Local Government Minister Baroness Sharon Taylor of Stevenage met New Forest communities at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show last week (31 July).
Baroness Taylor is Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
She met New Forest District Council (NFDC) housing tenants in Totton, before visiting NFDC’s stand at the New Forest Show, Brockenhurst.
She then joined the National Park Authority (NPA), meeting Youth Board members and hearing about its partnership schemes including a £1.4m YouCAN youth for climate and nature scheme, as well as nature restoration projects across the Forest. Baroness Taylor was then introduced to members of the Commoners Defence Association, the Verderers and local council leaders.
Baroness Taylor said: ‘I would like to express my thanks and congratulations for a successful New Forest and Hampshire County Show. I gained a real appreciation of the unique New Forest community and landscape which is internationally-important for nature. A highlight was the opportunity to meet the commoners, some of the next generation of people caring for the Forest and staff and volunteers from the PedAll inclusive cycling charity, set up by the NPA.
‘I was really pleased to visit New Forest District Council’s new and innovative social housing scheme at Penman House, Totton, and speak to tenants about living in new energy-efficient homes.’
Chair of the NPA’s Resources and Performance Committee Mary Davies said: ‘We were delighted to welcome the Minister here in our 20th anniversary year and at such an important time for the Forest in terms of resources and local governance. The Forest has a very long tradition of strong communities and collaboration so we were pleased to introduce her to those at the forefront of ensuring the Forest thrives for the next 20 years and beyond.’
Pictured left to right: Official Verderer Edward Heron; NFNPA Green Careers Group representative Josh Taylor; Baroness Sharon Taylor of Stevenage; NFNPA CEO Alison Barnes.