Meeting documents

Apologies as above.  There were no changes in membership.

To declare any personal or prejudicial interests

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the notes of the meeting held on Thursday 9 December 2011.

The action notes of the meeting held on Thursday 9 December 2010 were agreed as a correct record.

The Chairman congratulated and thanked Buckingham Town Council for the work it had done to save the local youth centre.  He went on to say that it is a wonderful example of communities working together for the good of local people.

A Member paid particular thanks to John Barnett, Chairman of the Management Committee, who was instrumental to its success.

There will be a 20 minute period for public questions.  Members of the public are encouraged to submit their questions in advance of the meeting to facilitate a full answer on the day of the meeting.  Questions sent in advance will be dealt with first and verbal questions after.

There were no written questions, although the Chairman mentioned the changes in taxation relating to clerks’ pay which is about to be implemented.  Mark Grindall, Localities Manager, went on to say that the County Council’s legal team are looking into this issue as a number of parishes are concerned.  Should there be any further information, this will be circulated to Members.

A Member expressed concern over the costs associated with the software needed to administer the payroll for the clerks which is estimated at £700.

A Member commented that some voluntary organisations are offering to undertake the administration for free.

None received

There were no petitions.

Ann Kiceluk, Lead Officer from AVDC, will provide Members with an update on key issues affecting the area.

Ann Kiceluk, Lead Officer from AVDC, took Members through the following key issues affecting the area:

• Buckingham Open Day
• Buckingham Marketing Plan
• Final AVDC budget for 2011/2012
• The Vale of Aylesbury Plan.

Open Day in Buckingham

In early February, AVDC held an open day at the Customer Service Centre.  Visitors were able to meet councillors and AVDC staff to ask questions about services and to feedback on their views.  Around 60-70 visitors attended the open day and following this success, there are plans to hold another one later in the year.

Marketing Plan

In 2010/2011, AVDC contributed £13,500 towards the development of a brand for Buckingham and marketing plan.  Working with the Trader’s Association and other partners, this work has been going exceptionally well and plans are being developed for a launch in the next few months.

In 2011/2012, more resources are required – both manpower and money – to help with the launch and to support the delivery of the marketing plan.  AVDC is contributing a further £10k towards this.  A proportion of the money will be used to fund a marketing assistant, Emma Eyles, who will spend one day a week on this work. 

Budget

AVDC has set a zero per cent rise in its council tax for 2011/12.  This means that local taxpayers will not face any increase on the average £2.52 a week they pay for all the services provided by AVDC.  Ann explained that the Council has identified £1.8 million in savings across its services with key savings being made through re-structuring some services and changes to the structure of the authority’s senior management team (£650,000) and a further £300,000 by making changes to working practices in the refuse and recycling service.

AVDC will also be using £445,000 from the authority’s financial reserves to help reduce the budget deficit, although this cannot be repeated year on year.  It is very difficult for Councils to make up the shortfall.  Ann went on to say that some of AVDC’s money was lost in the Icelandic Bank crisis.  The results of the hearing into this matter will be known soon and the decision will be appealed if it is not in favour of the Authority.

The Vale of Aylesbury Plan

In December, AVDC wrote to all parish and town councils requesting their opinion of their communities "feelings" to development and how they would wish to work with AVDC in the future. 

A full copy of the update is attached for Members.

A Member commented that they had had to increase their parish precept due to a 1.8% increase in Council Tax as a result of the inclusion of more banded properties.

Inspector Emma Garside will provide an update for Members.

The Chairman welcomed Inspector Emma Garside.  She started by explaining that recently there have been some scaremongering articles appearing in the media in relation to cuts to Police officer numbers and increases in crime. She asked Members to consider such articles in a balanced way when discussing them with their areas.

Thames Valley Police Authority agreed the policing budget for 2011/12 on 18 February.  The net annual budget has been set at £383.146 million.  Following confirmation this month of next year’s level of Government grant funding, Thames Valley Police Authority’s grant allocation has been reduced by 3.7% for 2011/12, and is anticipated to fall by 11.75% in total over the next four years.  In response to the planned reduction in Government funding until 2014/15, savings in the region of £50 million will need to be made over the next four years.  The majority of these savings will be delivered through collaboration projects, the Local Policing Model re-structure and a programme of reviews into what we do, and how we do it.

As part of the re-structuring process, a new matrix system, which looks at population density, has been applied across the Thames Valley area and this has resulted in 15 new posts being created in Aylesbury Vale.  Inspector Garside explained that the new officers will be phased in over the next 12 months and will be recruited into response officer roles, neighbourhood roles and investigative roles.  Inspector Garside went on to say that she is looking to increase the number of special constables in the area.

Thames Valley Police Authority also agreed the Policing Strategy for 2011/14 on 18 February.  The Strategy was developed in response to feedback from consultations and Government directives.  Inspector Garside explained that there are six objectives, which are:

• To cut crimes that are of most concern to the Community;
• To increase the visible presence of the Police;
• To protect our Communities from the most serious harm;
• To improve communication with the public in order to build trust and confidence within our Communities;
• To tackle bureaucracy and develop the professional skills of all staff;
• To reduce costs and protect the front line.

Inspector Garside reminded Members that the Winslow police office is now open and the front desk will soon be manned by volunteers who are in the process of receiving their training.

Inspector Garside went on to say that a new website with a crime mapping device was launched at the beginning of February.  There have been a few problems with getting onto the site but it is a useful way to track crime figures on a month-by-month basis.  Inspector Garside said that if any parishes would like specific data about their area, then her officers would be willing to attend parish meetings.

There has been a 25% reduction in rural crime in Buckingham Town and Maids Moreton which is a significant decrease.  There are a few isolated reports but crime is decreasing in the area.

There has been a spate of handbag dippings and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Mark Grindall, Localities and Communities Manager, will take Members through the budget for 2010/11 and the budget for 2011/12.

Members are asked to note the attached report and appendix to the report.

Mark Grindall, Locality Manager, explained that there has been a substantial increase in the devolved budgets for 2011/12 (an increase of 65%).  Mark went on to say that the PAYP and Early Years Grant for 2011/12 have both been withdrawn.

With regards to the Local Priorities Budget, 7 schemes totalling £20,000 were funded during 2010/11.

Mark explained that the general principles for the management and decision-making of Devolved Budgets were as follows;

• All funding must be spent in line with the specific criteria associated with the budget.
• The funding must be spent within the financial year for which it is allocated.
• For 2011/12, in consultation with the LAF Chairman, each Head of Service concerned will take a view in November 2011 on the likelihood of unspent monies being used that year.  If there is a budget that is unlikely to be spent that year, it will revert back to the service concerned for allocation to activities that will benefit the area during 2011/12.
• As in 2010/11, in terms of formal decision-making, the LAFs will be advising the relevant Head of Service on how to spend the devolved budget who will then implement that advice.
• To allow for the occasional unforeseen opportunity that required a swift decision, funding may be agreed in-between LAF meetings in consultation with the Local Area Forum Chairman and the Head of Service.

The Local Priorities budget is to be used to commission activities to meet the local priorities identified in the Buckingham Local Area Plan.

The Chairman mentioned that £22,500 has been spent to benefit young people in the area.

A Member asked why the salt bin in Nelson Street was funded by the local priorities budget rather than the TfB delegated budget.  Mark explained that a salt bin would not normally be funded from this budget but this was an exceptional case which needed resolving at short notice and there were specific issues around safety which were a local priority.

The Chairman thanked Mark for his update.

Mark Grindall, Localities and Communities Manager, will provide Members with further information on the priority setting for the forthcoming year.

Mark Grindall started by informing Members that the plan for 2011/12 has been updated.  Below is a link to the plan which is available via the website.

http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/assets/content/bcc/docs/our_communities/Buckingham_localareaplan.pdf

Mark explained that there are around 23 priorities in the Buckingham area, some of which the LAF are unable to progress as they are more strategic in nature.  A simple document will be sent out in the next few weeks asking for the priorities to be ranked.  Once responses have been received, the top 5-6 priorities will be identified and how they should be addressed.  Mark said that there will be a workshop to revisit the priorities before the end of May.  Further details to follow.

Action: Mark Grindall

Ann-Marie Davies and Simon Dudley from Transport for Buckinghamshire will provide Members with an update, including the delegated budget.

A report from Transport for Buckinghamshire is attached.

Ann-Marie Davies, Transport Localities Team Leader, started by explaining that the team are currently going through a re-structuring process and that a new Local Area Technician for the area will be announced soon.  Ann-Marie reported that she will be responsible for managing more people and a larger area.

There are two projects which are still outstanding from the 2010/11 delegated budget.  They are as follows:

• a VAS on the A413 at both the southern and northern entrances to Akeley village;
• a VAS on the A422 opposite the Walnuts in Westbury.

There has been a substantial increase in the transportation delegated budget for 2011/12.  The allocation for the Buckingham LAF area is £53,206.54.  Members then considered the schemes which have been submitted for 2011/12. 

During discussion, the following points were made.

The Member for Akeley Parish Council reported that the bid submitted to clear the gullies in Akeley can now be removed as the work has already been undertaken.

A Member commented that the scheme to install a footpath along the main road to the High Street refers to Dadford High Street and not Stowe.

A Member asked for an update on the roadside repairs in Botolph Claydon.  Simon Dudley responded by saying that this is being looked at by the Asset Management Bureau.

A Member asked whether they still needed to apply for a road closure order around the church.  The Chairman explained that a meeting has been set up with the rector of the church and other relevant parties to discuss the options available.

A Member expressed concern about the car parking by the school at Bourton Meadow.  There are now 600 pupils at the school and when the layby was first installed, there were 300 pupils.  The Chairman acknowledged that it is an issue which is being looked into.  Simon Dudley confirmed that a bid application has been submitted to create a larger layby on Burleigh Piece next to Bourton Meadow School.

The Chairman read out the following options for Members to consider.

1.                  To proceed with the identified schemes and identify additional schemes that fit in with the local priorities;

2.                  To proceed with the identified schemes but increase the size of the allocation to those schemes which will deliver additional quantity of that scheme;

3.                  To remove the schemes that have already been identified and identify alternative schemes that may not have been considered due to the cost of providing those schemes.

Members AGREED unanimously to proceed with option 1.

Simon Dudley agreed to attend the next meeting with further information on the schemes and the costs associated with them.  He said that any new schemes need to be submitted by Monday 2 May 2011.

Winter Maintenance

Simon then went on to provide Members with an update on the Winter Maintenance plan for 2011/12.  He said that December 2010 was the worst period of snow and his team received 10,000 more calls than usual over this time.  He said a number of issues were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

Further to Terry Cavender’s email on 28/2/11, this is an opportunity for Members to raise any questions they may have regarding broadband in the area.

Terry Cavender provided Members with an update and explained that lobbying work still continues.   A funding application was submitted to BDUK which, unfortunately, was unsuccessful.  Terry said that he is looking at accessing some European money and has a meeting set-up soon to discuss this further.  The aim is to deliver broadband to the pink areas identified on the maps which were circulated to Members prior to the meeting.

Terry asked Members to email him if they required further information on this project.

Amanda Brooke-Webb, Lead Area Officer from Bucks CC, provided Members with an update on this new initiative which comes into force in 2013.  She started by saying that the existing Strategic Health Authorities and PCTs would be abolished under the new proposal and would be replaced by GP collaboratives.  She said that three such collaboratives are already in existence.  Buckinghamshire has been heavily involved in shaping how it will work and is seen as an early implementer.

Amanda went on to say that there is not very much information available via the Strategic Health Authority at the moment but the LAF will be kept informed on progress.

A Member asked whether more information could be made available on how this new initiative will support the Community Hospital.  The Member went on to suggest that a representative from the newly formed collaborative should be invited to attend a future LAF meeting.

The Chairman thanked Amanda for her update.

Councillor Pearl Lewis and Terry Cavender will provide Members with an update.

Terry Cavender reported to Members on a very successful meeting which took place between Buckingham Town Council, Aylesbury Vale District Council and Anglian Water, who have undertaken extensive research into the flooding issues around the area.  Six interventions have been suggested and modelling work is being undertaken at the moment.  AVDC have endorsed the recommendation.  The project is estimated to cost £50,000 of which Anglian Water has committed £15-20,000 for the design work and Buckingham Town Council and AVDC have both committed £5,000 each.  A bid application will be made to TfB for the remaining £10,000.

The Chairman praised everyone involved and said it was an excellent example of joined-up working.

During open forum, Members asked the following questions.

A Member asked for an update on when the updated inspection manual will be made available via the website.  The Chairman said that he would speak to Val Letheren, Cabinet Member for Transportation, to find out more.

Action: Chairman

Terry Cavender provided Members with information on the Help Scheme which the BBC has set up through an agreement with the Government to make sure that those who need to most benefit from practical support and advice during the digital switchover process.  Community Impact Bucks are looking for volunteers to assist with this. 

If anyone is interested, they should contact Bridget Wythe at Community Impact Bucks on 0845 3890389.  Information about the Community Volunteer role and a draft advert for volunteers were circulated.

A Member said that John Bercow MP will be visiting Turweston on Saturday 2 April to discuss HS2.  The meeting will take place at 2.30pm at St Mary’s Church.  Simon Dudley reiterated the point that the proposals for HS2 have no influence over which schemes are approved from the delegated budget.

[The Chairman leaves the room whilst Energy from Waste is discussed].  Derrick Isham, Vice-Chairman, took over at this point.

A Member started a discussion about EfW by saying that they had attended a meeting where Peter Darvas, from Savi, spoke about the health risks which was very enlightening.  There have been 23 incidents of health risk reported in the Defra report and there are three further reports showing more evidence.  26,000 people have signed a petition and 56 letters have been received objecting to the EfW site.  The Member urged other Members to put forward their objections which should be made in writing to John Bercow MP.  Other Members agreed that Peter Darvas’s presentation was well worth listening to.

The consultation deadline of 8 April has now been extended until the Autum time.   The following statement was received from the planning officers at Bucks County Council.

"Although the statutory period for comments on the Calvert EfW planning application ends on Friday 8th April, we will continue to accept representations during the spring and summer months. This is because the application will not fall to be determined by the County Council's Development Control Committee until the autumn at the earliest. However, if representations are likely to raise detailed technical issues, requiring in-depth investigation on our part, we would still prefer these to be submitted by the middle of the year if at all possible so that we have good time to consider them before preparing our advice and recommendations to the Committee."

Mark Grindall, Localities Manager, said that concerns have been raised at other LAF meetings and he suggested that Members email their questions to him and he will endeavour to get responses from the relevant officers.  If Members wanted to hold a special meeting, this would have to take place after the District Council elections in May and there would need to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

• HS2 - information attached.
• Energy from Waste – letter from Cabinet Member, Martin Tett attached.
• The BBC's Switchover Help Scheme in Buckinghamshire – information attached.

Members were asked to note the reports on the following:

• HS2
• Energy from Waste
• The BBC’s Switchover Help Scheme.

The next meeting will be on Thursday 30 June.  Venue to be confirmed.

Future dates:

Thursday 29 September

Thursday 15 December.

The next meeting is due to take place on Thursday 30 June 2011.  Venue to be confirmed.

Future dates:

Thursday 29 September

Thursday 15 December.