see what energy they are using and how to save money on their bills.  In addition it is the objective of the Government for households, communities, and businesses need to move away from being passive users of energy to active producers.  It is the intention of the Government to introduce cash incentives for people who wish to generate their own electricity from renewables or heat from low carbon sources. 

Regionally the North West Domestic Energy Alliance has formed to promote the needs of the region and provide a Forum for strategic development of policies and programmes which tackle energy efficiency and fuel poverty in the regional domestic sector. 

Adapting to Climate Change (June 2009)
http://81.29.86.172/~nwdatk99/toolkit/docs/18-uk-climate-projections.pdf

Act on CO2 offers information to help people save money, save energy and reduce CO2 emissions. http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk/home.html

Energy Savings Trust - http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/

http://www.berr.gov.uk/energy/fuel-poverty/strategy/index.html

North West Domestic Energy Alliance - http://www.nwdea.org.uk/

Rising to the Challenge - http://81.29.86.172/~nwdatk99/toolkit/docs/15-climatechangeactionplan.pdf

The Carbon Trust has a number of examples of practical examples of activities which can help to reduce carbon emissions.  http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/solutions/

Studies in the Northwest have shown that industry, transport (especially road transport) and households produce the majority (almost 75%) of greenhouse gases in the region, in fairly equal quantities. Scientists calculate that to stabilise these changes to levels which might be manageable, we need to reduce emissions by 60% by 2050.  Reducing the use of energy from fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal is the simplest route to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide. In addition, more energy needs to come from sources which emit little or no carbon dioxide - most particularly through new and renewable sources such as wind, solar or biomass energy.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2007), scientifically there is little doubt that climate change is now the greatest challenge faced by society.  Climate change has increased significantly in the last hundred years due to the burning of fossil fuels and human activities that have altered the chemical composition of the Earth's atmosphere through increased levels of greenhouse gases.  (The six main greenhouse gases are nitrous oxide (N₂O), methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆)).

By ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, the UK Government has legally committed the UK to a reduction in annual emissions of these 6 gases of 12.5% from 1990 levels by 2008-2012. The Government also has a domestic CO₂ target of 20% reduction from 1990 levels by 2010. In addition, the UK Government's Climate Change Act (2009) has set a long-term legal target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 and an interim legal target of 26-32% by 2020, together with the introduction of five year carbon budgets.

CO₂ is produced mainly by industries in the fuel and power and chemical sectors. In the Northwest CO₂ accounted for 87% of green house gas emissions from agency regulated premises in the region in 2006. In terms of CO₂ production in 2006,  78% of total emissions were from fuel and power. Over 50% of Greenhouse Gas emissions from the fuel and power sector originate from Fiddlers Ferry Power Station; 7% were from the chemical industry and 5% were from waste sent to landfill. When coal prices are low or when economic activity is high we see an increase in carbon dioxide emissions as energy demand rises.

HFCs are produced during the manufacture of refrigerants and air conditioning units. They were introduced to replace the ozone depleting chemicals such as CFCs in the early 1990s. The Chemical industry in the NW accounts for 99% of HFC emissions because Ineos Fluor, one of the only two large producers in the UK, is based in Cheshire. Since 2000, emissions of HFC have reduced significantly from the site following the commissioning of a treatment facility, which was designed to remove around 90% of emissions associated with HCFC-22 production. HFC-23, a by-product of HCFC-22 manufacture, has a global warming potential (GWP) over 11,000 times more potent than CO₂, so even small amounts can have a big impact.

SF₆ has the highest GWP of the six main greenhouse gases, at around 23,900 times that of carbon dioxide. Emissions have steadily decreased and are now the lowest recorded since 1998. SF₆ accounts for only 0.5% of the total Greenhouse Gas emissions in 2006 compared to 5% in 2000 when it was at its highest. The decrease is mainly due to a significant reduction from the Region's biggest SF₆ emission source, Magnesium Elektron at Swinton in Salford. Emissions from the site have decreased by 87% since 2000, from 425,000 kg down to 5651 kg in 2006. This is the result of less SF6 being used by the company. They are also moving towards using an alternative gas with a lower GWP to help prevent fires during the melting and casting of magnesium and its alloys.

PFCs are used in the manufacture of materials such as Teflon and Gore-Tex and in the production of refrigeration units and fire extinguishers. PFCs are extremely potent greenhouse gases, and they are a long-term problem with a lifetime up to 50,000 years. The most abundant atmospheric PFC is tetrafluoromethane which has a greenhouse warming potential 6,500 times that of carbon dioxide. F2 Chemicals Ltd in Preston is the Northwest's biggest source of PFCs, but accounted for less than 0.4% of the regional industrial Greenhouse Gas emissions from Agency regulated sites in 2006.

Methane gas is created when organic material rots down in wet conditions. It has a GWP 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Although livestock farming is the biggest source of methane, landfills also produce significant quantities of the gas.  Around 12% of Environment Agency regulated methane emissions come from one landfill site in Warrington.

N₂O. Globally, the biggest source of N₂O is from the application of fertilisers to agricultural land. The overall contribution of N₂O to regional GHG emissions in 2006 is 1.3% from Environment Agency regulated processes, mainly from the chemical industry and to a lesser extent, energy production.

The Northwest covers approximately 11% of the UK landmass, and accounts for 11.66% of UK households (Carbon Counting Mander et al 2000).  Emissions as a result of energy use in the industrial and domestic sectors are relatively high compared to national figures.  For domestic emissions, households in the North West emit on average 6.2tCO₂Eqv4, compared to a national average of 5.4tCO²Eqv4.  Other sources of CO₂ emissions, from, industrial processes, waste and agriculture are comparatively small.  However, of the other greenhouse gases, it is worth noting that the North West accounts for just over 30% of national emissions of Hydroflourcarbons (HFCs) as a result of production facilities in the region.

(Information from Environment Agency)
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Research/ghg_nw_total_2005_947738.xls

Regional and authority level of emissions
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/library/publications/34079.aspx 

http://www.climatechangenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/documents
/jun_07/cli__1181141206_Climate_Change_in_the_Northwes.pdf

Energy and the Climate Change agenda are intrinsically linked.  The production of energy from fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal) produced greenhouse gases, mainly CO², which is the major cause of climate change.  Reducing energy use and decarbonising energy production will help to tackle climate change, reduce dependency on high consumption and reduce adverse environmental impacts.

Energy is essential in almost every aspect of our lives and for the success of our economy, but we face two long-term challenges:

• tackling climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions both within the UK and abroad; and
• ensuring secure, clean and affordable energy as we become increasingly dependent on imported fuel.

The Northwest is a major producer and consumer of all forms of energy. In 2001 it was estimated that the region had a total energy demand of 291 TWh (which is equivalent to a 100Watt light bulb burning for 332 million years). If we keep using energy at the same rate, taking into account forecasts for economic and population growth, final energy demand could rise as high as 400TWh by 2021. 

In 2001 the percentage of total use of gas and electricity was broken down as follows:

• Domestic 41.5%
• Industrial 21.6%
• Commercial 7.5%
• Public Sector 3.7%
• Other (power generation, rail and others) 25.8%

The scientific consensus across the world is that our current levels of man-made carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions are leading to a warming of the Earth's climate.  These emissions are, in the main produced through the generation, supply and use of energy derived form fossil fuels.  As a result there is a need to reduce our reliance on energy generated by fossil fuels.  Furthermore the UK is no longer self reliant with regard to fossil fuels.  As such we are becoming increasingly dependant upon importing gas and oil.  This lack of security of supply and the financial implications of importing gas and oil provides further validation and impetus to source our energy from renewable sources. 

14.2 per cent (England average 11.5 per cent) of households in the Northwest lived in fuel poverty (based on income and heating costs) in 2006, up by 4.3 percentage points since 2001. This means that they spent more than 10% of their income on heating their home to adequate standards.  Sustainable energy activities seek to address this social problem and also look at the issue of security of supply, seeking less reliance on imported energy over unsustainable distances from politically and geologically unstable areas of the world.

The Government recommends that the move towards a sustainable energy system should concentrate on reducing demand and increasing energy efficiency, which it believes will play a bigger role in reducing CO₂ emissions than renewable energy and carbon emissions trading combined.  Organisations across the Northwest can made a significant contribution to this bid.  Efforts to improve energy efficiency include:

• eliminating unnecessary energy use;
• reducing demand, for example by positioning buildings to take advantage of solar heat and improving their thermal insulation;
• ensuring that processes, systems and equipment are working at optimum level to deliver the maximum output per unit of energy consumed;
• using combined heat and power (CHP) where possible, for example within institutional or mixed use schemes; and
• recognising the benefits and making effective provision for sustainable travel via public transport, walking and cycling.

There are 5.7GW of installed electricity generation capacity within the Northwest which supplies 43,000 GWh/year.  Of that 44% is provided by nuclear, 36% by from coal, 18% gas and 2% renewables (these figures do not include offshore wind developments under construction.

The definition of Renewable Energy is energy which is produced from energy flows which occur naturally and repeatedly in the environment.  Examples of renewable energy technologies include solar panels, turbines and hydroelectric scheme. 

Low Carbon energy sources include renewables, but are not limited to these sources.  Low carbon also includes technologies such as domestic fuel cells which don't use renewable energy flows, but reduce the carbon generated in creating energy when compared against other methods such as traditional power stations, examples of energy generated in this way would include ground source heat pumps, bio-energy, micro-combined heat and power.

Data obtained from BERR (June 2009) illustrates that the UK is significantly behind its target to generate 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.  At present government statistics, the total installed capacity of renewable energy projects in the UK was 5.7GW in 2007, up from 3.5GW in 2003.
http://stats.berr.gov.uk/energystats/dukes7_4.xls.  The Northwest has an installed capacity of 477MW which equates to 21% of the England total.  This has increased year on year since 2003( 195MW).

Further information on regional performance within the national context, and additional renewable energy statistics can be found on the Renewable Energy Statistics database for the UK (RESTATS).
http://www.restats.org.uk/statistics_regional.htm

Government policy, as re-stated in the Energy White Paper 2007 and Energy Act 2008 is quite clear that diversity in the provision of energy is fundamental and that it is essential to maintain electricity supply system security.  The push to develop renewable energy resources in the UK is accelerating. The Climate Change Act provides legally binding targets for greenhouse gases(GHG) emissions reductions of 34% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. The Renewables Obligation and the development of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROC's) has led to an increase in interest in all forms of renewable energy production from wind to tidal to biomass.

The Northwest Regional Spatial Strategy has identified that by 2020, the target for the region will be to have 2,692.8MW of renewable generating capacity from 259 schemes (includes photovoltaic and mirco wind energy) providing 8,014.7GWh/year against a target of 7,930 GWh/yr.

Other Regional Strategies include The Northwest Sustainable Energy Strategy 2006.  This aims to reduce the region's energy wastage, improve efficiency, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and facilitate the transition to more sustainable forms of energy.  This Strategy aspires to deploy sufficient renewable electricity generating capacity to provide:

• 10% of final demand by 2010;
• 15% of final demand by 2015;
• 20% of final demand by 2020;

Meeting these targets will be encouraged through the promotion of micro-generation, such as the use of smaller scale community and on site renewable electricity projects via planning frameworks and supporting business and community deployment. There should be a requirement in residential and non-residential developments and major refurbishment schemes where 10% of the predicted energy requirements should be met by renewable energy production, (Northwest AMR).

Improved water efficiency will be vital if the region's supply is to continue to meet the needs of the predicted numbers of dwellings promoted by regional policy and strategy.  Much of our water is lost to leakage before it reaches the consumer, although the leakage rates are reducing through the work undertaken by the key regional provider, United Utilities.  Regionally however, household water consumption is amongst the lowest in England and Wales. United Utilities reported a daily use of 142 litres per person whilst the average for England and Wales was 148 litres in 2005-06.

Companies, organisations and individuals improve their water efficiency through relatively simple measures such as the installation of water butts, low flow taps and water efficient appliances.  Rainwater harvesting systems, which enable the collection, storage and conveyance of rain as a water source, can also help businesses in the North West reduce dependency on mains water and future-proof operations against potential shortages and water price rises.

The Northwest Energy Forum is an informal organisation for professional people with energy and environmental interests.  The website includes a number of papers and presentations which may be of interest around this topic area. http://www.nwef.net/newsletters.php

The following link is to the Energy Act 2008.  The webpage also provides a broad synopsis of the Acts Objectives

http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/legislation/energy_act_08/energy_act_08.aspx

The Direct Gov website provides a central access point for a range of public services. The weblink provides direct access to a useful page which provides an overview of different forms of renewable energy generation.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Energyandwatersaving/
Renewableandlowcarbonenergy/index.htm

The quality of local environment affects the quality of everyone's life - rich or poor, young and old make use of public space every day. People are more concerned about the quality of their local environment than almost anything else. They are worried about crime and anti-social behaviour, dirty streets, neglected spaces or lighting and the lack of facilities for young people.  Places are different, and local circumstances will determine the type of responses needed. Generally, these 'liveability' issues affect the lives of people most in three locations: city, town and local centres where people are likely to work and shop; streets and neighbourhoods as well as parks and play areas where people spend free time.

Sustainable communities are communities which succeed now, economically, socially and environmentally, and respect the needs of future generations. They are well-designed places where people feel safe and secure; where crime and disorder, or the fear of crime, doesn't undermine quality of life or community cohesion. This is why the new Planning Policy Statement 1, the overarching PPS setting out the Government's planning objectives, has at its heart the need to plan for safe and sustainable communities.

The quality of local environment affects the quality of everyone's life because rich and poor, young and old make use of public space every day. People are more concerned about the quality of their local environment than almost anything else. They are worried about crime and anti-social behaviour, dirty streets, neglected spaces or lighting and the lack of facilities for young people.  Places are different, and local circumstances will determine the type of responses needed. Generally, these 'liveability' issues affect the lives of people most in three locations: city, town and local centres where people are likely to work and shop; streets and neighbourhoods as well as parks and play areas where people spend free time.

Public spaces are a barometer of a community. As human beings we respond positively and instinctively to places that are welcoming. We want to spend time - and money - in such a community. But all too often, we experience places that are unwelcoming, unkempt and difficult - or even dangerous - to use.

The quality of public spaces affects all of us wherever we live and work. Safe, well-maintained and attractive public spaces have a critical role in creating pride in the places where we live which, in turn, is essential to building community cohesion and successful communities. That is why the Government is committed to action to make public spaces cleaner, safer, greener places that enhance the quality of life in our neighbourhoods, towns and cities.

In 2001 the Prime Minster provided the following comments which sum up the challenge faced within local communities:

"We need stronger local communities and an improved local quality of life. Streets where parents feel safe to let their children walk to school. Where people want to use the parks. Where graffiti, vandalism, litter and dereliction is not tolerated. Where the environment in which we live fosters rather than alienates a sense of local community and mutual responsibility."

(Prime Minister, Croydon, April 2001).

The Government set up the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) in 1999 to create a national focus for raising the quality of design in the built environment. CABE promotes high standards in the design of buildings and the spaces between them.

At a regional level the Sustainability Communities Plan for the Northwest outlines 21 Neighbourhood Renewal fund areas within Northwest which have been provided with funding to tackle deprivation. Similarly there are 22 Neighbourhood Warden and 19 Warden schemes being implemented to reduce crime in the Northwest. These schemes have helped improve the conditions of the local communities. 

At a local level Manchester is currently initiating a scheme within the City Centre which aims provide a cleaner, safer, greener community for everyone. A uniformed ambassadorial service within the city centre provides advice and guidance, to deter anti-social behaviour and reduce fear of crime while ensuring that the local environment is maintained and enhanced through services provided by the street care rangers.

The following link provide link to Living Places - Cleaner, Safer, Greener

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/131002.pdf

CABE has produced a report - Safer Places- The Planning System and Crime Prevention addressing issues of excellence in design to maximise community safety.

http://www.cabe.org.uk/files/safer-places.pdf

Sustainable Communities in the Northwest does provide some useful supporting information around this theme.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/143606.pdf

Every year the short term effects of air pollution may lead to the premature deaths of up to 24,000 people in the UK who are already poor in health.  It is also known that particulates have a long-term effect on people's health and may lead to a reduction in life expectancy for some individuals.  Air quality in the Northwest is improving.  We have substantially reduced emissions from regulated industrial site, but traffic is still causing air quality problems in our major cities.  Traffic in the Region has increased by 20% in the last 10 years.  There are almost 3 million cars travelling on the Northwest's roads and this is causing air quality problems particularly at peak travelling times.

Our air is cleaner in overall terms than at any time since the industrial revolution, but it still causes serious adverse effects and there are significant benefits to be gained from improving air quality further. Recent research has shown that some pollutants are more dangerous than previously thought and we need to act faster and take further measures to move us closer to meeting our objectives. Pollutants from sources such as our cars, ships and industrial plants lead to levels of pollution which are still having a marked affect on our health and natural environment.

Air pollution is currently estimated to reduce the life expectancy of every person in the UK by an average of 7-8 months. The measures outlined in the strategy could help to reduce the impact on average life expectancy to five months by 2020, and provide a significant step forward in protecting our environment.

The current situation is positive in several respects. Over the past ten years the quality of our air has improved and we are meeting our current objectives for all air pollutants in over 99 per cent of the UK. From 1990 to 2001 the improvements have helped avoid an estimated 4,200 premature deaths per annum and 3,500 hospital admissions per annum.

However, there is still more to do. We are projected to miss objectives on three of our nine pollutants (particles, ozone and nitrogen dioxide). The areas of exceedance are relatively small, although significant numbers of people are likely to be exposed as the exceedances tend to be in highly populated areas. Critical loads for acidity and/or the fertilising effects of nitrogen are exceeded in over half the UK's natural and semi-natural habitats.

The following link is The Air Quality Standards Regulation 2007.
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/uksi_20070064_en_1

The following link is to the Air Quality Strategy (Volume 1) produced by Defra.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/strategy/pdf/air-qualitystrategy-vol1.pdf

For the latest national report:
http://www.airquality.co.uk/annualreport/annualreport2007.php

For ‘real time' air quality results in the north west:
http://www.airquality.co.uk/index.php?zone_id=10

It is important to recognise the benefits that open space provides within the Region.  In addition to the importance of environmental and ecological value, there are significant benefits associated with health and sense of well-being.  Parks and open spaces are among the most valued features of the places people live. They have a key role to play in ensuring environmental, economic and social sustainability. Parks and green spaces not only contribute to a higher quality physical environment, but also assist in area regeneration and contribute to the health and well-being of local residents.

Parks and green spaces are a popular and popular resource, which can make a valuable contribution to the attractiveness of a neighbourhood, to the health and well being of local people and expand the educational opportunities of children and adults alike. They are assets to the nation.

Despite their popularity, there has been a worrying decline in the quality of far too many urban parks and green spaces and action is needed if they are to deliver their many benefits.

The following link is to a practice guide produced by CABE - Green Space Strategies.

http://www.cabe.org.uk/files/green-space-strategies-a-good-practice-guide.pdf

Litter is the most important issue of the local environmental quality agenda to many people as it is the most widespread blight on public spaces.  The annual cost to councils is around half a billion pounds annually to clear it up.  Litter can be as small as a sweet wrapper, or as large as a bag of rubbish, or it can mean lots of items scattered about. The legislation also specifically clarifies that discarded gum products, cigarette ends and matches are types of litter.  Areas continually degraded by litter, or private land that frequently accumulate litter and refuse, can give rise to a sense of civic shame and fear of crime, and set the scene for other environmental crimes and anti-social behaviour such as fly-tipping and graffiti.

THE NORTHWEST 

Fly-tipping is a term commonly used to describe illegal disposal of waste. It can be described as disposal without a waste management licence, or disposal in a manner likely to cause environmental pollution or harm to human health. According to Defra, 2.6 million incidences of fly-tipping occur in England every year.

The public spaces in our towns and cities the streets, squares, parks and green spaces - are the one public service we all use all the time. The quality of public spaces is largely determined by the way in which they are designed, managed, maintained and used. Well designed, managed and maintained public spaces tend to be used in a positive way, encourage pro-social behaviour and generate positive social, economic and environmental value for local areas.

On the other hand poor quality public spaces which are badly designed, managed and maintained can contribute to, or exacerbate anti-social behaviour such as graffiti, littering and fly-tipping and result in fewer people using those spaces

The design process can help to determine the right number and location of litter and recycling bins in public spaces, whether in parks, on housing estates, next to bus stops, outside shops or along streets. Well located bins enable people who want to put their waste or recycling in bins, to do so, thus preventing litter.

Looking at pedestrian flows and patterns of use in conjunction with information about local land use and adjacent building types can identify hot spots where there may need to be more bins permanently, and hot times where there may need to be more frequent collections, or larger bins installed temporarily.

A key design consideration is how the bins will work with existing street furniture to allow public access, ease of collection and to minimise clutter. Clear signage on and around bins is also important so people know what to put where, as well as being aware of the bins in the first place. In some high density urban areas where space is at a premium one increasingly common design solution is underground waste storage, particularly in new housing developments.

Some local authorities have produced sustainable design codes and streetscape design plans which make consideration of waste collection and storage an intrinsic part of street design in both residential and commercial areas, but for many others it is an unresolved issue.

The publication of Towards an Urban Renaissance by the Urban Task Force in 1999, and Green Spaces, Better Places by the Urban Green Spaces Taskforce, in 2002 were key in raising the political profile of public space and urban green space. The Cleaner, Safer, Greener initiative launched in 2003 was part of a wider response to improving the quality of public space over and above the problem of litter, and focussed on improving the environmental quality of residential areas, town centres and parks and open spaces. It was bolstered in July 2004 by Public Service Agreement which required the delivery of cleaner, safer and greener public spaces in deprived communities and across the country with measurable improvement by 2008, and the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act in 2005.

The following link is to the CPRE website and provides a link to guides to tackling littering.

http://www.cpre.org.uk/library/results/litter-and-fly-tipping

The following provides a link to the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2005/ukpga_20050016_en_1

Noise and other nuisance can reduce the quality of life for some people (e.g. neighbour noise, smoke from bonfires, smells and odours).  It is a fact of life that we all do things which can have an impact on our neighbours and on the quality of the local environment, whether we are playing music, having a bonfire or own a dog that constantly barks. Consideration and awareness are the key to making sure our actions are not a problem for others.  Noise can also be a safety hazard at work, interfering with communication and making warnings harder to hear.  Noise from transport, planning developments and commercial businesses can also cause distress to the local neighbourhood.

Ambient or environmental noise is unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities, including noise emitted by means of transport - road traffic, rail traffic, air traffic - and from sites of industrial activity.

Noise at home can affect the quality of life of all of us. According to research, about half of people in England hear noise from their neighbours. For about one in five, noise can be a problem, and around half of those who hear noise are annoyed by it.

In 1996 the European Commission issued a Green Paper in which it was stated that an estimated 20% of the EU citizens were exposed to noise levels that scientists and health experts considered to be unacceptable, at which most people become annoyed, sleep is disturbed and health may be at risk.

There were already a number of EU directives in place to control noise from transport sources, for example from vehicles and outdoor machinery. The Green Paper proposed a more strategic approach control by focusing on those exposed to environmental noise. The Commission believes that such an approach would require comprehensive information about noise exposure levels across the EU and what action is being taken at local level.

In July 2000 the Commission issued a proposal for a Directive relating to the Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise (the Environmental Noise Directive). It concerns noise from road, rail and air traffic and industry. It focuses on the impacts of noise on individuals, and it complements existing EU legislation which sets standards for noise emissions from specific sources. The Directive 2002/49/EC was published in the Official Journal on 18 July 2002.

The Environmental Noise Directive requires Member States to make Strategic Noise Maps for major agglomerations along major roads, major railways and major airports within their territories. Defra has published the noise maps for the main urban areas nationally, and within the Northwest at:

http://services.defra.gov.uk/wps/portal/noise. 

When designing projects or policies which cover the spatial areas identified as already suffering from high levels of noise consideration should be given to ensure that existing levels are not raised further, and indeed are lowered where possible.  Where this is not possible careful consideration should be given to the design of any new development (where applicable) to ensure that appropriate noise mitigation measures are provided.

Soil needs to be protected as a limited resource both for the production of food and other agricultural products and as a habitat for plants and animals. It also has other important functions, including the ability to neutralise potentially polluting substances that enter the soil from rainfall or as a result of human activities. Soil also acts as a sink for carbon dioxide, a reservoir for water and a physical base for buildings. External factors, such as atmospheric deposition of heavy metals emitted by industry and through waste disposal, can have significant impacts on soil.  The Northwest has the highest percentage of previously developed land that is unused or may be available for redevelopment, the majority of which is located in the industrial heart-lands around the south of the Region.  Concentrating development on previously developed sites can help to protect the environment by preserving greenbelt land and preventing destruction of natural habitats.  It can also encourage regeneration and help to minimise some of the anti-social aspects of derelict areas such as fly-tipping and crime.

Previously-developed land, often called brownfield land, is land that was developed but is now vacant or derelict, or currently in use with known potential for redevelopment. For the north west as expected the amount of vacant and derelict land within the urban areas of Greater Manchester and Merseyside is higher than the national average. Only Lancashire has close to the national average of vacant and/or derelict land. The other notable feature is the low concentration of land still in productive use, allocated/with planning consent, or with potential for redevelopment across the region; in Merseyside it is less than half the national average.

The 2009 Northwest Annual Monitoring Report produced by 4NW contains a number of indicators which address development on previously developed land.  The following link is to the 2009 AMR.

http://www.4nw.org.uk/assets/_files/documents/feb_09/
ps__1235037008_AMR_Report_2009.pdf

The Northwest is a region of diverse character and its landscapes, wildlife and heritage are amongst the region's most precious assets. There is great potential to protect and enhance these assets through new initiatives, rather than continue the pattern of past mistakes which have led to some of our most important landscapes, habitats and species becoming damaged and threatened.  Green Infrastructure includes parks, open spaces, playing fields, woodlands, allotments and private gardens designed and managed as a multifunctional resource capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities.

The Northwest is a region of diverse character and its landscapes, wildlife and heritage are amongst the region's most precious assets.  The NW Biodiversity Audit identified a total of 82 habitats in the NW, of which 37 are UK Key Habitats or their equivalents. The region has around 450 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and over 60 European sites (Special Protection Areas, Ramsar sites and Special Areas of Conservation).  

The projected economic growth for the region has the potential to affect habitats and species in terms of water levels and quality, loss and fragmentation of habitats, disturbance from human activities, coastal squeeze and air quality.  Integrating biodiversity into all activities is important to meet long-term goals for enhancing biodiversity in the region and across the UK.  There is great potential to protect and enhance these assets through new initiatives, rather than continue the pattern of past mistakes which have led to some of our most important landscapes, habitats and species becoming damaged and threatened.  Regional targets for biodiversity have been set to help this.

Green Infrastructure includes parks, open spaces, playing fields, woodlands, allotments and private gardens designed and managed as a multifunctional resource capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities.

Data on biodiversity in the Northwest is available from a wide range of sources including Natural England, local Biodiversity Records Centres, the Government environmental information service (Magic), and the National Biodiversity Network.  Additional information on local biodiversity projects or conservation opportunities will be available from the local Wildlife Trusts or the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.

LINKS

http://www.biodiversitynw.org.uk/audit/ provides a link to the North West Biodiversity Audit.

http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/sssi/index.cfm provides a link to Natural England identifying SSSI's

http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-162 provides a link to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee website providing further information on SPA.

http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-161 provides a link to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee website providing further information on RAMSAR Sites

http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-23 provides a link to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee website providing further information on SAC.

Northwest Regional Biodiversity Targets - http://www.biodiversitynw.org.uk/news/view/?id=1092

State of the Natural Environment for the Northwest can be viewed at - http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/regions/north_west/sone/default.aspx

Identification of the local Biodiversity Records Centres can be viewed at the following link - http://www.biodiversitynw.org.uk/recordcentres/

http://www.magic.gov.uk/default.htm - is the Government's web-based interactive map to bring together geographic information on key environmental schemes and designations in one place.

http://data.nbn.org.uk/index_homepage/index.jsp This is the National Biodiversity Network's Gateway. The website can be used to access existing UK biodiversity data.

There are a number of wildlife trusts within the North West, their details can be found at the following link - http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/index.php?section=localtrusts

Access to natural green spaces and areas of biodiversity interest provides a number of significant benefits.  The opportunity to engage in physical activity, ranging from walking to participating in practical conservation work can bring benefits to people's mental and physical health.  However there are also benefits to be derived from the opportunity to enjoy time in open space, particularly where this provides a tranquil setting within an urban area. 

Improving access to nature for local communities will contribute towards the improved quality of life across the region.  The biodiversity network and the networks of green infrastructure will help provide access to wildlife habitats, particularly for urban areas. A good example of this can be found within the Mersey Forest, at the new community woodland, Griffin Wood St Helens. This 11 hectare site is a valued public woodland with a wildflower meadow, ponds, seating, artworks, public access and an orchard.

Through the assessment of development and design there should be no losses to biodiversity. In addition, opportunities for the creation and restoration of habitats appropriate to the locality can also be identified. In the majority of development proposals there will be little negative impact on biodiversity interests: in fact there is huge potential for habitat creation whether on a small or large scale.

http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/BRAG_HabMan_EnglishNatureResearchReport687-Planningforbiodiversity-opportunitymapping&habitatnetworks.pdf - Link to a Natural England Report on mapping and habitat networks

http://www.biodiversitynw.org.uk/news/view/?id=1092 - Northwest Biodiversity Targets for Enhancement. 

Many habitats and species are on the endangered list and prioritised in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Through the assessment of development and design there should be no losses to biodiversity. In addition, opportunities for the creation and restoration of habitats appropriate to the locality can also be identified.

Plans or projects should ensure (through surveys, assessment and design) that there is no net losses of biodiversity from their areas of influence, particularly conservation notable species and habitats which may not be directly protected by existing legislation.  Practitioners should also be aware that plans or projects can have significant effects upon species, habitats or sites at some distance from the plan or project boundary through a range of indirect processes, such as water resource use.  Users should therefore be aware of possible linkages to (in particular) protected sites in the region (e.g. via watercourses), their interest features, and their vulnerabilities.  Data on the distribution of conservation notable species and habitats is available from the local Biodiversity Records Centres, or the Northwest Biodiversity Forum.

http://www.naturalengland.co.uk/ourwork/conservation/biodiversity/
protectandmanage/default.aspx Natural England, overview of protection and management of biodiversity.

http://www.naturalengland.co.uk/ourwork/regulation/wildlife/policyandlegislation/
legislation.aspx#eu Natural England - Links to both UK and European Legislation addressing wildlife protection.

http://www.ukbap.org.uk/NewPriorityList.aspx - Provides link to identify UK list of Priority Species and Habitats.

http://www.magic.gov.uk/default.htm - is the Government's web-based interactive map to bring together geographic information on key environmental schemes and designations in one place.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/147408.pdf - Provides a link to Planning Policy Statement 9 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation.

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/lnr/default.aspx
Provides a link to Natural England and provides information on Local Nature Reserves

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/pdf/protected-areas/localsites.pdf Provides a link to Defra report on the identification and management of local sites of nature conservation interest.

http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/sssi/index.cfm provides a link to Natural England identifying SSSI's

http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-162 provides a link to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee website providing further information on SPA.

http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-161 provides a link to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee website providing further information on RAMSAR Sites

http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-23 provides a link to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee website providing further information on SAC.

http://www.ieem.net/ecia/determining-value.html#bio - Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management website.  The link provides an overview of determining biodiversity value.

http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-2323 - JNCC website addressing standard approaches to monitoring sites.

Identification of the local Biodiversity Records Centres can be viewed at the following link - http://www.biodiversitynw.org.uk/recordcentres/

http://www.biodiversitynw.org.uk/audit/downloads/ - Provides a link to the North West Biodiversity identifying species and habitat by local authority area.

Green Infrastructure Northwest defines Green Infrastructure as Green Infrastructure is the network of natural environmental components and green and blue spaces that lies within and between the Northwest's cities, towns and villages which provides multiple social, economic and environmental benefits. In the same way that the transport infrastructure is made up of a network of roads, railways, airports etc. green infrastructure has its own physical components, including parks, rivers, street trees and moorland.

Just as growing communities need to improve and develop their grey infrastructure (ie. roads, sewers, energy distribution etc.), their green infrastructure needs to be upgraded and expanded in line with growth. Green infrastructure differs from conventional approaches to open space planning because it considers multiple functions and benefits in concert with land development, growth management and built infrastructure planning. Successful land conservation needs to be proactive, less reactive and better integrated with efforts to manage growth and development. Green infrastructure planning works at national, regional and local levels and is an integral component, essential for building well designed and sustainable communities across the Northwest.

Green Infrastructure is the network of natural environmental components and green and blue spaces that lies within and between the Northwest's cities, towns and villages which provides multiple social, economic and environmental benefits. In the same way that the transport infrastructure is made up of a network of roads, railways, airports etc. green infrastructure has its own physical components, including parks, rivers, street trees and moorland.

Just as growing communities need to improve and develop their grey infrastructure (ie. roads, sewers, energy distribution etc.), their green infrastructure needs to be upgraded and expanded in line with growth. Green infrastructure differs from conventional approaches to open space planning because it considers multiple functions and benefits in concert with land development, growth management and built infrastructure planning. Successful land conservation in the 21st century needs to be proactive, less reactive and better integrated with efforts to manage growth and development. Green infrastructure planning works at national, regional and local levels and is an integral component, essential for building well designed and sustainable communities across the Northwest.

Green Infrastructure has been identified as having the potential to deliver a number of significant benefits including:

• Providing an inspiring setting for economic progress and investment;
• Creating a focus for social inclusion, education, training, health and well-being;
• Reinforce and enhance landscape character and local distinctiveness;
• Create a framework for natural systems and functions that are fundamental to species and habitat viability, healthy soils, water and air and provide an essential fabric for sustainable living;
• Reserve habitat fragmentation and increase biodiversity to restore functioning ecosystems that underpin a rich wildlife resource;
• Develop a multi-functional landscape and greenspace resource that meets local needs;
• Safeguard and enhance natural and historic assets between, in and around major communities;
• Provide the essential contact between people and nature.

Natural Economy Northwest has undertaken research into the economic benefits of Green Infrastructure.  The research highlights green infrastructure's role in economic prosperity and stability, with a direct gross value added (GVA) from the environment calculated at £2.6bn, supporting 109,000 jobs in environmental and related fields.  Other benefits include long-term employment, better health, more engaging education and social cohesion. Green infrastructure, the reports show, should be central to economic and environmental policy.  These savings include a reduced need for healthcare, better employee productivity and better adaptation for climate change. The research also shows how more credible and consistent tests and measures are being developed to assess the value of green infrastructure projects.

The following three websites provides an good overview of what Green Infrastructure is and the benefits which can be achieved from it.

http://www.greeninfrastructurenw.co.uk/html/index.php?page=index

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/planningtransportlocalgov/
greeninfrastructure/default.aspx

http://www.naturaleconomynorthwest.com/

The NWDA has produced a guidance note on Green Infrastructure which identifies the economic benefits to be derived from its application.

http://www.nwda.co.uk/pdf/EconomicValueofGreenInfrastructure.pdf

Natural England and the AGMA commissioned a report on how Green Infrastructure can be embedded into the spatial planning policy and practice for the Greater Manchester City Region.  The report can be viewed at the following link.

http://www.greeninfrastructurenw.co.uk/resources/
1547.058_Final_Report_September_2008.pdf

The following report was prepared to identify the benefits to be derived from implementing Green Infrastructure within the Liverpool and Manchester City Regions.

http://www.greeninfrastructurenw.co.uk/resources/
GI_for_the_Liverpool_&_Manchester_city-regions.pdf

Approximately 29% of the region is designed as a ‘protected landscapes' compared to 23% for England.  This includes the Lake District National Park (which accounts for 18% of the Region)and 11% designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  The Northwest also have 6km of Defined Heritage Coasts.

Natural England state that Landscape is important, not just as scenery but because it links culture with nature, and the past with the present. It has many values, not all of them tangible (such as sense of place); and it matters to people - it is people who create and value landscape.

Well-looked after and highly valued landscapes are essential to social well-being and an economically healthy society. We value our landscapes because of their inherent interest, their contribution to both our national identity and our local distinctiveness, their artistic inspiration - and for the goods and services they can provide.

Our landscapes represent a coming together of the natural world, human society and people's needs. They provide a range of ecosystem services (the services that the Earth's ecosystems provide, including food, water, disease management, climate regulation, spiritual fulfilment and aesthetic enjoyment).

They have influenced the character of our towns and cities and they provide places of widely ranging character, where people can relax, recreate and learn.

Landscapes should be managed, planned and, where appropriate, protected to deliver a full range of ecosystem goods and services. Natural England advocates the use of a landscape character approach, which can be used to underpin local, regional and national policies and actions, ensuring that landscapes remain distinctive and highly valued.

Our landscapes provide for our needs as well as nature's. Our activities influence and shape its appearance and function, these activities include:

• recreation and health
• wildlife and biodiversity
• education and experience
• farming, forestry and food
• natural resources
• transport and infrastructure
• settlement
• local distinctiveness
• history.

England's natural environment is not static: millennia of complex changes have given us our landscapes of today. Changes have been short-term and long-term, and natural and man-made. They range from the impacts of centuries of agricultural activity to the effects of the enormous economic growth of the last 200 years and the recent effects of extreme weather events.

Some landscape change has improved the quality of the natural environment, for example where derelict industrial sites have been restored, but the overall picture is one of landscape change resulting in declining diversity, distinctiveness and ecological richness.

Over the last century we have experienced:

• A gradual erosion of local distinctiveness in some areas, through a process of standardisation and simplification of some of the components that make up landscape character.
• A loss of some natural and semi-natural features and habitats such as ancient woodlands and unimproved grassland.
• A decline in some traditional agricultural landscape features such as farm ponds and hedgerows, and a loss of archaeological sites and traditional buildings.
• Increased urbanisation, often accompanied by poor design standards and a decline in the variety of building materials, and the importation of urban and suburban building styles into rural areas.
• A loss of remoteness and reduced tranquillity because of built development and traffic growth.

The State of Region Report (2008) identified that within the North West some 29% of the region is designated as a protected landscape, compared to 23% for England.  This includes extensive areas of National Park which accounts for 18% of the entire region.  In addition, 11% of the region is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  The North West also has 6 kilometres of Defined Heritage Coast.

The following provides a link to the Natural England website and to their ‘hub' identifying legislation and policies concerning landscape protection.

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/landscape/englands/character/default.aspx

81% of the Northwest is classified as rural, whilst 88% of its population live in urban areas.  Rural areas have many advantages in terms of the living environment. But there are also considerable downsides: their low population density makes it difficult to have a wide range of services in, and good transport links to, individual villages or even small towns. People without cars are especially disadvantaged - they often find it difficult to access even basic services such as health or post-16 education. As a result, rural areas have, on average, worse health, lower skills and lower incomes than most cities in Britain.

The State of the Region Report (2008) identifies that 81% of the Northwest is classified as rural whilst 88% of its people live in urban areas.  The vast majority of the Northwest is defined as rural and its social, economic and environmental development is therefore intrinsic to the region as a whole. Any reference to the rural Northwest refers to those districts classified as either significant rural, Rural-50 or Rural-80 as defined by Defra.  Those significant rural districts are defined as having more than 37,000 people or 26% of their population living in rural settlements and larger market towns.  The significant rural districts definition applies to Chester (now part of Cheshire West and Chester following the authority becoming a Unitary in April 2009) , Crewe and Nantwich, Macclesfield, Lancaster and Carlisle. Rural-50 are defined as districts with at least 50% but less then 80% of their population in rural settlements and larger market towns.  This definition applies to both Vale Royal (now part of Cheshire West and Chester) and West Lancashire.  Rural-80 districts are defined as being those districts with at least 80% of their population in rural settlements and larger markets towns.  Within the North West, this definition applies to Allerdale, Eden, Copeland, South Lakeland, Ribble Valley and Congleton.

The Government's Rural Strategy 2004 (RS2004) states that the three key priorities to create sustainable rural communities are:

• Economic and social regeneration - supporting enterprise across rural England, but targeting greater resources at areas of greatest need.
• Social justice for all - tackling rural social exclusion wherever it occurs and providing fair access to services and opportunities for all rural people.
• Enhancing the value of our countryside - protecting the natural environment for this and future generations.

In understanding the social, economic and environmental issues within the Northwest it is important to recognise that the region does not only possess urban-rural contrasts, but also has intra-rural contrasts.  Therefore the following overview only provides a limited insight.

Economic Issues - Rural areas within the Northwest account for around 20% of the regional GVA with a GVA per capita of £16,494 (higher than the Northwest average).  VAT registrations rates in the rural Northwest are 3.7% per 1,000 population compared to 3.1% for the Northwest, whilst deregistration rates are 2.8% compared to 2.5% for the Northwest.  Business density is 43.2 per 1000 capita in the rural Northwest compared to 38.3% for the region and 31.5% for England.  Agriculture employs some 40,000 people within the Northwest whilst forestry provides employment for 2,800 people.

The broadly defined service sector accounts for most employment in the rural Northwest with 30% in Other Services and 25% in Distribution and Hotels whereas Agriculture accounts for just 3% of employment.  Employment rates are 77% for the rural Northwest compared to 72% for the North West as a whole. 

Social Issues -The population of the rural Northwest is 1.3 million which equates to 19.5% of the region.  The proportion of those aged over 65 is 18% compared to the regional average of 16.2%. Those of working age account for 65.2% of the population.  Fuel poverty is apparent in 7.0% of rural districts which is lower than the average for the region.  However in sparse villages the rate increases to 8%. It should be noted that some 1.5% of the region's population live in sparse rural areas.

The percentage of rural households over 4km from a primary school in the Northwest is 10% compared to 1% for the region.  For secondary schools it is 26% for rural areas and 3.0% for the region.

The Northwest RSS Annual Monitoring Report (2009) identifies that those living within rural areas have the highest levels of life expectancy.  In the period 2005-2007, South Lakeland had the highest life expectancy rate for both males and females (79.4 and 83.1 years respectively).  Other relatively rural districts such as Macclesfield, Ribble Valley, Congleton, Eden and Flyde had higher life expectancy rates than the English average in 2005-2007.

The Northwest Regional Rural Delivery Framework has identified that on average, people living in the Rural Northwest enjoy better health, are better paid, have higher levels of educational attainment and experience lower levels of crime than their urban counterparts.  However this does mask pockets of deprivation, for example concentrations of the low skilled predominate in rural towns.

Environmental Issues - Within the rural Northwest the Tonnes CO² per capita are 10.4 compared to 9.02 for the region and 7.39 for urban districts. 

The Lake District National Park covers approximately 18% of the Northwest.  In addition almost 35% of all English Common Land is in the North West.  Some 80% of land is in agricultural use, ranging from the predominately diary farming county of Cheshire, arable and horticulture in south west Lancashire, to beef and sheep farming in the upland areas of north Lancashire and Cumbria.

The State of the Region Report 2008 identifies that Agriculture is already in decline and farm incomes across the North West are below the national average.  To ensure that farming remains a viable sector in our economy there are a wide range of actions which need to be promoted.  Although farm diversification is not the solution, it is one method of helping to support this industry.

Agriculture remains essential to rural communities, the rural economy and the environment.  However the position of agriculture within the overall economy is changing.  A possible and rational response to these developing circumstances is for farm occupiers to seek to enhance their household income from sources other than conventional farming production.

The Government, through Planning Policy Statement 7 (PPS7) has identified the need to promote a competitive, sustainable, diverse and adaptable agricultural sector which achieves high environmental standards, minimising impact on natural resources, manages valued landscapes and biodiversity and contributes directly and indirectly to rural economic diversity.  The best and most versatile agricultural land should also be protected. 

Diversification offers the potential to improve the economic viability of many farm businesses, whilst contributing to the economy of the surrounding areas.  Opportunities for agricultural diversification can provide greater employment opportunities and enhance rural enterprises.  At present it is estimated that within England approximately 51% of farms are engaged in rural diversification.  The Northwest has the lowest levels of diversification (47%) compared to the South East (75%). Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has meant that farmers are required to take on multiple roles, diverting resources from food production and increasing their role as environmental and countryside managers.  

Farm diversification can be defined in many ways; however Defra uses the broad definition of "the entrepreneurial use of farm resources for a non-agricultural purpose for commercial gain".  Included within this definition are:

• Tourism, sport, recreation and processing;
• Non-agricultural contracting;
• Letting of buildings for non-agricultural commercial purposes.

Farming has a wide range of complex, significant and long-term impacts on the environment. These impacts can be beneficial as well as damaging. 

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) will run from 2007 to 2013 and in the northwest focuses on four thematic areas:

• Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector
• Improving the environment and the countryside
• Improving the quality of life in rural areas
• Encouraging diversification of the rural economy

A link to RDPE is provided below.

http://www.nwda.co.uk/areas-of-work/people--jobs/rural-economy/rdpe.aspx

Planning Policy Statement 7 PPS7 - Sustainable Development in Rural Areas identifies the governments planning objectives to rural land use planning issues.

http://81.29.86.172/~nwdatk99/toolkit/docs/55-PLANNING_POLICY_STATEMENT_7.pdf

Defra has undertaken a benchmarking study on farm diversification.  The findings of this study can be viewed at the following website.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/evidence/statistics/foodfarm/farmmanage/diversification/index.htm

Further reading of agricultural diversification can be viewed at Northwest Guide to Planning and Farm Diversification

http://81.29.86.172/~nwdatk99/toolkit/docs/56-farmdiversificationguide.pdf

The built environment is a generic title which seeks to cover issues relating to promoting high quality sustainable contemporary new development whilst also promoting the protection and enhancement of the regions heritage assets.  The Northwest contains natural, archaeological and built heritage of international importance. The unique fabric and character of the region needs to be safeguarded and its distinct characteristics should be reflected in new developments. The historic environment is a particular asset, which contributes strongly to the region's image. Historic settlements and landscapes, including market towns, coastal resorts and country estates all contribute to making this a distinctive and attractive region.

 The distinctiveness of all settlements in the Northwest is an important element in the quality of life of residents and a vibrant economy. Locations that are scenically beautiful, towns with attractive historic centres, and places with a clean environment, are more appealing to companies and their employees, and have a beneficial impact on business image. A high quality environment, which helps to define the character of the region, is crucial both to nurturing existing business and attracting inward investment.

The Government's wider policy objectives promote high quality and inclusive design, improve the quality of the public realm and open spaces, protect and enhance the architectural and historic heritage of centres, provide a sense of place and a focus for the community and for civic activity and ensure that town centres provide an attractive, accessible and safe environment for businesses, shoppers and residents.

Through regional spatial strategies and local development documents, regional planning bodies and local planning authorities respectively should implement the Government's objectives for town centres, by planning positively for their growth and development. They should therefore: develop a hierarchy and network of centres; assess the need for further main town centre uses and ensure there is the capacity to accommodate them; focus development in, and plan for the expansion of, existing centres as appropriate, and at the local level promote town centre identify appropriate sites in development plan documents; create partnerships to develop, improve and maintain the town centre, and manage the evening and night-time economy; and regularly monitor and review the impact and effectiveness of their policies for promoting vital and viable town centres.

Town centre strategies can play an important and complementary role in ensuring the continued vitality and viability of centres. They may be part of the evidence base for development plan documents, including area action plans and for supporting the use of compulsory purchase orders for site assembly.

Re-use of buildings in the countryside highlights the Government's policy which is to support the re-use of appropriately located and suitably constructed existing buildings in the countryside where this would meet sustainable development objectives. Re-use for economic development purposes will usually be preferable, but residential conversions may be more appropriate in some locations, and for some types of building. Planning authorities should therefore set out in Local Plans their policy criteria for permitting the conversion and re-use of buildings in the countryside for economic, residential and any other purposes, including mixed uses. These criteria should take account of: the potential impact on the countryside and landscapes and wildlife; specific local economic and social needs and opportunities; settlement patterns and accessibility to service centres, markets and housing; the suitability of different types of buildings, and of different scales, for re-use; the need to preserve, or the desirability of preserving, buildings of historic or architectural importance or interest, or which otherwise contribute to local character.

Many people feel that they have no say over what development takes place in their community; but Village Design Statements (VDSs) offer a constructive solution to this dilemma.  Local communities have an unique appreciation and understanding of their own place, and a VDS is based on this knowledge. It describes the qualities that residents value in their village and its surroundings. Around 200 English communities have completed Design Statements to date.  A Village Design Statement sets out clear and simple guidance for the design of all development in a village, based on its character. It is an advisory document produced by the village community, not by the planning authority. It will not stop change from happening, but it can help effect how any new building fits in to the village. VDSs are intended to influence the operation of the statutory planning system, so that new development is in harmony with its setting and makes a positive contribution to the immediate environment.

A Parish Plan uses extensive consultation to identify a communities needs. It includes a concise action plan that prioritises the issues raised, and sets out how it might work with others to tackle these. Parish planning has led to direct action by communities that is improving the way their local area and services are managed. Concrete benefits that have resulted from Parish Plans are very varied, and include: highway safety improvements village hall refurbishment  planning permission for health facilities  installation of IT facilities revitalised Parish Councils.

Action with Communities in Rural England, or ACRE as it is widely known, is active in promoting the interests of rural communities. It also acts as the national umbrella organisation for 38 Rural Community Councils throughout England.  ACRE aims to promote a healthy, vibrant and sustainable rural community sector that is well connected to policies and initiatives at national, regional, sub regional and local levels.

The following link is to Places Matter! Economic Value of Good Design in a Recession (May2009) http://www.placesmatter.co.uk/webfm_send/25

CABE is the government's advisor on architecture, urban design and public space.  There website provides an excellent resource for exemplar projects, both within the region and nationwide.  http://www.cabe.org.uk/#3

As identified above ACRE aims to promote healthy, vibrant and sustainable rural communities, their website can be viewed at  http://www.acre.org.uk/

The whole of our historic environment enriches our quality of life and contributes to local character and a sense of place. However some historic buildings, monuments, landscapes and areas are of special importance nationally or even internationally.  These special sites require that particular attention be given to them especially where they are likely to be affected by change in the historic environment.

The whole of our historic environment enriches our quality of life and contributes to local character and a sense of place.  However some historic buildings, monuments, landscapes and areas are of special importance nationally or even internationally.  These special sites and area require that particular attention be given to them especially where they are likely to be affected by change in the historic environment.Designated Sites, Legislation and Policy Guidance

Statutory designations cover Scheduled Monuments and Listed Buildings (all grades, I, II*, II are protected in equal measure) and Conservation Areas.  Key items of legislation which provide the framework for the protection and enhancement of the historic environment are The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act (AMAAA) 1979 (Scheduled Monuments) and the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas). 

The primary policy tool in dealing with the historic built environment is PPG15, which sets out policy for the protection of listed buildings and conservation areas and their settings (PPG15, paragraphs 2.16 and 4.14).  PPG15 also gives guidance on other aspects of the historic environment for which there are no specific statutory controls.  PPG 15 explains the role played by the planning system in their protection and complements the guidance on archaeology and planning given in Planning Policy Guidance 16: Archaeology & Planning, which sets out policy on archaeological remains on land, and how they should be preserved or recorded both in an urban setting and in the countryside. Historic Environment CLG 

Other important sites are recorded on The Register of Historic Parks and Gardens and the Register of Historic Battlefields respectively.  No specific legal controls follow from inclusion of a site on these registers, although PPG15 marks these out as being material considerations in the planning process. 

Areas designated as World Heritage Sites are those recognised as having ‘outstanding universal value' and are of international importance.  The list is maintained by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).  Similarly to the above registers, no specific legal controls pertain to this designation, although World Heritage Sites commonly contain statutorily designated sites such as Scheduled Monuments and Listed Buildings.

The settings of cultural heritage assets should also be considered in development proposals, to include considerations such as views and vistas where relevant.  Particularly, the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 sets out the requirement to have regard to the desirability of protecting or enhancing the setting of Listed Buildings.  In the case of World Heritage Sites, buffer zones are identified around these, establishing their settings. 

The White Paper ‘Heritage Protection for the 21^st Century' was published in March 2007 by DCMS and WAG and outlines the potential for a more unified approach to the protection of the historic environment.  This includes proposals for the creation of a single system for national designation and consents.  This gave rise to the draft Heritage Protection Bill, which was presented in April 2008.

LINKS

Heritage Protection Bill

Draft Heritage Protection Bill

English Heritage is the Government's statutory adviser on the historic environment. Officially known as the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England, English Heritage is an Executive Non-departmental Public Body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.  Their powers and responsibilities are set out in the National Heritage Act (1983) and today they report to Parliament through the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

English Heritage works to conserve and enhance the historic environment.  Among other roles, English Heritage gives advice on planning and conservation issues and supports conservation and research through grants.  They maintain registers of Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, parks and gardens and historic battlefields, as well as maintaining the National Monuments Record; a national archive covering England's buildings, archaeology and maritime sites.  Over 400 historic properties are under the direct control and care of English Heritage. 

The Northwest contains a rich and diverse range of features of historic and cultural interest.  English Heritage report Heritage Counts 2008 quantifies a range of regional and district indicators. 

In summary, at a Regional Level, there are the following assets.

• World Heritage Sites - 2 (Albert Dock, Liverpool and the Western Section of Hadrian's Wall).
• 25,420 Listed Buildings within the Region (6.8% of the national total);
• 1,316 Scheduled Ancient Monuments (6.7% of the national total);
• 129 Registered Parks and Gardens (8.1% of the national total);
• 3 Registered Battlefields (Battle of Nantwich, Battle of Solway Moss and Battle of Rowton Heath(s);
• 859 Conservation Areas an increase of 34 from 2005.

English Heritage also maintains the Heritage at Risk Register, which incorporates and supersedes the Buildings at Risk Register[4].  This brings together information on Grade I and II* listed buildings nationally, Grade II listed buildings in London, and structural scheduled monuments (structures rather than earthworks and buried sites), known to English Heritage to be at risk through neglect and decay. Also included are details of registered battlefields and protected wreck sites at risk.  Information derived from this ongoing work should be taken into account when updating baseline and monitoring frameworks. 

The number of buildings classified as ‘at risk' in the North West was 135, this represents a decrease of 17% in the number of buildings classified ‘at risk' since 2002.  At the sub-regional level, Cumbria has the highest percentage (27%) of ‘at risk' buildings, with Merseyside having the lowest percentage with only 12% of buildings classified as ‘at risk'. 

LINKS

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.1665

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conWebDoc.3621

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.19186

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.19203

OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ADVICE

Protecting archaeology is vital to maintain a crucial link with the past.  Sites vary from upstanding and obvious sites - such as castles and stone circles - to buried remains - like Roman or medieval settlements - hidden below later buildings and fields.  All of these are fragile: once lost, they can never be replaced.  It is essential to identify, manage and value individual monuments and the landscapes which contain them if they are not to be swept away by the modern pressures of road building, urban development or agricultural techniques.  

Non-designated cultural heritage assets, including archaeological remains and non-listed buildings should also be taken into account in decisions on specific projects and developments.  Conservation officers and County or local authority archaeologists hold useful sets of information and should be contacted at the earliest stage.  These may include buildings identified on local lists as being of historic or architectural importance to the area, or information held on County- or Local Authority-based Historic Environments Records (formerly known as Sites and Monuments Records).  Local authorities may also have their own buildings at risk surveys for Grade II listed buildings and other buildings of local historic or architectural interest. 

HELM (Historic Environment Local Management) is an English Heritage sponsored scheme to provide accessible information, training and guidance to decision makers in local authorities, regional agencies and national organisations whose actions affect the historic environment. Working with key partners, HELM aims to provide the tools to manage change in the historic environment with increased skill and confidence.  A full set of English Heritage guidance can be found on the HELM website. 

Of course there are many organisations established to support the protection of our cultural and historic heritage some of which are listed here.  The National Trust is an independent charity seeking to protect over 300 historic houses and gardens and 49 industrial monuments and mills.  The Institute of Maintenance and Building Management exists to support those involved in the practice of maintenance and building management and to promote and develop the standards and levels of service delivered by the industry.  The Historic Houses Association represents the interests of Britain's historic houses, castles and gardens that remain in private ownership.  The Association represents over 1500 such properties, the majority of which provide some form of public access. The English Historic Towns Forum exists to support professionals working in the historic built environment.  The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings was founded by William Morris to counteract destructive restoration processes.  The Georgian Group is the national charity dedicated to preserving Georgian buildings and gardens.  The Victorian Society champion the protection and restoration of Victorian and Edwardian buildings

LINKS

http://www.helm.org.uk/

Georgian Group - http://www.georgiangroup.org.uk/docs/home/index.php

http://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/

SPAB - http://www.spab.org.uk/

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/

The Historic Houses Association - http://www.hha.org.uk/metadot/index.pl

The English Historic Towns Forum - http://www.ehtf.org.uk/

Good new design will create a rich historic environment for the future. Some of the most important new architecture and landscapes have been produced in response to the constraints of a difficult site or a demanding brief. Understanding the nature and character of what is there before beginning work on a design is the best way of producing something that enhances its environment.

Major inner city renewal, rural diversification, edge of village development, traffic calming measures: all have the potential to enhance or degrade the existing environment and to generate time - and resource-hungry conflict. An early understanding of the character and value of the historic environment prevents conflict and maximises the contribution historic assets can make to future economic growth and community well-being.

Good new design will create a rich historic environment for the future. Some of the most important new architecture and landscapes have been produced in response to the constraints of a difficult site or a demanding brief. Understanding the nature and character of what is there before beginning work on a design is the best way of producing something that enhances its environment.

Major inner city renewal, rural diversification, edge of village development, traffic calming measures: all have the potential to enhance or degrade the existing environment and to generate time - and resource-hungry conflict. An early understanding of the character and value of the historic environment prevents conflict and maximises the contribution historic assets can make to future economic growth and community well-being.

Research commissioned by CABE identified that high quality design delivers a number of significant benefits which included:

• Adding economic, social and environmental value which does not necessary cost more or take longer to deliver;
• Enhances workforce performance and satisfaction and increases occupiers prestige;
• Delivers economic benefits by delivering high quality regeneration;
• Helps to deliver places which are accessible and enjoyed by all;
• Benefits all stakeholders - investors, developers, occupiers and everyday users of developments.

In delivering high quality built development (in both urban and rural locations) it is important to consider the provision of infrastructure.  Historically the term infrastructure is usually applied to grey infrastructure e.g. roads, sewers etc, however just as equally important is the provision of Green Infrastructure.  Green infrastructure is the network of green (and blue) elements in and around urban areas. This includes public and private spaces, such as parks, gardens, allotments, cemeteries, trees, green roofs and natural landscape features such as woodland, grassland, moors and wetlands.

In recent years, thinking on green infrastructure has moved from ecology to economics.  Resources such as the countryside, coast, wetlands, urban parks, street trees and their ecosystems are seen as critical for sustainable economic growth and social goals, not just a way of supporting wildlife.

With good planning and design, these green assets can help cities to cope with some of the extreme effects of climate change.

• Integrate green infrastructure into urban areas

Well designed green infrastructure can enhance the visual amenity and value of our existing places and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

• Moderate the urban heat island

• Help wildlife adapt to climate change

Wildlife adapts more easily with the help of well-designed green spaces.

The following websites provide links to documents and reports which may of further interest and assistance in considering the above question.

The Economic Value of Green Infrastructure

http://www.naturaleconomynorthwest.com/

Creating a sustainable built environment is essential to enabling people to live within environmental limits whilst maximising quality of life.  The way buildings are designed, constructed and managed will determine the UK's ability to achieve its sustainable development goals.

Our buildings should enable all people to live well, within environmental limits. They should reduce whole life carbon and materials costs by enabling resource efficient operation (energy, waste, water). They should provide internal environments that contribute to physical and mental health and enhance creativity and productivity. Buildings should be designed to be flexible and adaptable to future uses, and be resilient to cope with local effects of climate change. As one of the UK's leading industries, construction is responsible for over 8% of GDP and employs over 2 million people. Fifty percent of carbon emissions come from the construction and operation of our built environment. Over 90% of non-energy minerals extracted in the UK are supplied as construction materials, and the industry annually produces three times the amount of waste generated by all UK households combined. Just over 30% of the sector's output by value is bought by the public sector.

The Government has identified that it is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and to tackling climate change.  The Government has a long term goal to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.  With homes accounting for around 27% of the UK's carbon emissions, it is clear that there needs to be a change in the way that homes and communities are developed.  In July 2007 the Government published Building a Green Future: policy statement which confirms the government's intention for all new homes to be zero carbon from 2016 with a progressive tightening of the energy efficiency building regulations - 25% in 2010 and 44% in 2013.  However the aim of promoting built development which will be sustainable in both its location and construction and operation is not solely limited to residential properties or to reducing carbon levels. 

Although not exhaustive, the following seeks to identify key issues and potential approaches to improving the efficiency and sustainability of new and refurbished developments. The following list is adapted from the NWDA Sustainable Buildings Guidance Note.

TABLE 1.1        NWDA SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT - TERMS

In addition to the construction and operation of a new development, the location of built development should be sited so as to minimise pressure on Greenfield development and to encourage urban regeneration.  The Government also has an objective to bring empty homes back into use and to convert existing vacant buildings.  The amount of vacant and derelict land is a key indicator of sustainable development underpinning the Governments sustainable development strategy.  In 2007, 86% of new dwellings were built on previously developed land, an increase of 29% since 1994.  The land recycling rate in the Northwest has been consistently above the average for England as a whole, which in 2007 was 73% of dwellings. 

Between 1994 and 2007 the density of new dwellings in the Northwest followed a similar pattern to the average for England as a whole.  During this period dwelling density in the Northwest increased from 25 to 49 dwellings per hectare which is above the England average of 44 dwellings per hectare.

Our society is becoming more complex and diverse. Overall population is growing, we are more ethnically diverse, and we are getting older. Equality legislation has helped challenge much discrimination and prejudice, but there are still big equality gaps.

The Northwest population is growing, ageing and becoming more ethnically diverse.

In 2006:

• 19.3% of the Northwest population were aged under 16
• 16.2% were aged 65 and over
• 4.3% were aged 80 and over

In 2005:

• 92.9% were white
• 4.1% were Asian or Asian British
• 1 % were Black or Black British
• 0.6% were Chinese

There are significant health inequalities across the region. For example, the male and female life expectancy at birth in South Lakeland, Cumbria is 78.6 years and 82.7 years respectively. In Manchester the male life expectancy is 72.5 years for men and in Liverpool it is 78.1% for women.

The final report of the Equalities Review identified persistent national inequalities in the following areas:

• Early years and education (skills)
• Employment
• Health
• Crime and the criminal justice system

We present facts, figures, key issues and questions for projects on each of these persistent inequalities in the Northwest in this toolkit.

Further Resources

The Equalities Review (2007) Fairness and Freedom
http://archive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/equalitiesreview/publications.html

NWDA Regional Intelligence Unit (2008) Diversity and Different Experiences in the Northwest http://www.nwriu.co.uk/publicationsandreports/documents/Final_Draft.pdf

A key part of the UK Government's National Strategy Action Plan 'A new commitment to neighbourhood renewal' is the creation of Local Strategic partnerships which bring together local authorities and other public services as well as residents and the private, voluntary and community sector organisations. People participate in communities in different ways, from relatively low key involvement, such as writing to a local councillor or belonging to an angling club, to the very active, such as running after-school activities or a Neighbourhood Watch group. High levels of participation in these activities are considered to be good indicators of healthy and well-functioning communities.

It is important for projects to consider not only whether there has been enough community engagement but also which groups have (and have not) been successfully engaged in that process.

The Commission for Racial Equality conducted an investigation into Regeneration in 2007 and found evidence that black and minority ethnic groups were often not being consulted meaningfully about local initiatives that affect them.

An audit commissioned by Manchester City Council (Oxfam Re:Gender) in 2003 found that, even where women were present in community engagement structures, they did not always use their voices.

Some of the barriers for effectively engaging everyone in community engagement include:

• Child care/ timing/ short notice of consultation
• Language and/or use of jargon
• Travel/ expenses
• Doubts about the consultation and whether all voices will be heard
• Inaccessible venues or communications
• Self-confidence, skills and experience (e.g. of formal meeting structures)

Questions for projects

Are all sections of your target group and/or those affected by the project included in your consultation?

TIP: Asking those involved (whether filling in questionnaires or attending events/ focus groups) to complete an anonymous equality monitoring form (i.e. asking them for information about their gender, ethnicity, age, etc) will help you to check and evidence this.

See the following comprehensive sample monitoring form at
http://www.bristolpct.nhs.uk/thetrust/Equality/publications/ses_2009/kds/
kd_6_equality_monitoring_form.pdf though you may decide it is not relevant to monitor by all these categories.

Are your consultation methods inclusive and accessible?

TIP: It may help to think or walk your way through the process for different groups of people (e.g. people with visual impairments or those who will be pushing a buggy) to think what the possible obstacles might be. Remember that the process includes: finding out about the consultation, getting there/ filling the survey in, and being able to participate and express your views. Having a range of different ways in which people can participate (e.g. coming to a focus group, talking to someone on the phone, or filling in a survey) usually makes the process more accessible.

Do you need to target particular groups who are most likely to be affected by the project and/or least likely to get heard within the consultation process?

TIP: Some of the ways you might consider doing this include:

• Linking into local community groups or projects already working with these groups - perhaps you could attend one of their meetings/ sessions, or ask them to distribute questionnaires, invites or information to their members.
• Use an organisation or which represents the interests of the group as a sounding board to plan further consultation or to check for any issues that you may have overlooked if further consultation is not needed.
• Learn from relevant research/ consultation findings done elsewhere with this group

Useful resources for inclusive consultation

Oxfam Re:Gender Project is based in Greater Manchester and their web site contains practical resources on involving women and men in regeneration, urban/spatial planning, etc.

http://www.oxfam.org.uk/resources/ukpoverty/regender.html

The Manchester Community Engagement Toolkit is produced by Manchester City Council and contains lots of information and practical ideas for engaging different equalities groups. It can be downloaded from:

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/downloads/file/234/community_engagement_toolkit

Everyone has a right to live in a community that is safe, especially within their own homes. Crime, whether domestic violence, hate related or any other form, imposes economic costs, reinforces social exclusion and can hasten the environmental decline of neighbourhoods. It can make people reluctant to walk or take public transport or go out after dark. Crime (and fear of crime) damages the economy and the social cohesiveness of communities.

We also know that equalities groups are vulnerable to different types of crime. For example, men are the victims of 82% of stranger assaults, where 81% of victims of domestic violence are women. Some groups, such as young men from deprived communities, are particularly vulnerable to getting involved in crime. NACRO has found that young people are responsible for 40% of crimes such as theft, burglary, robbery and violence. Black people are disproportionately represented in many areas of the criminal justice system, as suspects, defendants, prisoners and victims.

Even projects which do not have an explicit crime reduction aim may have an impact on crime, for example, by providing diversionary activities for those who might otherwise get drawn into offending; or by bringing together generations and ethnic groups and thus strengthening the community to stand up to criminals. Where this is the case, projects will almost always have an ‘equality impact', i.e. they will reduce disadvantages faced by one or more social groups.

Projects will need to consider:

• How they can work in partnership to maximise their impact on reducing crime. This might be with housing providers, the Police, Youth Offending Teams, etc, often through the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership
• How they can involve the local community in their work, since this generally increases and sustains the impact of projects on crime
• How they can use local crime data and their own monitoring and feedback to evaluate and evidence the impact they are having.

Ippr (2006) Crime Share: The unequal impact of crime contains more detail on these topics and can be downloaded from:
http://www.ippr.org/publicationsandreports/publication.asp?id=454

Although a few years old, the ODPM's (2005) factsheet on Diversity and Neighbourhood Renewal brings together facts, figures and good practice on community safety and related issues by equality strand. It can be downloaded at http://collections.europarchive.org/tna/20090106142604/http:/www.neighbourhood.gov.uk/page.asp?id=8

NACRO (National Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders) offers a range of reports and resources on crime reduction, community safety, youth crime and related topics, see http://www.nacro.org.uk/

Some groups within our society suffer persistent injustice. This injustice is often caused and exacerbated by discrimination and prejudic. The Northwest Equality and Diversity Strategy (2008-2010) Action Plan contains the following priorities:

Economic Participation for All

Vision: To secure for everyone in the region, the possibility of participation in employment or enterprise as part of the sustainable economic development of England's Northwest. With a focus on:

• Tackling discrimination in the labour market
• Promoting enterprise to non-traditional entrepreneurs
• Supporting people out of worklessness into work
• Facilitating a reduction in skill disparities for equalities groups

Reducing Hate Crime and Violence

Vision: To strengthen the NW region's understanding of and approach to tackling hate crime and violence, with the aim of reducing the incidence of both across the region. With a focus on:

• Domestic Violence
• Hate crime including homophobic, religious and racially motivated hate crime

Promoting Diversity as an Asset

Vision: To establish that diversity is a permanent and beneficial fact of life in the Northwest; and more specifically that diversity is an economic as well as cultural and social asset.

With a focus on:

• The region's decision makers
• The general public
• Sub-regional delivery

ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION FOR ALL

A) Tackling discrimination in the labour market

We have focused here on three key areas that projects are likely to be in a position to influence, i.e. Pay, Migrant workers, and Dignity at work.

In 2007, the pay gap between men and women's median earnings was 13.9% in the Northwest. This is wider than the national pay gap (NWDA 2008).

There are also pay gaps between different ethnic groups and between disabled and non-disabled employees. For example, about a quarter of the low paid textile and security industry workforces are from black and minority ethnic backgrounds (Low Pay Commission 2008). Depending on the definition of ‘disability' used, disabled men earn 9-17% less than non-disabled men; and disabled women earn 6-11% less than non-disabled women (Equality Review 2007).

We would encourage projects who are employers to review their pay and reward strategies to ensure they are doing everything they can to tackle the pay gap. This might include:

• Comparing part-time and full-time pay (40% of women compared to 10% of men in the Northwest work part-time)
• Monitoring overtime and bonus payments
• Ensuring those who have taken career breaks are not disadvantaged by continuous service criteria
• Undertaking job evaluation to make sure that jobs at similar skill levels are being paid fairly (especially where there is occupational segregation, e.g. between cleaners and drivers)

Further information about conducting an equal pay audit can be found at:

Equality and Human Rights Commission: Toolkit for Employers - carrying out an equal pay audit 

References:

The Equalities Review (2007) Fairness and Freedom

Low Pay Commission (2008) Low Pay Commission Report 2008

NWDA Regional Intelligence Unit (2008) Diversity and Different Experiences in the Northwest

Between May 2004 and December 2007, over 70,000 people from ‘A8' (newer EU countries) registered with the Worker Registration Service in the North West. This excludes self-employed people.

Many migrant workers face exploitation in the workplace and are subjected to poor employment conditions, low pay, and lack of access to employment rights. Many migrant workers are in part-time, insecure employment, often working unsociable hours, in jobs which are often well below their skills levels. Since they are often employed by agencies, they tend to have little access to basic in-work benefits, such as a contract of employment, paid holidays, maternity leave and paid sick leave.

Good practice

Local Solutions have secured a contract with Skills for Care to train five migrant workers to become mentors to newly employed migrant workers. The project will see each mentor achieve an NVQ L3 certificate in ‘mentoring in the workplace', thereby ensuring that they are confident in their new roles and giving them the skills to engage in 1 to 1 support sessions with new employees. The mentors will work with the new employees for the first 12 months of their employment ensuring that their needs are being met and any barriers to continued and enjoyable employment with Local Solutions are removed.

(See Best Practice in the Recruitment and Employment of Migrant Workers in the Social Care Sector in Merseyside, May 2008) 

For further information on this topic, see the Migrant Workers Northwest web site

A positive work environment means more productive employees. It has been estimated that each year in the UK, 100 million days productivity are lost and 200,000 people leave their jobs due to bullying and harassment (Unite the Union 2008).

Employees are also protected from harassment under the equalities legislation. Under this definition, harassment (which is linked to race/ethnicity, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age) means that:

 

• Nearly one in five lesbian and gay people (almost 350,000 employees) in Britain have experienced bullying from their colleagues because of their sexual orientation (Stonewall 2008)
• The British Workplace Behaviour Survey 2008 found employees with a disability or long-term illness were significantly more likely to report negative experiences at work (Equality & Human Rights Commission 2008)

Projects should think about how they (and any other organisations they support) will ensure that they create a positive, harassment-free environment for their employees, service users, visitors, etc. This might include:

• Developing a Dignity at Work policy that sets out the project's stance on and response to bullying and harassment
• Providing training, especially at induction or the outset of a project, to ensure everyone is clear about what is expected of them
• Making their zero tolerance approach clear through leaflets, posters or notices
• Providing support (or at least signposting to other organisations that can provide support) to those affected by bullying and harassment.

Good practice

As part of its informal conflict resolution procedure, Manchester City Council has a team of up to 16 Conciliation Officers who can mediate for and support employees who are experiencing bullying or harassment at work. Conciliation Officers receive training in mediation, which is accredited by The Law Society, and this equips them to resolve conflict in a non judgmental, positive and supportive way. They are also briefed on the council's dispute resolution processes.

The council also developed its Dignity at Work policy in consultation with the

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) Employee Group. The group's members were able to provide information on the nature of anti-gay bullying and harassment, and on where LGB staff faced particular barriers to reporting. LGB Conciliation Officers have been recruited, and they are consulted on how the policy is working in practice for LGB staff.

From Stonewall 2007, Preventing the Bullying and Harassment of Gay Employees. 

References

EHRC/ TUC/ CBI (2008) Talent not Tokenism

Stonewall 2008 Serves You Right

Unite the Union (2008) Dignity at Work: The cost of workplace bullying   

ACAS provide guidance for employers and employees on bullying and harassment at work. Their advice leaflet - Bullying and harassment at work: a guide for managers and employers includes a checklist for things to include in a dignity at work policy  

Business Link provides useful advice for small businesses in drafting bullying and harassment policies 

Andrea Adams Trust is committed to preventing workplace bullying and offers a number of resources including a national helpline (on 01273 704 900) for those affected by it.  

Levels of entrepreneurial activity vary by social group and projects working in this area will need to take into account the different issues, barriers and opportunities these groups may experience in setting up and growing their own businesses. For example:

• People from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds and younger people are more likely to be considering starting a business but there are lower actual levels of entrepreneurial activity amongst these groups. The main barriers to enterprise appear to be financial (Small Business Service 2004).

• The predominant source of start-up finance for 93% of Pakistani businesses is family and friends; the predominant source of start-up finance for White and for Black Caribbean businesses is bank overdraft (29.3% and 38.8% respectively) (Prowess 2008)

• 70% of women who run their own business said working flexibly was the biggest motivation for going it alone.  21% of female entrepreneurs state ‘family commitments' as the main reason for becoming self-employed, compared to only 2% of men. Over half of women choose to start their business on a part-time basis (Prowess 2008).

• The UK Survey of SME Finances found that women were charged more than men on term loans (an average of 2.9%, compared to 1.9%) (Prowess 2008)

• Difficulties in obtaining start-up capital, including lack of accessible information and disinterest and discrimination on the part of banks, and fear of losing or interfering with disability-related benefits are reported by disabled people as being key barriers to entering and sustaining self-employment (Small Business Service 2004).

• Entrepreneurs over 50 account for approximately 15% of all business start-ups in England and Wales. A fifth of older entrepreneur start-ups were founded using redundancy payments (Prime 2008).

References

Omar, et al (2006) BME Small Business Owners in North West England

Prowess (2008) Facts and Figures

Small Business Service (2004) Household Survey of Entrenpreneurship 2003: Executive Summary, DTI.

What are the issues?

Different social groups in the Northwest are affected disproportionately by worklessness, for example:

• The overall BME employment rate in the Northwest in 2007 was 54.2% (compared to 60.3% in England) (D&D, p.1). In the region the Indian working age population had the highest employment rate with the Pakistani/ Bangladeshi population having the lowest rate with less than half being employed. This is affected by the low female employment rate for this ethnic group.
• 45.2% of working age disabled people in the region were in work in 2007, (compared to 50.8% nationally) where 79.1% of non-disabled people work
• In 2006, approximately a tenth of 16 and 17 year olds in the Northwest were Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET)

For more information, see: NWDA Regional Intelligence Unit (2008) Diversity and Different Experiences in the North west

If projects are to succeed in targeting employment opportunities at these groups, they must take account of the different barriers faced by the region's diverse workless population. These include:

• The need for flexible and/or part time work to fit around caring responsibilities - approximately 1 in 10 people in the North West provide unpaid care
• The need for affordable and convenient child care
• The importance of reasonable adjustments and accessible workplaces
• The impact of transport and geography (especially in rural and/or remote areas)
• Varying patterns in skills and qualifications amongst equalities groups
• Language barriers
• The impact of low pay on workless people's decision-making
• The attitudes of employers to diverse applicants

Good practice example: The Last Mile Equal Development Partnership

The Northwest Foundation Placement Scheme

This project was led by Northwest Vision and Media and aimed at supporting individuals from black and minority ethnic communities into opportunities in the creative and cultural industries in the Northwest region. The project also worked with a network of media and creative businesses to promote cultural diversity, developing a regional media training network and encouraging recruitment and marketing to be taken forward through non-traditional means.

The partnership sought to identify, nurture and support creative talent and ensure that entrants had the skills needed to develop and progress in the media sector by implementing positive action training to address under-representation in the workforce. The partners delivered bespoke employability workshops supported by specific training provision around script writing, producing and directing to support entrants during their placement and underpin their learning and skills.

From European Social Fund: Equality & Diversity Good Practice Guide - Ethnic Minority Communities

There are a number of patterns of difference for equalities groups in accessing education and training and achieving qualifications. Projects will need to consider how they can tackle the barriers facing the Northwest's diverse population if they are to support the region's requirement for skilled workers.

Race/ ethnicity

There are significant differences between ethnic groups in terms of their school attainment. For example, Chinese pupils in the Northwest were most likely to achieve five or more good GCSEs and those from Black ethnic groups were least likely (56.4%) (NWDA 2008).

Black and minority ethnic (BME) people are under-represented in apprenticeships (EHRC 2007) but now have high levels of representation in higher education (NOA 2002). However, Black students are the least likely to enter higher education via the traditional A-level route and are more likely to be ‘mature students' (i.e. aged over 21), entering with vocational rather than academic qualifications. They are twice as likely to attend a post-1992 university as a more established, better funded one. (The Equality Review 2007)

Gender

In 2006/7, 64.8% of girls in the Northwest achieved five or more good GCSEs or equivalent compared with 56.1% of boys (NWDA 2008).

However, motherhood and caring responsibilities can have a significant impact on whether and how women develop and use their skills:

"Young mums in particular miss out because their education may be disrupted and they may not be in school when careers advice is available. Few services are tailored to meet their specific needs and help them combine work education and training with childcare and flexible work". (YWCA 2008)

In 2007, there were slightly more working age men qualified to level 2 and above than women in the Northwest, though this gender gap has narrowed considerably since 2001 (NWDA 2008).

Occupational segregation continues to create disadvantages for women in terms of turning their qualifications into well-paid jobs. Women are under-represented in engineering, technology and other degree subjects which generate the highest return. Meanwhile, over nine-tenths of hairdressing apprentices are women, whilst at least 98% of apprentices in construction, the motor industry and plumbing are men. (EOC 2006)

Disability

Disabled people are twice as likely as other citizens to have no qualifications. Over a third of those without any formal qualifications are disabled (The Disability Agenda 2007).

Barriers to education and training for disabled people include:

• Lack of training and expertise amongst teaching and assessment staff
• Patchy provision of technological aids, equipment and specialist support
• Physical barriers to accessing courses or curriculum
• Content of qualifications and methods of assessment is often not inclusive
• Detailed, up-to-date information for disabled people about courses and institutions is often not available
• Work-based placements are rarely long enough for disabled students to settle in and develop their skills

See ALI (2006) and Haines (2006) for more details

Religion or Belief

Almost one third of Muslims of working age have no qualifications, the highest proportion for any faith group (Hussain & Choudhury, 2007). Whilst research into Muslim women and higher education (Tyrer 2006) found that families and husbands are often very supportive of women studying for degrees and participation rates are high; fears and experiences of ‘Islamaphobia' can act as a barrier:

Age

Older people are more likely to have skills in declining industries and less likely to have IT skills than younger people. Age bias in the allocation of training opportunities in the workplace can also act as a barrier to older people gaining new skills. (Prime 2008)

Whilst there has been a huge increase in the participation of young people in higher education in recent years, there has been an increase of graduates from the poorest families from just 6% to 9%, compared to an increase in graduates from the richest families from 20% to 46%. (The Equality Review).

Young people in rural areas often do not have adequate access to the education and training opportunities they need and want and many leave to obtain improved education and employment opportunities. As a result, rural areas are losing valuable skills (ippr North 2006).

References

ALI (2006) Greater Expectations: provisions for learners with disabilities, Coventry, Adult Learning Inspectorate 

The Disability Agenda (2007) Increasing life chances through learning and skills, Disability Rights Commission

EHRC (2007) Daring to be different: The business case for diversity on apprenticeships

EOC (2006) Facts about Women and Men in Great Britain

Haines, S (2006) 14-19 Education & Training and Young Disabled People, Nuffield Review of 14-19 Education and Training Working Paper 37

Hussain, S and Choudhury, T (2007) Muslims in the EU Cities Report United Kingdom. 

Ippr North (Midgley, J & Bradshaw, R) Should I stay or should I go? Rural Youth Transitions, ippr/ Commission for Rural Communities.

The Equalities Review (2007) Fairness and Freedom

NAO (National Audit Office) (2002) Widening participation in higher education in England, Report by the Comptroller & Auditor General HC 485 Session 2001/2, 18/01/2002

NWDA Regional Intelligence Unit (2008) Diversity and Different Experiences in the Northwest

Prime (2008) Improving Employment Prospects for the Over 50s)

Tyrer, D. & Ahmad, F. (2006) Muslim women, and higher education: identities, experiences and prospects: a summary report, Liverpool John Moores University and European Social Fund

YWCA (2008) Finding a future: careers education and young women, Briefing no. 16

What is ‘hate crime'?

Hatred is a strong term that goes beyond simply causing offence or hostility. Hate crime is any criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by an offender's hatred of someone because of their:

• race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality or national origins
• religion
• gender or gender identity
• sexual orientation
• disability

Hate crime can take many forms including:

• physical attacks - such as physical assault, damage to property, offensive graffiti, neighbour disputes and arson
• threat of attack - including offensive letters, abusive or obscene telephone calls, groups hanging around to intimidate and unfounded, malicious complaints
• verbal abuse or insults - offensive leaflets and posters, abusive gestures, dumping of rubbish outside homes or through letterboxes, and bullying at school or in the workplace

The Home Office's definition of a hate crime:

• Any incident, which constitutes a criminal offence, which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate.

(see http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/reducing-crime/hate-crime/ for more information)

Nationally, in 2007-08

• Police recorded 4,823 racially or religiously motivated crimes in which somebody was injured, 4,320 crimes without injury, and 26,495 cases of harassment.
• There were also 4,005 cases of criminal damage related to hate crimes.
• The typical hate offender is a young white male (most homophobic offenders are aged 16-20, and most race hate offenders under 30).
• The majority of hate crimes happen near to the victim's home while they are going about their daily business, and an offence is most likely to be committed between 3pm and midnight.
• Most hate criminals live in the same neighbourhood as their victims.

(source: Crime in England and Wales 2007-08)

In the Northwest region in 2007/8, there were a total of:

• 2050 convictions for racially or religiously motivated hate crime;
• 145 convictions for homophobia or transphobia; and
• 16 convictions for disability hate crime.

(source: Crown Prosecution Service (Dec 2008) Hate Crime Report)

A selection of further resources:

The True Vision site is a national police initiative, which gives information and advice about reporting hate crime and personal safety.

ACPO (2005) Hate Crime: Delivering a Quality Service: Good Practice and Tactical Guidance

Guidance for police officers and support staff produced by the Home Office Police Standards Unit and the Association of Chief Police Officers. Contains useful definitions, information about rural hate crime and advice on partnership working.

CSIP/ Valuing People/ Inclusion North Hate Crime National Survey: Learning Disability Hate Crime - Identifying barriers to addressing crime

Stonewall (2008) Homophobic hate crime: The Gay British Crime Survey 2008

Victim Support's hate crime page: information for victims and those supporting them.

"Domestic violence is any threatening behavior, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been in a relationship, or between family members. It can affect anybody, regardless of their gender or sexuality. The violence can be psychological, physical, sexual or emotional. It can include 'honour-based violence', female genital mutilation, and forced marriage".  (Home Office definition)

1 in 4 women will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime - many of these on a number of occasions. (Women's Aid)

In Merseyside alone there were 27,000 reported incidents in 2007: equivalent to three every single hour of every single day.

A recent survey of support services for women who are victims of violence (including rape and other sexual violence), highlighted the North West as one of five regions which are "significantly underserved", although Liverpool and Manchester were found to have a good range of provision.

Whilst domestic violence, is disproportionately perpetrated by men against women; lesbians, gay men, heterosexual men and bisexual people can all be victims as well. Different groups of women are likely to have different needs and experiences, whether they are older or younger, from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, or disabled.

All projects will need to consider:

• How they will support employees, volunteers or service users who are experiencing or affected by domestic violence
• How they will take steps to ensure that they keep information about their service users secure, even from those who are or claim to be family members
• Whether there are opportunities within their project to educate or inform people about domestic violence - this might include posting details of domestic violence services in toilets, displaying awareness raising posters, or educating young people.

Research suggests that diversity is an asset to the UK as a whole. It enhances our economy, our workplaces, and our quality of life - in social and cultural terms.

The people of Britain value diversity and recognise that it contributes to the variety, the innovation and the vibrancy of life in the UK, especially in our cities. However, we still do not invest proportionately - the CIPD found recently that 93% of organisations have an equality or diversity policy, but only 30% have a special budget.

Diversity has had a dramatic effect on our economy, and in particular on our workplaces, which are - despite pervasive discrimination - more inclusive than ever before. The TUC and the CBI recently produced a report called Talent not Tokenism, which emphasized the contribution of diversity to our economy:

The business benefits of a diverse workforce

"Equality and diversity is not just right in principle, but is necessary for Britain to be a modern and successful economy."

Minister for Equality, Harriet Harman 

"Employers who take steps to encourage a more diverse workforce notice huge benefits from doing so, whether it is hiring skilled staff, understanding their customers' needs better or more fundamentally through improved morale and productivity. "

Richard Lambert, director-general of the CBI

"The need to unlock the talents of all - to create a truly representative workforce - is even more crucial at a time of economic uncertainty. The issue is not whether business can afford to diversify, but whether it can afford not to.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber

A firm's success and competitiveness depends on its ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skill, understanding and experience of all its people.  The potential rewards of diversity are significant: an organisation that recruits its staff from the widest possible pool will unleash talent and develop better understanding of its customers.

A successfully diverse workforce is one that contains people at all levels who have a range of different characteristics, able to be themselves at work as well as outside it.  They will have been recruited or promoted on the basis of their abilities and competence in doing the job, because their employer has focused on this, and not on what they looked like. 

A business that adopts this approach is likely to benefit in terms of:

• Filling skills gaps
• Understanding our customers
• Getting the best candidate
• Finding new markets
• Reducing recruitment costs

Discrimination in employment, wherever it exists, makes it difficult for people to do their jobs properly or excludes people from a workplace altogether because of an irrelevant demographic characteristic.  This wastes individual potential and is also damaging to the business: it fails to recruit potential staff, existing staff leave and may bring tribunal claims, and revenues ultimately suffer - so the moral imperative and the business case go hand in hand.

Diversity and equality

Our society is increasingly diverse, and this brings tremendous benefits - but this diversity has to be managed so that we also have increasing equality. The Equalities Review commissioned research which showed that:

British people instinctively dislike unequal treatment on the basis of such differences. They regard such treatment as fundamentally unfair:

● more than four in five people (85 per cent) identified with the view that "it is important that every person in the world be treated equally"; and

● more than four in five people (84 per cent) also agreed or strongly agreed that "there should be equality for all groups in Britain."

The public commitment to equality runs deep. Even in times of stress, when it might be supposed that people would be prepared to sacrifice equal treatment of some communities in the interests of security, support for equality hardly wavers. Public support for equality remained strong even in the wake of the bombings of 7 July 2005, in spite of a sharp rise in concern about security.

There is a great deal of government support, both nationally and locally, for seeing diversity as an asset, and for maximising the contribution that people of all backgrounds make to our success. There is new legislation which obliges public bodies to promote equality, recognizing that inequalities and injustice persist, and prevent us from making the best of our opportunities.

Home Office domestic violence site

Women's Aid is a leading national charity providing information and support on domestic violence 

Tackling fuel poverty remains a key part of wider policies on energy and social inclusion. Although fuel poverty can affect any type of household, three particular types of households have been identified as being most vulnerable to the effects of cold. These are older households, families with children and those with a member with long-term illness or disability.

In 2006, there were approximately 3.5 million households in fuel poverty across the UK, an increase of one million households since 2005 as a result of substantial price rises in fuel. Of these, around 2.75 million households were classified as "vulnerable". A vulnerable household is one that contains an elderly person, a child or someone who is disabled or suffering from a long term illness. (DEFRA 2008)

Nearly 1.5 million homes containing someone over the age of 65 did not provide adequate insulation and heating. The older the householders, the more likely it was that the property lacked adequate insulation or an efficient heating system. 22% of households containing someone aged over 75 had no central heating at all. In the winter of 2007-8, 23 per cent of all people aged over 65 in the UK avoided heating rooms such as their bedroom, bathroom or living room because they were worried about the costs. (Help the Aged 2008)

Research shows that UK families of disabled children are among the poorest. It costs three times as much to bring up a disabled child compared with other children, and childcare costs for disabled children are up to five times as much. Two thirds of families with disabled children struggle to pay their fuel bills in wintertime and 10 per cent have had their gas or electricity supply cut off. (Every Disabled Child Matters 2008)

Leonard Cheshire Disability estimates that, on average, disabled people face an additional 25% unavoidable expenditure, which the standard definition of fuel poverty does not account for. This means that the actual impact of fuel poverty is greater for disabled people than for non-disabled people. (Leonard Cheshire Disability 2009)

Projects may help to reduce fuel poverty by either improving energy efficiency or heating systems or by increasing the incomes of those who are currently living in fuel poverty. Those projects aiming to improve skills or employment amongst workless or low income families should consider the ‘spin-off' impact their project may have on fuel poverty. Those aiming to tackle fuel poverty through energy or heating efficiency schemes should consider the following questions:

• How will your project record take-up of initiatives by equalities group so as to monitor whether target vulnerable groups are in fact benefiting? This might, for example, involve asking people to complete an equalities monitoring form. See the following comprehensive sample at http://www.bristolpct.nhs.uk/thetrust/Equality/publications/
  ses_2009/kds/kd_6_equality_monitoring_form.pdf though you may decide it is not relevant to monitor by all these categories.
• How will the project engage with those who do not speak/ read English or who need information in different formats?
• How will the project reassure vulnerable people (e.g. older people, disabled people, lone parents, etc) that it and its workers are trustworthy?

DEFRA/ BERR (2008) The UK Fuel Poverty Strategy: 6^th Annual Progress Report at http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file48036.pdf

Every Disabled Child Matters, ‘Fuel poverty hits families with disabled children hardest', 25 January 2008
http://www.edcm.org.uk/Page.asporiginx_185hm_90302447617647r43o_20081255255u

Help the Aged (2008) Policy Statement: Fuel Poverty at
http://policy.helptheaged.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/264B0773-9DCF-48A1-8E37-654DEFE02643/0/fuel_poverty_statement_2008.pdf

Leonard Cheshire Disability (2009) Fuel Poverty and Disability Report at:
http://www.lcdisability.org/?lid=8990

As in all parts of the country, most homelessness counted by local authorities is as a result of people being asked to leave by parents or friends, losing privately rented housing or need to move due to the failure of relationships.  What is notable about homelessness in the Northwest is that there is a high rate of violence leading to people losing their homes, high rates of overcrowding in some places and a larger number of homeless affected by drug or alcohol problems then elsewhere.

Statistics from 2008 illustrate that new cases of homelessness reported by local authorities in the North West have fallen by 23 per cent per cent in comparison to the same period last year to 2,310. The number of households placed in temporary accommodation is down 13 per cent compared to the same date last year, falling to 2,180 from 2,510. The figures show that almost nine out of ten (87 per cent) of households in temporary accommodation are in self-contained homes with their own front door.

By 2008 the Government will have invested £300m for prevention services.

The Government pledged last November to end the use of B&B as accommodation for homeless 16 and 17 year olds as part of a national plan in partnership with the voluntary sector and local authorities, to prevent and tackle youth homelessness.

Some social groups are more likely to experience homelessness and remain without appropriate accommodation for longer periods of time:

• People with mental health problems are at particular risk of homelessness and housing problems can, in turn, worsen mental health.
• There is evidence that some black and minority ethnic (BME) groups disproportionately face homelessness, poor housing conditions and overcrowded accommodation. Harassment from landlords, neighbours and other local people can present further problems for significant numbers of black people. The numbers of asylum seekers, refugees and migrant workers in housing need has also increased considerably in recent years.
• It is likely that women are disproportionately represented amongst the ‘hidden homeless'. These women are staying on the floors of friends and relatives, living in overcrowded or squalid housing, or staying in violent relationships.
• The particular needs and issues for younger homeless people have been well-documented, yet there are also substantial numbers of homeless people aged 50 and over who are generally less well-catered for in terms of services that meet their needs.

Projects that help to reduce homelessness include those that:

• Provide housing advice to help people keep their homes or find new ones that meet their needs
• Support those, such as younger people and those with mental health problems, who are in accommodation but are vulnerable to losing it
• Provide specialist services such as mediation or rent deposit schemes
• Provide accommodation or support for homeless people to get them off the streets and into permanent housing.

Homeless pages (http://www.homelesspages.org.uk/) acts as an electronic gateway to information, training, publications and other agencies in this field.

Shelter is the national homelessness charity and publishes an extensive collection of resources, fact sheets and research publications at: http://england.shelter.org.uk/  

The region's skills base is a key determinant of its economic performance. The Northwest needs to ensure that skills activity is better aligned with current and future business needs. The region displays characteristics of a low skills equilibrium labour market, where an economy becomes trapped in a spiral of low value added, low skills and low wages. This situation contrasts with a much stronger performance against the other drivers of productivity and employment indicators.

There are a number of patterns of difference for equalities groups in accessing education and training and achieving qualifications. Projects will need to consider how they can tackle the barriers facing the North West's diverse population if they are to support the region's requirement for skilled workers.

Race/ ethnicity

There are significant differences between ethnic groups in terms of their school attainment. For example, Chinese pupils in the Northwest were most likely to achieve five or more good GCSEs and those from Black ethnic groups were least likely (56.4%) (NWDA 2008).

Black and minority ethnic (BME) people are under-represented in apprenticeships (EHRC 2007) but now have high levels of representation in higher education (NOA 2002). However, Black students are the least likely to enter higher education via the traditional A-level route and are more likely to be ‘mature students' (i.e. aged over 21), entering with vocational rather than academic qualifications. They are twice as likely to attend a post-1992 university as a more established, better funded one. (The Equality Review 2007)

Gender

In 2006/7, 64.8% of girls in the Northwest achieved five or more good GCSEs or equivalent compared with 56.1% of boys (NWDA 2008).

However, motherhood and caring responsibilities can have a significant impact on whether and how women develop and use their skills:

"Young mums in particular miss out because their education may be disrupted and they may not be in school when careers advice is available. Few services are tailored to meet their specific needs and help them combine work education and training with childcare and flexible work". (YWCA 2008)

In 2007, there were slightly more working age men qualified to level 2 and above than women in the Northwest, though this gender gap has narrowed considerably since 2001 (NWDA 2008).

Occupational segregation continues to create disadvantages for women in terms of turning their qualifications into well-paid jobs. Women are under-represented in engineering, technology and other degree subjects which generate the highest return. Meanwhile, over nine-tenths of hairdressing apprentices are women, whilst at least 98% of apprentices in construction, the motor industry and plumbing are men. (EOC 2006)

Disability

Disabled people are twice as likely as other citizens to have no qualifications. Over a third of those without any formal qualifications are disabled (The Disability Agenda 2007).

Barriers to education and training for disabled people include:

• Lack of training and expertise amongst teaching and assessment staff
• Patchy provision of technological aids, equipment and specialist support
• Physical barriers to accessing courses or curriculum
• Content of qualifications and methods of assessment is often not inclusive
• Detailed, up-to-date information for disabled people about courses and institutions is often not available
• Work-based placements are rarely long enough for disabled students to settle in and develop their skills

See ALI (2006) and Haines (2006) for more details

Religion or Belief

Almost one third of Muslims of working age have no qualifications, the highest proportion for any faith group (Hussain & Choudhury, 2007). Whilst research into Muslim women and higher education (Tyrer 2006) found that families and husbands are often very supportive of women studying for degrees and participation rates are high; fears and experiences of ‘Islamaphobia' can act as a barrier:

Age

Older people are more likely to have skills in declining industries and less likely to have IT skills than younger people. Age bias in the allocation of training opportunities in the workplace can also act as a barrier to older people gaining new skills. (Prime 2008)

Whilst there has been a huge increase in the participation of young people in higher education in recent years, there has been an increase of graduates from the poorest families from just 6% to 9%, compared to an increase in graduates from the richest families from 20% to 46%. (The Equality Review).

Young people in rural areas often do not have adequate access to the education and training opportunities they need and want and many leave to obtain improved education and employment opportunities. As a result, rural areas are losing valuable skills (ippr North 2006).

References

ALI (2006) Greater Expectations: provisions for learners with disabilities, Coventry, Adult Learning Inspectorate http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Publications-and-research/Browse-all-by/Post-16-learning-and-skills/Read-about-this-new-section/Greater-expectations-provision-for-learners-with-disabilities/(language)/eng-GB

The Disability Agenda (2007) Increasing life chances through learning and skills, Disability Rights Commission
http://drc.uat.rroom.net/DisabilityDebate/recommendations/
increasing_life_chances_thr.aspx

EHRC (2007) Daring to be different: The business case for diversity on apprenticeships

EOC (2006) Facts about Women and Men in Great Britain

Haines, S (2006) 14-19 Education & Training and Young Disabled People, Nuffield Review of 14-19 Education and Training Working Paper 37 at: http://81.29.86.172/~nwdatk99/toolkit/docs/57-14-19_education.pdf

Hussain, S and Choudhury, T (2007) Muslims in the EU Cities Report United Kingdom. http://www.soros.org/initiatives/home/articles_publications/publications/museucities_20080101

Ippr North (Midgley, J & Bradshaw, R) Should I stay or should I go? Rural Youth Transitions, ippr/ Commission for Rural Communities at: http://81.29.86.172/~nwdatk99/toolkit/docs/58-rural_youth_transitions.pdf

The Equalities Review (2007) Fairness and Freedom
http://archive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/equalitiesreview/publications.html

NAO (National Audit Office) (2002) Widening participation in higher education in England, Report by the Comptroller & Auditor General HC 485 Session 2001/2, 18/01/2002

NWDA Regional Intelligence Unit (2008) Diversity and Different Experiences in the North West http://81.29.86.172/~nwdatk99/toolkit/docs/27-Final_Draft_diversity.pdf

Prime (2008) Improving Employment Prospects for the Over 50s)
http://www.primeinitiative.co.uk/category/prime-reports/

Tyrer, D. & Ahmad, F. (2006) Muslim women, and higher education: identities, experiences and prospects: a summary report, Liverpool John Moores University and European Social Fund at
http://81.29.86.172/~nwdatk99/toolkit/docs/59-muslimwomen.pdf

YWCA (2008) Finding a future: careers education and young women, Briefing no. 16 at http://www.ywca.org.uk/resources/policy/finding_a_future

The next two decades will see a 40 per cent rise in the number of over-60s living in the Northwest, and a relative decline in the number of people of working age.  Addressing the ageing population is not just about tackling problems. More people, living longer, healthier lives, also present us with real opportunities - for example the chance to maintain economic growth by incorporating older people back into the workforce.

In the Northwest, about a third of those aged between 50 and State Pension Age are estimated to be economically inactive. This is higher than the national average of 27%. 55.4% of this group is inactive due to sickness, disability or injury, which is again higher than the national average of 46.1%. (Prime 2008). The decline of manufacturing industries in the North is also likely to be a factor in the relatively low levels of economic activity amongst the region's older people.

Key barriers to employment for this age group are:

• Ill-health
• Disability
• Caring responsibilities (especially for older relatives)
• Skills - many over 50s lack formal qualifications or are more likely to have skills related to declining industries
• Early retirement
• Self perceptions and attitudes of employers

Nationally about a third of black and minority ethnic people over 50 (compared to a fifth of this age group as a whole) are not economically active. The disadvantages experienced by this group getting into employment do not seem to be linked to levels of skills or qualifications.  

Examples of some of the ways in which projects might increase opportunities for this age group include:

• Targeting the over 50s for training, especially in IT and ‘newer' skills
• Providing apprenticeships or other opportunities for older workers
• Ensuring that its own policies and procedures promote the recruitment of older workers and that flexible retirement is offered wherever possible
• Showing positive images of older people working or studying in any materials
• Promoting reasonable adjustments and flexibility around caring responsibilities
• Supporting older people to start up or grow their businesses

Resources

Prime is a UK charity that helps over 50s set up in business. They have published a number of useful reports (including Smallwood, C & Obiamwe, L (2008) Improving Employment Prospects for the Over 50s). These are available from:  http://www.primeinitiative.co.uk/category/prime-reports/

Business Link provides information for organisations on employing older workers at http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?r.l1=1073858787&topicId=1082249786&r.lc=en&r.l2=1079568262&r.s=tl

The Age Positive website (part of the Department of Work and Pensions) contains a range of research, statistics and good practice examples. It also produces a series of reports discussing the issues for each of the key sectors.

http://dwp.gov.uk/agepositive/

50/50 Vision - Everybody's Future. North West Regional Framework for Ageing

http://www.5050vision.com/uploads/publications/apr_09/
5050_Everybodys_Future_doc_LO_RES_Apl_09rh_1239892663.pdf

A high employment rate is one of the key objectives of sustainable development. Employment enables people to meet their needs and improve their living standards and is the single most effective and sustainable way to tackle poverty and social exclusion for those who can work. Improving employment opportunities will increase the productive potential of the economy, leading to benefits for society as a whole.

What are the issues?

Different social groups in the Northwest are affected disproportionately by worklessness, for example:

• The overall BME employment rate in the Northwest in 2007 was 54.2% (compared to 60.3% in England) (D&D, p.1). In the region the Indian working age population had the highest employment rate with the Pakistani/ Bangladeshi population having the lowest rate with less than half being employed. This is affected by the low female employment rate for this ethnic group.
• 45.2% of working age disabled people in the region were in work in 2007, (compared to 50.8% nationally) where 79.1% of non-disabled people work
• In 2006, approximately a tenth of 16 and 17 year olds in the North West were Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET)

For more information, see: NWDA Regional Intelligence Unit (2008) Diversity and Different Experiences in the North west
http://www.nwriu.co.uk/publicationsandreports/documents/Final_Draft.pdf

If projects are to succeed in targeting employment opportunities at these groups, they must take account of the different barriers faced by the region's diverse workless population. These include:

• The need for flexible and/or part time work to fit around caring responsibilities - approximately 1 in 10 people in the North West provide unpaid care
• The need for affordable and convenient child care
• The importance of reasonable adjustments and accessible workplaces
• The impact of transport and geography (especially in rural and/or remote areas)
• Varying patterns in skills and qualifications amongst equalities groups
• Language barriers
• The impact of low pay on workless people's decision-making
• The attitudes of employers to diverse applicants

The Northwest Foundation Placement Scheme

This project was led by Northwest Vision and Media and aimed at supporting individuals from black and minority ethnic communities into opportunities in the creative and cultural industries in the North West region. The project also worked with a network of media and creative businesses to promote cultural diversity, developing a regional media training network and encouraging recruitment and marketing to be taken forward through non-traditional means.

The partnership sought to identify, nurture and support creative talent and ensure that entrants had the skills needed to develop and progress in the media sector by implementing positive action training to address under-representation in the workforce. The partners delivered bespoke employability workshops supported by specific training provision around script writing, producing and directing to support entrants during their placement and underpin their learning and skills.

From European Social Fund: Equality & Diversity Good Practice Guide - Ethnic Minority Communities at
http://www.equal.ecotec.co.uk/resources/equalopps/502762_ESF_GPG_Ethnic_v2.pdf

Sector Skills Agreements are fundamentally altering the way skills are demanded, delivered and developed throughout the UK.  They map out exactly what skills employers need their workforce to have and how these skills will be supplied - both now and in the future.  Put simply, they are about getting the right people with the right skills in the right place at the right time.

There are a number of patterns of difference for equalities groups in accessing education and training and achieving qualifications. Projects will need to consider how they can tackle the barriers facing the North West's diverse population if they are to support the region's requirement for skilled workers.

Race/ ethnicity

There are significant differences between ethnic groups in terms of their school attainment. For example, Chinese pupils in the Northwest were most likely to achieve five or more good GCSEs and those from Black ethnic groups were least likely (56.4%) (NWDA 2008).

Black and minority ethnic (BME) people are under-represented in apprenticeships (EHRC 2007) but now have high levels of representation in higher education (NOA 2002). However, Black students are the least likely to enter higher education via the traditional A-level route and are more likely to be ‘mature students' (i.e. aged over 21), entering with vocational rather than academic qualifications. They are twice as likely to attend a post-1992 university as a more established, better funded one. (The Equality Review 2007)

Gender

In 2006/7, 64.8% of girls in the Northwest achieved five or more good GCSEs or equivalent compared with 56.1% of boys (NWDA 2008).

However, motherhood and caring responsibilities can have a significant impact on whether and how women develop and use their skills:

"Young mums in particular miss out because their education may be disrupted and they may not be in school when careers advice is available. Few services are tailored to meet their specific needs and help them combine work education and training with childcare and flexible work". (YWCA 2008)

In 2007, there were slightly more working age men qualified to level 2 and above than women in the Northwest, though this gender gap has narrowed considerably since 2001 (NWDA 2008).

Occupational segregation continues to create disadvantages for women in terms of turning their qualifications into well-paid jobs. Women are under-represented in engineering, technology and other degree subjects which generate the highest return. Meanwhile, over nine-tenths of hairdressing apprentices are women, whilst at least 98% of apprentices in construction, the motor industry and plumbing are men. (EOC 2006)

Disability

Disabled people are twice as likely as other citizens to have no qualifications. Over a third of those without any formal qualifications are disabled (The Disability Agenda 2007).

Barriers to education and training for disabled people include:

• Lack of training and expertise amongst teaching and assessment staff
• Patchy provision of technological aids, equipment and specialist support
• Physical barriers to accessing courses or curriculum
• Content of qualifications and methods of assessment is often not inclusive
• Detailed, up-to-date information for disabled people about courses and institutions is often not available
• Work-based placements are rarely long enough for disabled students to settle in and develop their skills

See ALI (2006) and Haines (2006) for more details

Religion or Belief

Almost one third of Muslims of working age have no qualifications, the highest proportion for any faith group (Hussain & Choudhury, 2007). Whilst research into Muslim women and higher education (Tyrer 2006) found that families and husbands are often very supportive of women studying for degrees and participation rates are high; fears and experiences of ‘Islamaphobia' can act as a barrier:

Age

Older people are more likely to have skills in declining industries and less likely to have IT skills than younger people. Age bias in the allocation of training opportunities in the workplace can also act as a barrier to older people gaining new skills. (Prime 2008)

Whilst there has been a huge increase in the participation of young people in higher education in recent years, there has been an increase of graduates from the poorest families from just 6% to 9%, compared to an increase in graduates from the richest families from 20% to 46%. (The Equality Review).

Young people in rural areas often do not have adequate access to the education and training opportunities they need and want and many leave to obtain improved education and employment opportunities. As a result, rural areas are losing valuable skills (ippr North 2006).

References

ALI (2006) Greater Expectations: provisions for learners with disabilities, Coventry, Adult Learning Inspectorate http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Publications-and-research/Browse-all-by/Post-16-learning-and-skills/Read-about-this-new-section/Greater-expectations-provision-for-learners-with-disabilities/(language)/eng-GB

The Disability Agenda (2007) Increasing life chances through learning and skills, Disability Rights Commission
http://drc.uat.rroom.net/DisabilityDebate/recommendations/
increasing_life_chances_thr.aspx

EHRC (2007) Daring to be different: The business case for diversity on apprenticeships

EOC (2006) Facts about Women and Men in Great Britain

Haines, S (2006) 14-19 Education & Training and Young Disabled People, Nuffield Review of 14-19 Education and Training Working Paper 37 at: http://81.29.86.172/~nwdatk99/toolkit/docs/57-14-19_education.pdf

Hussain, S and Choudhury, T (2007) Muslims in the EU Cities Report United Kingdom.  http://www.soros.org/initiatives/home/articles_publications/publications/museucities_20080101  

Ippr North (Midgley, J & Bradshaw, R) Should I stay or should I go? Rural Youth Transitions, ippr/ Commission for Rural Communities at: http://81.29.86.172/~nwdatk99/toolkit/docs/58-rural_youth_transitions.pdf

The Equalities Review (2007) Fairness and Freedom
http://archive.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/equalitiesreview/publications.html

NAO (National Audit Office) (2002) Widening participation in higher education in England, Report by the Comptroller & Auditor General HC 485 Session 2001/2, 18/01/2002

NWDA Regional Intelligence Unit (2008) Diversity and Different Experiences in the North West http://81.29.86.172/~nwdatk99/toolkit/docs/27-Final_Draft_diversity.pdf

Prime (2008) Improving Employment Prospects for the Over 50s)
http://www.primeinitiative.co.uk/category/prime-reports/

Tyrer, D. & Ahmad, F. (2006) Muslim women, and higher education: identities, experiences and prospects: a summary report, Liverpool John Moores University and European Social Fund at
http://81.29.86.172/~nwdatk99/toolkit/docs/59-muslimwomen.pdf

YWCA (2008) Finding a future: careers education and young women, Briefing no. 16 at http://www.ywca.org.uk/resources/policy/finding_a_future

The creation of health inequalities is a result of the interplay of a number of factors - including economic, social, and psychological conditions as well as general access to treatment and care - particularly high quality primary care. Health inequalities already exist in the Northwest - and they are widening.

Tackling health inequalities is a top priority for the Government, and it is focused on narrowing the health gap between disadvantaged groups, communities and the rest of the country, and on improving health overall. 

Health inequalities

Health inequalities, including health status and outcomes, are due to a complex combination of factors including:

• The social determinants of health - employment, education, food, housing, social justice

• Access to and experience of health care

Health inequalities are generally described in terms of socio-economic class, because wealth and health are strongly associated, and wealth produces differential outcomes for example in life expectancy. For example:

Research suggests that there is different access to health care for different groups, and this too produces different health outcomes.

Some very broad examples of differences in health:

• BME people in general are 60% more susceptible to stroke than white people
• Men are far more likely to contract cancer than women
• Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual people are disproportionately affected by domestic violence, eating disorders, cancers and mental ill health
• BME mothers are more likely than white mothers to have low birth weight babies

And some examples of differences in access to health care:

• Breast cancer screening is restricted to 50-70 year old women, (although older women are at risk of cancer)
• Disabled people are more likely to find premises inaccessible
• LGB communities report negative or mixed reactions from mental health care professionals when they are open about their sexuality
• Only 40% of Bangladeshi children in the UK have visited a dentist, compared to 90% of British children generally

Individuals can make a difference to their health by behaving in healthy ways - these are sometimes called ‘lifestyle' factors and include:

• smoking
• alcohol consumption
• nutrition
• exercise
• weight
• drug use
• sexual behaviour
• stress

Healthy behaviours associated with these issues are the ones that successful projects should promote.

Facts and figures

These health inequalities are all important nationally, and they are all reflected and exaggerated in the Northwest.

The biggest lifestyle issues in the Northwest are tobacco and alcohol.

When we consider alcohol, eight out of the 10 local authority areas recording the highest levels of harmful drinking in England are in the Northwest region. The Northwest has an alcohol related hospital admission rate that is 34% higher than the England average, and around 43,000 men and 28,000 women are admitted to hospital every year for an alcohol-related condition.

The Northwest local authorities with the highest estimated rates of binge drinking are Liverpool (27.8%), Knowsley (24.9%) and Manchester (24.8%), compared to the national estimate of 18.2%. The lowest are Blackburn with Darwen (18.6%) and Wigan (18.7%).

The NHS is founded on the principle of providing access to care to all on the basis of clinical need. However the NHS Plan confirms that the ‘inverse care law' - those in the greatest need of health care are least likely to receive it - still applies. There are many examples of patients waiting too long to receive treatment and unacceptable variations in standards across the country.  The ability to improve access to services and information will help to mitigate this.

Health inequalities have complex and overlapping causes. They are exacerbated by differential access for different communities (including access to important messages about health promotion), and different treatment, sometimes leading to different outcomes.

Research suggests that access to health and welfare services could be improved considerably for some groups in the population. For example:

• People with learning disabilities die younger than other citizens.  They also have high rates of unmet health needs, which may contribute to early death.  (DRC 2006)
• Disabled people are twice as likely to find their doctors' surgeries inaccessible
• Men tend to seek help later than women, therefore have less good outcomes for some conditions where early diagnosis is crucial
• Asylum seekers and refugees are less likely to be registered with a GP

Access to health and welfare services is promoted using a vast range of methods and approaches. Projects that can help to communicate or strengthen or target those messages will make a contribution to improving health in the region, for example, by

• Encouraging employers, educational establishments, and other partners to promote health and well being alongside other local services
• thinking about health as a secondary benefit in projects designed to address worklessness, or skills development, or transport links.

Facts and figures

A report by the Social Exclusion Unit in 2004 found that stigma and discrimination were listed as one of the top 5 reasons why the experience of mental health problems often leads to, and reinforces, social exclusion

24% of deaf and hearing impaired people miss appointments because of poor communication.

The Disability Rights Commission reported in 2006 that: there is a lack of appropriate, accessible and targeted information and support to encourage and enable people with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems to improve their physical health, particularly when they are in residential settings such as residential care homes and hospitals.

A study by the University of Leeds found that just 35% of migrant workers had registered with a GP, and 9% with a dentist.

Some questions for your project

Do you have access to groups of people for whom health promotion information is particularly important? If so, can you do more to make sure the information gets through to them?  For instance, your project might include unemployed people, people who speak English as a Second Language, homeless people, those seeking asylum, refugees, disabled people, especially those with learning disabilities or mental health issues.

Could you work with other agencies to make sure that health-related information is available, in accessible formats and languages, and in versions that would appeal to your beneficiaries?

Do you have any links with projects promoting citizenship or community cohesion, through which positive information about health and welfare services could be communicated? 

There is substantial evidence to support the role of physical activity in promoting good health.  Regular physical activity decreases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes and the associated risk factors such as hypertension and obesity.  Physical activity also has a role in preventing falls among older people.  Of particular concern are the rising levels of obesity, which have tripled in the last twenty years.  If the trend continues, over a quarter of adults in England will be obese by 2010.  A recent National Audit Office report outlined the significant costs of obesity to the NHS and the economy.

Healthy behaviour is encouraged in a vast range of ways, and often involves:

• Partnership working - with local health and social care providers; with educational establishments; with employers
• Community engagement
• Targeted health related messages such as
• Smoking cessation in BME communities
• Healthy eating for those prone to diabetes - including those of South Asian backgrounds
• Keep fit activities for older people

Some questions for your project

Are there ways that you could link your project (whether in employment, regeneration, skills development, etc) to healthy lifestyle factors?

Are there ways to relate to other local agencies to develop engagement with healthy lifestyles - for instance the local NHS?

Are there times within your project when you can specifically think about health related behaviours? For instance, are you offering people food and drink? Do you have a non-smoking policy? And a policy related to alcohol consumption if appropriate?

Are there any health related risks associated with your project (eg sitting for long periods at machines/ doing stressful work)?  How will you minimize them and raise awareness of them?

A selection of further resources can be found at:

Northwest Health Observatory http://www.nwph.net/nwpho/default.aspx

Northwest Strategic Health Authority http://www.northwest.nhs.uk/