5. Communities, culture and identity of Surrey
VISION
Surrey will be recognised as a county that clearly values its natural and cultural heritage and will be regarded predominantly as a county of green spaces, individual and distinctive villages, market towns and urban areas that together provide the people of Surrey with a sense of belonging and identity. The county will be known for its ability to accommodate and value diverse communities and it will be seen as distinctive from and more independent of London. Whilst there will be more developments, fewer will be gated, as people will feel safer and more connected with their communities. There will be a greater focus on communities working together to help themselves and provide support to vulnerable and at risk groups. Towns will be vibrant, managing to appeal to all ages and walks of life and village communities and their infrastructure will have been maintained. Surrey will be more self confident and proud of its diversity.
SHORT-TERM ACTION
- Remove abandoned vehicles within 48 hours
- Reduce levels of domestic violence
- Improve ability of vulnerable people to live safely at home
- Maximise income of those entitled to receive benefits
AGENDA
- Identify ways in which the partnership can actively support the reduction of crime and antisocial behaviour
- Encourage individuals and communities to keep the peace and secure the future
- Explore how the partnership can add value to the county cultural strategy
- Contribute to protecting and improving our biodiversity and landscape
- Support communities to work together to help themselves and provide support to vulnerable/at risk groups
- Ensure that communities are properly engaged
TOTAL CRIME BY POLICE FORCE AREA 2002/03
(RECORD CRIME PER 1000 OF POPULATION)
Surrey remains one of the safest counties in England
PARTNERS
- Community Safety Coordinating Group
- Social Inclusion Group
- Supporting People Joint Management Board
- Rural Communities Group
- Voluntary Sector Action Planning Group
- Children and Young People Partnership
- Biodiversity Partnership
- Heritage Group
INDICATORS
- Quality of rivers and protected areas
- The feeling of community
- Low level of crime
- Proportion of the population who feel safe
- Proportion who are satisfied with their area
- Proportion receiving key benefits who are entitled to them
- Disadvantaged areas in Surrey
- Cleanliness of highways
"If you are disadvantaged in Surrey, you are very disadvantaged."
"A decent community is defined by its attitudes to the vulnerable."
