2 September 2008

CSS SETS OUT ITS VISION FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE BRITAIN

CSS has published its new framework for a better and more sustainable future for communities across Britain, addressing issues such as travel, climate change, flooding and waste management.

As the professional body representing director-level strategists in local government responsible for managing and advising on some of the most challenging issues of our time, CSS has published its position statement entitled ‘Strategic Vision – Creating places for people’ – which sets out its stance on a number of key challenges.

The strategy provides the basis for dialogue with Government and key opinion formers on issues such as:

• A national framework for spatial development
• Sub-national planning and economic development
• Climate change and flooding
• A vision for transport
• Infrastructure
• Efficiency and performance
• Governance
• Waste management
• 2012 Olympics and Paralympics
• Skills shortage and professional development

CSS President Brian Smith said: “CSS members are operating at the forefront of the sustainability challenge – finding ways to secure not only the quality of life that we aspire to today, but also to protect the interests of future generations.

“This document identifies CSS’s current thinking on a number of crucial, contemporary issues, with a view to stimulating debate on how we improve the way we travel, manage our waste, reduce our carbon footprint, protect and improve our national and built environments, and nurture a vibrant national economy.”

ends

Media contact  

Susan Tolman, Daybreak Communications office 0845 644 3845; mobile 07786 543430; susan.tolman@daybreakcomm.co.uk 

Notes to editors

• CSS represents senior local authority officers who manage some of the most pressing issues facing the UK today. Membership is drawn from all four corners of the United Kingdom with members responsible for three-quarters of the road network, two thirds of the land area and just under half of the population of England and Wales. Operating at the strategic tier of local government, they are closely involved in crucial transport, waste management, environment, planning, energy and economic development issues.
• To view the full Strategic Vision, go to http://www.cssnet.org.uk/        
• Key points in the Strategic Vision include:

 Spatial development

• Regional and local planning needs to be conducted within the framework of a national spatial development strategy
• Government’s Sustainable Communities Plan falls short – whole swathes of the country are not included in a meaningful way
• CSS is keen to help Government shape a national spatial development framework that cascades to regional and local levels

 Sub-national planning and economic development

• CSS supports the sub-national review and recognises the crucial role healthy economies play in improving quality of life
• It is crucial for local democracy to have a strong voice in the new system

 Climate change and flooding

• CSS members have key roles to play in reducing greenhouse emissions and preparing for climate change
• CSS will work with Government to shape new climate change legislation and identify best practice
• CSS members have key roles to play in dealing with the growing threat from flooding

 A vision for transport

• A new long-term vision is needed for the future of transport – more of the same won’t do
• Travel is good – but increasing pressure on the road network requires a national scheme of demand management
• CSS supports studies to explore use-relate charges on congested roads – but such measures must achieve wide public acceptance
• While maintaining mobility, we must also improve carbon efficiency through a range of measures including research into alternative fuels

 Infrastructure

• Government must bring forward much-needed investment in infrastructure to support sustainable communities
• Developer contributions through tariffs or similar mechanisms should be considered to redirect developer profits into social benefit

 Governance

• Because it can see the big picture, the strategic tier of local government has a fundamental role in shaping and delivering improvements to quality of life
• Government often fails to recognise this key role
• Strategic authorities can focus resources while motivating a range of partners

 Efficiency and performance

• CSS shares Government aims to improve value for money in the funding of services
• Shared best practice and joint working on procurement are fundamental
• CSS will press Government for resources with which to tackle the substantial roads maintenance backlog

 Waste management

• Strategic authorities are pivotal in delivering sustainable waste management
• Strong leadership is needed from Government to promote waste minimisation, recycling and re-use
• Rapidly escalating waste management costs need to be reflected in Government funding to local authorities
• A strong steer is needed from Government to ensure that collection and disposal authorities work together

2012 Olympics and Paralympics

• The Olympics and Paralympics are an opportunity to secure lasting benefits to our physical infrastructure, plus wider economic and social benefits
• Strategic local authorities have a crucial role to play in securing these benefits

 Skills shortage and professional development

• Local government (and its contractors) are facing a serious skills shortage in  a number of key professions
• CSS is working to ensure a good supply of well-qualified professionals
• CSS welcomes Government support for capacity building, especially in planning and promoting quality in design