Partnership to debate education, housing and future priorities

The Cumbria Strategic Partnership (CSP) meets tomorrow to hear the latest developments on the future structure of Higher Education in the County and the position regarding housing in both urban and rural communities. It will also debate Cumbria' own sub-regional strategy setting a framework for future action. 

The Partnership meets at 12.45pm at the Lake District National Park Authority, Murley Moss in Kendal. Members will hear from Sir Brian Fender, appointed by the Government to carry out a review of the current position of Higher Education in Cumbria and consider its future structure. He will report on his progress to date and CSP Members will have the opportunity to put forward their thoughts. Paul Davis of the Rural Housing Trust will present a paper and chair a discussion on the housing situation in Cumbria, highlighting the differences within and across the county. 

Bill Lowther, Chair of the CSP stresses the importance of the issues under debate; 

"Higher Education and Housing needs are two key issues that agencies and employers across Cumbria recognise as being crucial to building a successful and vibrant County, I'm certainly looking forward to hearing what Sir Brian Fender and Paul Davis have to say. 

Just as important is how we develop the County's own Sub-Regional Strategy. The CSP is determined that Cumbria's voice will be heard at a regional level and that our priorities are recognised. Work has already begun on focusing on those priorities and tomorrow is an important debate in deciding where we go from here. 

The Partnership will have a real influence on the future development of Cumbria and tomorrow's meeting is a prime example of how we will be involved in the major issues that affect the future."