HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

ENVIRONMENTAND PLANNINGCABINET PANEL

TUESDAY 9 MARCH2009at 10.00 A.M.

QUALITY OF LIFE REPORT

Report of the Director of Environment & Commercial Services

Author: Chris Rose, Project Assistant, Climate Change Tel: 01992 556307

Executive Member: Derrick Ashley (Environment, Planning and Waste)

  1. Purpose of Report

1.1To inform the Panel of the key findings from the Hertfordshire Quality of Life 2009 report. A presentation will be given at the Panel meeting.

  1. Summary
2.1Produced annually by the county council’s Sustainability Team on behalf of the Hertfordshire Environmental Forum (HEF)1, the Quality of Life 2009 report highlights the key changes inmore than 40 indicators covering seventeen separate subject areas. 4,000 printed copies of the report are produced and distributed across Hertfordshireannually in March. The website which accompanies the printed version, includes the same editorial content as the report but in addition provides access to a much wider range of information. This includes downloadable graphs,data and educational resources or papers, as well as previous year’s information. Being interactive, the website promotesfurtherreader engagement and can be updated more frequently at less cost. The report is promoted through HEF activities including local exhibitions and the CountyShow.
  1. Conclusion

3.1Whilst the county is a desirable place to live, the increasing pressure upon the environment is having a negative impact. Careful planning is needed to protect the quality of life. Climate change and slowed economic activity remain major concerns, representing a range of opportunities to be exploited,as well as challenges that must be managed.

4.Recommendations

4.1That the Panel notes the key findings of the report.

5.Background

5.1 Originally produced as a lengthy technical document and entitled “The Report on the State of Hertfordshire’s Environment” and covering environmental issues only, the Quality of Life Report is now a concise 48 page document looking at economic, social and environmental issues. Graphically presented, the report is based upon a series of indicators developed over the past 17 years. This creates an evolving picture of the county which in many instances, may be compared on a district, county,regional and UK basis. This year’s report also represents the beginning of a transition to ensure that the report remains relevant. A new mix of indicators includes, amongst others, a number of the National Indicators (NIs) for local government.

5.2 No other county in the UK is known to publish this level of detailed information on an annual basis and over such a long period. The Hertfordshire Environmental Forum, which produces the report, has undertaken this task since 1992 and has received recognition by the Audit Commission for Best Practice in this field of reporting.

6.Quality of Life Report 2009 – Key Findings

6.1As the dominant story of 2009, the UK economy continued to face extraordinary challenges following the financial crisis of late 2008. Amongst its findings, the 2009 report illustratesthe wide-ranging effects of recession within Hertfordshire, with several indicators showing the hallmarks of slowed economic activity. For instance, the report highlights a rapid rise in the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits, a severe decline in the volume of property sales and a notable decrease in the volume of traffic.

6.2 However, other indicators point to the fact that Hertfordshire remains prosperous and appears to have suffered less severely than other areas. Earnings remain above the national average, being the fourth highest in the country behind London, Surrey and Buckinghamshire. New business registrations have increased and knowledge-based job numbers have hit record highs.

6.3 Hertfordshire’s children and young people continue to achieve above national average levels of attainment. The educational prospects amongst children in care are very positive, with continued above national average enrolment at university in 2009. Hertfordshire remains one of the safest areas in the country, with crime levels falling again and, despite large variations between districts, the county’s residents enjoy good levels of health.

6.4Whilst these factors make the county a desirable place to live, it is clear that maintaining the very good quality of life enjoyed in Hertfordshireis having an impact on the environment and putting pressure on resources. The consumption of energy and water remain high and progress to exploit the opportunities in renewable energy remainingvery poor. Other issues highlighted include the affordability of housing for both rent and purchase, with house prices remaining very high in comparison to earnings.

6.5The challenge for Hertfordshire lies in tackling the outstanding environmental issues and responding to a range offactors posed by climate change whilst maintaining economic prosperity.

7.Financial Implications

7.1Production costs for the Quality of Life report are met annually by the Hertfordshire Environmental Forum. There are no additional financial implications arising out of this report.

Background Information used in preparing this report

Hertfordshire Environmental Forum, Quality of Life Report 2009, February 2010

1 HEF membership includes Hertfordshire’s county and district councils, Hertfordshire Association of Parish & Town Councils, Hertfordshire NHS Environmental Group and Hertfordshire & Middlesex Wildlife Trust. The Quality of Life report also receives contributions from Hertfordshire Constabulary, Environment Agency and VeoliaWaterThamesValley.

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