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Influencing policy towards small towns: nationally, regionally and locally Alison Eardley – Policy Manager Action for Market Towns. The Context – some key challenges. Over 20% of England’s population live in small towns, yet: 120% rise in unemployment compared to 90% average
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Influencing policy towards small towns: nationally, regionally and locally Alison Eardley – Policy Manager Action for Market Towns
The Context – some key challenges • Over 20% of England’s population live in small towns, yet: • 120% rise in unemployment compared to 90% average • Up to 25% growth on existing housing provision expected • Public sector spending cuts impacting on local services • Rural wages £20,895 compared to £25,550 national average • AMT campaigns for issues that our members and our research tell us is important, so that we can raise the profile of market towns on the political agenda
Towns Alive Programme Knowledge Hub (Policy) 5 years Towns Alive Towns-4-Towns (best practice) Market Towns Academy (Training) National Voice (media)
Knowledge Hub – Key elements • Strategic Information Service • Small Towns for Tomorrow • Strategy Bulletins • Policy Campaigns
AMT Policy Campaign Areas • Prosperous Places • Community Led Planning • Affordable Housing • Rural Services • Policy Snapshots
Towns Alive Programme Policy Position Statement Policy Campaign Area Policy into Practice Paper Campaign Plan
The Policy Position Statement • Bringing together expert knowledge and opinions • Undertaking a program of research into key areas • Collating and evaluating real case studies • Producing a policy position statement agreed by AMT board and members • AMT to be an authoritative voice • on market towns issues
From Policy to Practical Support • ‘Policy into Practice’ Papers – intelligence, guidance and real-life examples as a tool for market town partnerships • Targeted training • Online knowledge exchange • News and information bulletins • AMT to be a practical supporter of market town partnerships
The Campaign Plan • Influencing government and other groups integral to political process • Working in partnership with other organisations having a similar interest • Running events on market towns issues for the ‘movers and shakers’ involved in policy making • Seizing media coverage • AMT to be a strategic leader for market towns
An example: Community Led Planning • 3 year contract with Communities and Local Government • Project exploring how CLP works in the new unitary areas • Finalising the Town Action Planning approach to CLP • Initiated national consortium with ACRE, Urban Forum, NALC and Community Matters
We need you! • Become a Policy Advocate • Get involved in the policy making process • Share your experience and expertise • Receive enhanced networking opportunities • Have you chance to influence Government policy • Contact: Alison Eardley • Alison.Eardley@towns.org.uk