Meeting documents

Apologies were received from Richard Harrington, Yvette Hitch, Peter Kelly, Paul Kelly, Nicola Lester, Christine Nash, Ray Sangster and Yvette Thornton.

The minutes of the Chiltern and South Bucks Joint Strategic Partnership meeting held on 16 November 2016 were received; copies of which had been previously circulated.

Anita Cacchioli introduced the Strategy, explaining that after extensive consultation, the strategy would now be sent to both Chiltern and South Bucks Council meetings for immediate adoption.

Further to the introduction, Rupert Waters delivered a presentation, within which there were 6 key objectives:

1)  Connectivity

2)  Enterprise and business growth

3)  Space for business

4)  Skills and employability

5)  Tourism and town centres

6)  Monitoring and review

It was highlighted to the Partnership that 7,000 jobs would be created in 2016, with a predicted decreased in manufacturing, coupled with a change in the industrial landscape and occupational structure of both districts. As a point of interest, the group were informed that the districts primarily export to locations other than the EU, which was reassuring in the face of Brexit. It was explained that due to their similar political and business interests and models, that BBF were justified in looking at the two Councils together in terms of an Economic Development Strategy.

Concern was raised regarding small retailers being forced to close due to a downturn in their profits and rise in rents. It was agreed that this was a worrying issue that affected numerous town centres, but that retail would most likely not be so prevalent when thinking about the future. Additionally, the group wished to know if the lack of parking within town centres was to be addressed, with Ralph Bagge stating that this was being looked into.

The group thanked Rupert for his insightful work, and queried how to address the issue of ensuring the entirety of the districts had access to the maximum broadband speeds, especially as any updates and additions to the economy would be relying on this. It was explained that alternative methods of delivery, e.g. satellites, would need to be investigated, and that awareness needed to be raised in order to increase uptake.

Natalie Judson from Prevention Matters, Bucks CC delivered the presentation as an update to that given at the 16 November 2016 meeting.

After a brief history of the Group, Natalie explained that an updated action plan was now in force, with the aims of the group and plan being to: empower and include individuals; raise awareness; reduce social isolation; challenge stigma and support carers.

The Group were informed that a Reminiscence Coffee Afternoon being held at Amersham Library on 17^th March from 1.30pm, with Dementia Friend training sessions as part of the afternoon, at 1.45pm and 3pm. The Dementia Virtual tour bus would also be at the Evreham Centre on 26^th May for those who wish to visit - providing the experience of what is medically and scientifically proven to be the closest reproduction of what dementia might be like.

It was explained that a focus was being placed on early-onset dementia, with 42,325 people in the UK diagnosed, totalling 5% of all diagnosed dementia sufferers. Carers Bucks run a specialist Young Onset Dementia Carers Support group in Hazlemere.  A specialist support service for carers aged 75 years and over is being facilitated by Carers Bucks to offer support and advice to carers, promote their health and wellbeing, and combat social isolation.

Lastly, Natalie gave an example of a bad experience being transformed into a good one, where in Gerrards Cross, a Trading Standards volunteer is working with three elderly victims of doorstep crime and scams in the vicinity.  Aged 86, the volunteer has worked with Trading Standards, Thames Valley Police and the Community Practice Worker to help reduce the isolation that has been a major contributory factor in their victimhood. 

Isabel Darby recapped that at the time of the last JSP, the four District Councils were working on their proposal, which submitted to the Secretary of State, who the four Leaders then met with on 18^th January 2017. It was said that a minded-to decision was then imminent.

Further to this, deadlines have been passed and reset, with the official line now being that no decision will be made until after the General Election of the 8^th June. Both Leaders made clear that the current priority is for all Officers to continue with their day job.

Bucks County Council is undertaking a survey, which both Isabel Darby and Ralph Bagge urged all present to take part in, to ensure their views are heard - the survey can be found at http://futurebucks.co.uk/yourviews/ . The Districts have produced their own website, detailing their view for Bucks’ future at https://www.modernisingbucks.org/

None.

November 2017 and will be held at South Bucks District Council offices in Denham.