NB this web site is currently under construction and not all links are complete...
The South East Rural Affairs Forum (SERAF) brings together rural organisations and stakeholders within the region to help inform and develop delivery of rural policy in the region. SERAF is a group of individuals from rural communities who meet quarterly to discuss and define issues affecting their communities and then seek to represent the rural voice through their Chairman Jeremy Leggett in a regular meeting with the Defra Minister. At their meetings the Forum seeks to reconcile views between different interests and promote a partnership approach across different sectors within the region
Some of the issues in which SERAF has and continues to have an interest are:
• providing affordable homes in rural areas
• a Regional Delivery Plan for Sustainable Farming and Food
• Common Agricultural Policy reform
• supply and distribution of local food products
• climate change and its effect on agriculture
• helping young people in rural areas
• delivering local transport solutions
• the South East England Forestry Framework
SERAF has also officially commented on:
• the South East England Regional Assembly renewable energy strategy
• regional tourism strategy
• modernising Rural Delivery review
• the South East England Regional Assembly Rural Select committee
• mid-term review of Common Agricultural Policy reform
The Forum presently has 30 members, an independent Chair Jeremy Leggett and Vice-Chair, Edward Dawson. The Forum aims to be as inclusive as possible with organisations from throughout the South East region representing a variety of geographic and interest areas. Each region of the country has a Rural Affairs Forum (RAF) and the chairpersons of the RAF will meet with Minister of State for Rural Affairs four times a year. Ministers from other Departments will also be invited to these meetings to ensure the rural voice is heard across Government.
Jeremy Leggett is Chief Executive of Action in Rural
Sussex, a Sussex based organisation that is committed to helping Sussex
villages remain living, working communities. He has been a member of the
South East Regional Assembly since it was established in 1999 and
currently serves on the Regional Planning Committee and is a member of
the current Affordable Rural Housing Commission.
site last updated 13/06/07