Friday, 22 March 2013

A massive £256million investment over the next three years for Hampshire's children and young people, including one of the biggest ever programmes for creating new school places has been approved by Hampshire County Council within its budget for 2013/14.

Now that Government has announced details of local authority grants for education capital spending for the next two years, the Council can plan with more certainty and Councillor Roy Perry, Executive Lead Member for Children's Services, is being asked to approve the detail of this substantial investment plan on 25 March.

It includes a commitment to spend £165million creating around 8,000 new, high quality school places that will meet the heavy demand from rising birth rates, new housing developments and more families moving into the county. It's also expected to give a big boost to Hampshire's economy by creating new jobs in the building industry and safeguarding others.

Other significant plans include the investment of £3m in Gosport Skills Centre, a centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Advanced Skills Training on the Daedulus Enterprise Zone site. The technical training centre will focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics technologies and wider engineering disciplines and will be led by Fareham College supported by St Vincent College and private sector employers. It is anticipated it will create sustainable employment opportunities by attracting investment and employers to the area while providing vital vocational skills to the district's young people.

The investment programme will also include improvements to the highly valued outdoor study centre at Stubbington, enhancements to education centres around the county to support vulnerable children and young people as well as the strategic review of children's residential homes which will see the relocation and replacement of homes to ensure they better meet the needs of the most vulnerable children that they support.

Commenting Councillor Perry said: "This planned programme represents a very significant investment into children's services, especially education, across Hampshire. Thousands of additional school places will be created, enhancements will be made to schools and education centre facilities as well as accommodation for children in care who are among the county's most vulnerable.

"A particularly innovative development is the Gosport Skills Centre, which will ensure young people have the right skills to meet the needs of the Hampshire employment market. This will not only improve opportunities for young people but will also help to ensure sustainable development of the local economy."

The 8,000 new school places will help meet forecast demand that is based on calculations not just about rising birth rates but housing growth and parental preferences that add further pressures. Population movement is hard to predict and some parts of Hampshire are becoming increasingly attractive for young families to move to after their children are born. There is a developing trend with parents attracted by the general quality of life in the county but also by the high quality schools, with more than 75% of children attending a primary school ranked good or outstanding by Ofsted.

Earlier this month Hampshire County Council was able to offer a record high 99.5% of parents a place for their child at a secondary school of their choice this September - with 96.2% getting their first preferred school, around 10% higher than the national averages released by the Department for Education last year.

The admissions team is now handling primary school applications with offers due to go out on 16 April. In total the department will have dealt with 33,000 applications this year for children who are either starting primary or secondary school or transferring from infant to junior school.

Councillor Perry added, "The pressure on school places is a national challenge and the popularity of Hampshire schools adds to that challenge. We have dealt with these pressures to date as the figures bear out. This significant investment plan means that we will continue to be able to offer parents high quality schooling in high quality accommodation."

• Children's Services in Hampshire

Thursday, 21 March 2013

Up to 30 young people studying for a university degree will receive support with their costs of living thanks to a new Undergraduate Support Scheme provided by Hampshire County Council.

Under the plans agreed by County Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber at his Decision Day (14 March), ten young people each year for the following three years, will be provided with a scholarship towards living costs, extended paid work placements, and subject to performance, employment after they graduate. A total of £720,000 has been set aside for the scheme which will begin in 2014.

It forms part of the Council's Hampshire Youth Investment Programme - an initiative by Councillor Thornber to help more of Hampshire's young people step onto the employment ladder.

The scheme will see the Council expand the number of young apprentices within its workforce by up to 1,000 over the next five years. As part of this wider programme, up to 170 apprentices will be recruited each year and another 30 posts in total will be available for young people in care or leaving care as the Leader's Internship Plus scheme pilot is extended.

Apprentices have already worked for the County Council in roles such as mechanics, rangers or teaching assistants, in the countryside, in museums, and in laboratories.

The new Undergraduate Support Scheme will add to existing national and local bursary and loan schemes and would provide young people with a scholarship of up to £8,000 depending on their eligibility, and students' performance will be measured. Hampshire's scholarship will be based on a termly payment, including a paid extended work placement during the Summer holidays.

Councillor Thornber, said: "In addition to university tuition costs, the cost of living can be a significant burden for students, and this project aims to help those young people who are truly dedicated in their pursuit of higher education and a fulfilling career beyond graduation. Those who are hard working, enthusiastic, keen to learn, may have overcome considerable challenges to reach university, and drawn from families with limited financial means, will be in line to benefit.

"In addition to support with their living costs, advice will also be available to them from Council staff who will offer these young people additional professional guidance on areas such as budgeting or grant applications, for example.

"While the public sector may be facing considerable economic challenges today from reduced levels of Government funding, it is vital that we continue to encourage and harness the young talent of tomorrow. Their innovation and skills will help provide them with productive careers, enable Hampshire's economy to continue to prosper in the future, and help us to meet our future workforce requirements in the years to come."

Detailed work will now go ahead with local colleges and higher education providers to develop and implement the criteria and operation of the Undergraduate Support Scheme.

• Hampshire Youth Investment Programme: Support for Undergraduates

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

Camberley District Open Mind Association has been helped by a grant from Hampshire County Council.

The organisation has received £3,500 awarded by County Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber, at his Decision Day on 14 March.

The grant will go towards the Open Mind Club, which is a day centre for people with mental health problems and runs three days a week.

Activities provided include cards, games, table tennis and discussions. The Centre serves the Camberley district, and the surrounding Hampshire area.

County Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber said: "The club provides social contact for its for members which increases their self-confidence through taking part in activities. I am pleased that the County Council is able to financially support this group as it is very worthwhile, offering considerable benefits to residents of the Hampshire and the surrounding area."

• Camberley District Open Mind Association

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

Friends of the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra have received a boost to help them to replace a full set of concert dresses for their public performances.

At his Decision Day on 14 March, Hampshire County Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber awarded the organisation £5,265 towards the total cost of £10,000 to replace the 20 year old garments. The funding will contribute towards purchasing fabric and dressmaking.

Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber said: "This organisation provides an opportunity for young people to develop and present their talent across the County, providing musical pleasure to large audiences. I am happy to be able to assist them in updating their concert wardrobe."

The Friends of the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra aims to assist in the musical education of students at schools and colleges in Hampshire by providing financial support to the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra, Hampshire County Youth Chamber Orchestra, and Hampshire County Youth String Orchestra.

In particular, the Friends contribute to the cost of residential training courses and orchestra overseas tours to reduce parental contributions and ensure that opportunities are open to all. The Friends also help by giving grants to the orchestras for instruments, commissioning of new works, soloists and workshops.

• Friends of the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra

Friday, 15 March 2013

Hampshire County Council has awarded more than £1million to voluntary groups and organisations across the county to help improve the wellbeing of Hampshire communities.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber at the Policy and Resources Decision Day (14 March) has awarded grants totalling £1,004,509 to benefit six organisations across the county.

The grants are allocated to help groups provide services and facilities that benefit their local community by making them safer and more secure places to live, maximising the wellbeing of residents and enhancing the quality of the local area. The funding is allocated annually to help groups to continue to run their services and support those people who need their help the most.

Councillor Thornber said: "The County Council places great value on the essential work in our communities that these organisations provide, which is reflected in these grants. Voluntary and community organisations make a significant contribution to Hampshire's economy, society and environment and play a huge role in supporting the County Council to deliver its objectives.

"This funding comes at a crucial time when organisations are seeing an increase in the number of people seeking their help and support with some of the social and economic problems that may be associated with the current recession."

The organisations to benefit are:

Community Action Hampshire
A Council for Voluntary Service operating on a county-wide basis and is also the Rural Community Council for Hampshire - £262,748

Councils for Voluntary Service
CVS represents and supports voluntary and community organisations. This grant funding will help to provide information and training around volunteering - £515,683

Hampshire Association for Local Councils
HALC represents the interests of parish and town councils throughout the county - £70,000

Winchester and District Relate
The grant to Relationship charity Relate contributes to the rental of suitable premises which ensures a safe, confidential and secure environment for clients and counsellors - £25,099

Victim Support
The service provides free and confidential help to victims of crime, witnesses and their families. This grant will go towards the recruitment, training, retaining and supporting of volunteers who deliver the service - £14,255

Citizens Advice Hampshire
Citizens Advice provides free and impartial advice to ensure vulnerable people are aware of their rights and responsibilities. This grant will pay for specialist support and training - £116,724

• Hampshire County Council grants

Friday, 15 March 2013

Support for a Hampshire-based charity dedicated to sea rescue missions has received a lifeline from Hampshire County Council.

At his Decision Day (14 March 2013), Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, awarded funding of £41,500 to the Solent Sea-Rescue Organisation.

The charity was established by the County Council in 1977, in partnership with local maritime authorities, to assist in sea rescues on the foreshore of the Solent and surrounding beaches.

It brings together eight independent lifeboat and rescue organisations, provides beach safety, as well as attending inland incidents. The organisation also gives regular sea and water safety talks to local community groups.

The funding will be used to cover the general running costs of the organisation.

Councillor Thornber, said: "The Solent is recognised as one of the busiest waterways in the world and there are a number of obvious dangers it poses. It is therefore disappointing that some local authorities have chosen to withdraw their funding to an organisation that does such exceptionally good work in keeping Hampshire's waters safe.

"Despite the ongoing financial pressures faced by all in the public sector, we recognise that the Solent Sea-Rescue Organisation provides a vital service to all users of the Solent and we have chosen to fund the financial shortfall they would otherwise have faced."

• Solent Sea Rescue Organisation

Thursday, 28 February 2013

160 home assessments, over 50 heating systems fixed, 75 oil-filled radiators supplied and more than 600 residents helped - just some of the figures that demonstrate the success of Hitting the Cold Spots, Hampshire County Council's scheme to help older and vulnerable people who may struggle to keep warm and pay the bills during the cold winter months.

The scheme, funded by the Department of Health's 'Warm Homes, Healthy People Fund' and now in its second year, aims to give older people and vulnerable people of any age immediate and practical advice on reducing energy bills, increasing available income and keeping warm. Advice is available until the end of March 2013 from a trained advisor by calling a free number (0800 804 8601) and, depending on the situation, further help may also be on offer with free home assessments, access to efficient, oil-filled radiators and grants to assist with hot water and heating repairs using Buy With Confidence traders.

Councillor Felicity Hindson, Executive Member for Adult Social Care at Hampshire County Council said:

"Cold weather not only makes life uncomfortable but can also lead to, and aggravate, serious health problems such as respiratory diseases, asthma, depression, heart disease and strokes. Hampshire County Council's Hitting the Colds Spots scheme is building on last year's initiative with another campaign targeted at older and vulnerable people who may 'fall beneath the radar' and struggle to keep warm and pay the bills during the cold winter months.

"I'm very pleased that our Hitting the Cold Spots scheme is helping people to keep warm and these figures demonstrate just how important it is to offer a dedicated free advice line with a 'real person' to speak to who can give immediate, practical advice and follow up on the tougher problems.

"When people have had long-term problems with their heating systems or with paying their energy bills it can sometimes take a lot of courage to make that first call and it is encouraging that more and more people are finding the confidence to call our energy advisors."

Case Study

Mr and Mrs Stockwell, a couple living in Andover and with limited income, had constant trouble with their boiler. The pensioners, both suffering from long term illnesses, had an unpleasant shock before Christmas when a heating engineer gave them a quote to repair the boiler - with no guarantee that the boiler would not break down again.

They did not want to endure another Christmas without heating or hot water so they called the Hitting the Cold Spots advice line. An advisor subsequently visited to assess their home circumstances alongside the project's criteria, and also left a Hitting the Cold Spots support pack containing useful tips and equipment to keep warm at home and save money on fuel bills. The upshot was that just two days later the go-ahead was given to fund the installation of a new gas boiler and work was completed before Christmas by a Buy With Confidence trader.

The relieved couple said, "We have never sought help from anyone and have always paid our own way. The work was done very efficiently and very quickly and all is working perfectly. We received excellent support from Hitting the Cold Spots."

Since October 2012 HtCS has assisted over 600 Hampshire residents with information and advice, fixed over 50 heating systems, provided 75 oil-filled radiators, completed 160 home free home assessments and made over 500 referrals to partner organisations.

• Hitting the Cold Spots

Monday, 25 February 2013

The successful applicants for the Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme (HTAS) 2013 have been announced with 218 athletes from across the county set to receive support this year.

The scheme, which is funded by Hampshire County Council and administered by the County Council in partnership with Sport Hampshire & IOW, helps rising sports stars reach their sporting potential, and achieve success on the world class stage.

Athletes receive a range of benefits including help with training, equipment, physiotherapy, grants up to £400 and travel. Free bus passes are provided from local bus companies Bluestar, First and Stagecoach, as well as sports science support from Southampton Solent University.

HTAS aims to help with some of the sacrifices that athletes and their families have to make and support them with their dedicated commitment to their respective sport. At a time when costs associated with training and competition are on the increase the scheme can be a vital support on the way to European and World Championships and for some, the Olympics and Paralympics in Rio in 2016. The scheme is seen by many current and previous recipients as a much needed injection of support.

Since it began in 2008, over 700 of Hampshire's most promising sportsmen and women have received funding, including Olympic gold medallist Dani King. Many more athletes benefit from free access to training facilities.

Councillor Ken Thornber, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said: "Following the success of so many Hampshire athletes at the London 2012 Games, it is fantastic to see even more athletes than ever before receiving support from the Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme. The Olympics may be behind us, but they have left an amazing legacy not only in Hampshire, but throughout the country as a whole. The achievements of Team GB Olympic and Paralympic athletes have inspired the nation, as well as helping to change public perceptions around disability, and wider health and wellbeing issues. The Hampshire Talented Athletes Scheme enables promising athletes to achieve their goals by benefiting from first class facilities thanks to support from local businesses. The costs of competing at this level are very high, and the margins between winning and losing are incredibly small. The Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme goes a long way to providing much needed support to the committed, talented and determined sportsmen and women. We are delighted to be helping another group of athletes achieve their goals in 2013."

In the New Forest 24 athletes have been selected from over from 10 different sports. These include Discus thrower Phoebe Dowson who has been English Schools Champion for the last three years. She is currently ranked second Under 20 in the UK. Great Britain and Olympic Handball player Dan McMillan plans to continue to help drive GB Men's Handball forward and qualify for the World Championships. Swimmer Alice Tai qualified for the British Swimming World Class Podium Potential Squad, won nine gold medals at the DSE National Junior Championships, was voted Hampshire and Isle of Wight Junior Disabled Athlete of the Year and was an Olympic Torch Bearer.

In Winchester 21 athletes have been selected from 12 different sports. These include Emma Buckett who is ranked second in the U20 heptathlon in Great Britain. In 2012 she was selected to compete in the heptathlon at the IAAF World Junior Championships and was invited to compete in 100m hurdles at the Aviva Olympic Trials & UK Championships. She also won the England U20 Combined Events Championships in May. Gymnast Kelly Simm was eighth at the British Championships 2012 in the all-round competition, third in the vault final and fifth in the floor final. Annabel Vose sailed her way to third place at the 2012 ISAF Youth Worlds and won the Junior European Championships.

In Eastleigh and Southampton 39 athletes have been selected from over ten different sports. These include Joe Coombs who was English Champion in Canoe Slalom in 2012 and is currently ranked eleventh senior and fourth Under 23 in Great Britain. He has been the British Junior Champion and British Universities Champion four times and was seventh in GB selection in 2012. Jeamy Navarro-Schrank has an impressive medal record in Taekwondo including British National Champion 2010, 2011 US Open Silver medallist and Swedish Open gold medallist 2010 and 2012.

In Test Valley 26 athletes have been selected from over from 12 different sports. These include Badminton player Ira Banerjee who won the U15 National Championships in the girls and mixed doubles. She also won the Swiss Junior International and the U15 8 Nations competition in girls doubles. Goalball player David Knott and his brother Adam Knott were both selected for the London 2012 Paralympic Goaldball squad, with Adam being the top goal scorer. Sailer Matthew Wallis finished second in the 2012 RYA Youth Nationals. His brother Scott Wallis became 420 Junior National Champion in August 2012.

In Basingstoke 29 athletes from 15 different sports were awarded HTAS support. These include 400 metre runner Rob Tobin who was part of Team GB's 4x400m relay team at London 2012, Decathlete Ben Hazell who is currently ranked in the top three in the UK, Gymnast Jordan Lucas who has his sights set on a medal at the World Tumbling Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, in November and Daniel Reynaldo, cricketer for the Hampshire Disability and England Physical Disability Cricket teams, who was part of the first ever international series for people with a physical disability in February 2012 held in Dubai.

In East Hampshire nine athletes from six different sports were awarded HTAS support. These include Paralympic medallist Olivia Breen who won her bronze medal as part of the 4 x 100m relay (T35/8) team. Joseph Brown, athlete and hockey player, who came second at the English Schools Championships in the Javelin, as well being selected for the Under 16 England Hockey Squad for 2012/13. Brothers Hugo and Alex Hammond are both members of the England Physical Disability Elite Performance Squad, Alex scoring 80 runs for England against the Army U25 in August and being England's highest runs scorer this year.

In Fareham, Gosport and Havant 34 athletes have been selected from over 14 different sports. These include Sam Potts who competes in judo for Gosport Judo Kwai and Team Bath. In 2012 he won gold at the British Trials and silver at the Senior Maltese Open. Yasmin Parsons was chosen to represent Great Britain netball in Cape Town for the FISU Netball World University Championships where they won gold. She has played for England U21 in several internationals and in October was asked to represent England Seniors in the latter part of the Quad series in Australia and New Zealand. BMX rider Ayesha McLelland competed in her first World Championships in 2012 placing her number 4 in the world in the 17+ women's class.

In Rushmoor and Hart 36 athletes have been selected from over 14 different sports. Among them is Isobel Pooley , who benefited in 2012. She became British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Indoor and Outdoor High Jump Champion and went on to be named BUCS Sportswoman of the Year 2012. She represented Great Britain at the 2012 European Championships and was the McCain Challenge Series Winner, as well as being selected for the World Student Games in 2013.

• Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme (HTAS)

Thursday, 21 February 2013

Hampshire County Council has today (Thursday 21 February) agreed its budget for 2013/14; one that freezes Council Tax at the same level for the fourth year, provides £600million capital to stimulate Hampshire's economy and maintains and improves all of its services despite a 43% cut in grant over four years.

There will be new job opportunities for 1,000 young people under a new apprenticeship scheme, 71 new social workers and support staff for safeguarding children will be recruited and there will be £10million growth in the adult care budget to protect services for an ageing population.

Capital investment from reserves totalling £26.5million will be used to expand the Council's work to bring superfast broadband to Hampshire and a District Energy Network that will represent a significant investment in green energy to help protect the environment and give a financial return. It will also fund improved access to the countryside, road safety in villages, refurbishment of community centres and infrastructure projects focussed on economic development.

It follows a massive savings programme that has achieved £130million recurring savings over two and half years. Hampshire has always received one of the lowest Government grants of all county councils yet charges one of the lowest Council Taxes. The Council started its savings plan early and has taken the brunt of the cuts in two years rather than four, to put it in a stronger position to tackle the further grant cuts expected from 2015/16.

Council Leader, Councillor Ken Thornber, said the "rigorous" efficiency programme had concentrated on overheads and avoided cuts to frontline services. This included 160 fewer managers and a reduction in its payroll of £46million.

The capital programme for the next three years will provide around £600million for initiatives that will not only improve services but secure more jobs in Hampshire, Councillor Thornber said. This includes money for 512 Extra Care units of accommodation, seven new schools and 36 extensions to existing schools and around £100million for the structural maintenance of roads and bridges.

The Leader added that the Council was also setting aside £200,000 for initiatives to support the Centenary of the First World War and to embed the Olympic legacy. It would also continue with its community 'Have your Say programme'. A £780,000 fund is to support 'localism in action' through a new councillors' highway fund to help them work with local communities to tackle high priority schemes in their areas.

"This is a budget about maintaining and improving our excellent services, about giving hope to 1000 young people, and it is about securing jobs and expanding the economy of Hampshire. We will achieve this in the teeth of a 43% reduction in Government grant and we are well placed to face further Government demands after 2014/15," Councillor Thornber said.

Councillor Thornber also expressed his thanks to the County Council's staff, to whom he said members owed their gratitude for their efforts and contributions and the way they had "risen to the unprecedented challenges presented by a huge reduction in grant to protect the wellbeing of the people they serve".

• Full Council at its budget setting meeting on 21 February 2013

Monday, 18 February 2013

A massive £600million of capital investment for Hampshire's economy over the next three years is being proposed by the County Council.

That's the scale of one of the biggest ever capital programmes that has been endorsed by the Council's Cabinet for recommendation to the Full Council at its budget setting meeting on 21 February 2013.

The Budget setting meeting can be watched live from 10am on 21 February or soon afterwards from the archive.

The capital investment is expected to give a big boost to Hampshire's economy by creating or safeguarding more jobs in the building industry than any other organisation - vital after a period of recession and at a time when the country is working towards economic recovery.

As well as a capital programme of around £600million, it's estimated that the County Council is procuring £600million from the local economy each year - double its pay bill - and that's believed to be the largest injection of funding from any local authority into the private sector anywhere in England.

Around £165million of the new capital programme will create around 8,000 new school places. There is also £160million for roads and transport infrastructure and £45million to build Extra Care units to support the transformation of care and greater independence and choice for Hampshire's ageing population.

Subject to approval of the 2013/14 budget by Full Council, the Council is also using up to £26.5million from reserves to invest in priority areas. These include economic development and continuing to progress the current programme of faster broadband, plus match funding for infrastructure investment to unlock development sites; funding to improve access to Hampshire's countryside and heritage assets, progress on a district heating scheme within Winchester and for enhancing rural village life through shared spaces and grants to improve community centres.

Other significant plans include a £3million investment for Gosport Skills Centre, a centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Advanced Skills Training on the Daedulus Enterprise Zone site. The technical training centre will focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics technologies and wider engineering disciplines and will be led by Fareham College supported by St Vincent College and private sector employers. It is anticipated it will create sustainable employment opportunities by attracting investment and employers to the area.

The Cabinet is recommending to the Full County Council a draft budget that will see Council Tax frozen at the same level for the fourth year running, £1,037.88 for Band D, one of the lowest in England.

Council Leader Ken Thornber said: "The impact of Government grant reductions, service pressures and inflation left us with a potential gap of around £70million in our budget for the coming year. However we have been able to balance that due to the early and decisive action we took to respond to the national deficit reduction programme, achieving savings of £130million over the last two and a half years. Not only are we balancing the budget at a time when many other councils are making significant cuts, but we are adding growth to our services too, including £6.5million for social care - up to 70 new frontline child protection social workers and support staff and £4million to support our transformation of elderly care as well as a very substantial capital investment to protect and strengthen Hampshire's future."

• Watch the meeting live from 10am

Monday, 11 February 2013

A nationally important archive collection held in Winchester will become fully accessible thanks to grant funding.

Hampshire County Council's Archives and Local Studies Service, based at the County Council's Record Office in the city, has secured funding to catalogue one of its key collections: the archive of the Bishopric of Winchester.

The project will be funded through the National Cataloguing Grants programme, which is administered by The National Archives on behalf of several funding trusts. The award of £23,809 was made by an independent panel following a demanding and competitive two-stage application process. Hampshire Archives Trust is also contributing £1,000 to the project.

Councillor Keith Chapman, Executive Member for Culture and Recreation, commented: "It is excellent news that Hampshire Archives and Local Studies has been successful in securing funding to catalogue and preserve this key collection, in the face of stiff competition. This recognises the high standard and quality the of Hampshire Record Office. Its reputation is well know thought out the country. This project will open up a largely untapped resource to researchers of all kinds."

One of the largest and most significant collections in Hampshire Record Office, held in the county since 1959, the Winchester Bishopric collection comprises the estate records of successive bishops of Winchester. At its height, the Bishopric estates comprised 60 manors spread across seven counties in southern England.

Chief among the archive's treasures are the celebrated Winchester Pipe Rolls, dating from 1209 to 1711, which detail income and expenditure across the bishops' estates. In 2011 the Pipe Rolls were added to UNESCO's UK Memory of the World register, which raises awareness worldwide of some of the UK's exceptional documentary riches. To open up access to these records to a much wider audience, Hampshire County Council's Archives and Local Studies Service has embarked on an ambitious two-year project to digitise all 192 of the rolls.

The Winchester Bishopric collection is large, comprising 515 boxes and 16 linear metres of volumes, dating from the 13th to the 20th century. Its value has for many years been widely recognised as a rich resource for the economic and social history of southern England. The records contain a wealth of place and family name information, and have informed studies of medieval agriculture, demography, labour and wages, building history, the peasant land market, as well as medieval Winchester and London.

These exciting developments mean that the catalogue - the researcher's key to opening up the collection - can now be upgraded and improved. More descriptive and contextual information will be added to help users of the on-line catalogue, and to open up the archive to a worldwide audience. Fascinating series such as the court papers, which give vivid accounts of misdemeanours such as dumping waste in the streets and allowing animals to roam, and include many lists of tenants' names, will also be catalogued in more detail.

The archive has had many homes over the centuries, and some records are still covered in soot and grime from poor storage at previous locations. The second, and equally important, strand of the project will be to improve the physical care of records at risk. This will be achieved through a cleaning and repackaging programme involving volunteers, a vitally important task if these unique records are to be exploited fully and kept safe for future generations to enjoy.

• National Cataloguing Grants Programme