Meeting documents

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 15 September 2015  – previously circulated.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 2015 be agreed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.

There were no declarations of interest.

Sarah Hazel, Community Safety Team Leader, will be present to provide an update to the Committee.

The Committee welcomed Sarah Hazel, Community Services Team Leader to the meeting, who provided an update on the new Public Spaces Protection Order tool for addressing anti-social behaviour(PSPO). 

It was reported that Designated Public Place Orders (DPPO) would be replaced with PSPOs in line with Government legislation.  The new PSPOs would provide a wider range of enforcement powers to enable an appropriate response to problems which have[EJ1]  a detrimental effect on the quality of life of local residents.  The Committee noted the map outlining the current DPPO  area for the town and Sarah confirmed that the Police had been provided with copies of the map.  The current DPPO restricts alcohol use in the town’s public spaces.

During the discussion the Committee made a number of points and received clarification on various queries which included:

·         To be included in a PSPO legal highs would have to have been reported to the Police as causing a detrimental impact to the community.

·         Dog fouling can be included in a PSPO and enforcement can be undertaken by designated officers in Environmental Services, the ASB team and by the Police. 

·         Due to limited resources a targeted approach to problem areas would provide a more effective response regarding enforcement.  Reports should be provided to the Police informing them of times and locations regarding anti-social behaviour.

·         Work would continue with agencies to provide support to individuals with issues regarding alcohol, drugs, homelessness and other related needs.

·         Incidents should be reported to the Police to enable them to identify areas of concern for patrol plans. In areas with ASB diary sheets should be completed and returned to the ASB Team.

·         Concerns regarding the lack of active Police presence in problem areas would be reported to the relevant police officer but supporting data about incidents is needed for enforcement to be targeted and effective.

Members thanked Sarah Hazel for the presentation. 

The Committee received a report which detailed the draft High Wycombe Town Committee Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Funding Strategy 2016-2018.

Based on deliberations of the High Wycombe Town Committee CIL Working Group, the strategy detailed 15 prioritised projects to be implemented over the next three financial years.  The  Officer advised that the costs for the following projects had been received:

12.       Pedestrian safety measures on Hatters Lane - £115,000.

13.       Pedestrian crossing on The Pastures - £225,000.

Members considered the list of projects for implementation and the  Officer responded to more detailed questions.  It was noted that the cost of the above schemes were considerably higher than anticipated and an alternative scheme to number 12 was proposed.

It was noted that the Strategy would be considered by Cabinet in March 2016 for formal approval.  Regular reports would be provided to the Committee on the progress of the projects and recommendations for any amendments to the Strategy.

RESOLVED: That the draft 2016 to 2018 High Wycombe Town Committee Community Infrastructure Levy Strategy (Appendix A to the report), be submitted to Cabinet for formal approval, subject to amendments to the scheme at number 12 (Pedestrian safety measures on Hatters Lane) in accordance with further consultation with Ward Members.

The Committee considered a report which proposed prices for burials, interments and other cemetery related charges to be applicable from 1 April 2016. 

It was noted that the price Consumer Price Index for July 2015 was at 0.1% so zero inflation was proposed in relation to Burial Rights, Memorial Permits, Saturday fees and internment fees.  However, in debate an amendment was proposed for an increase in Saturday fees up to a maximum of £300 to recoup officer standby costs.  It was also suggested that the decision on Cemetery Fees and Charges for 2016/17 be deferred until an outcome had been reached regarding the 7 day burial service.  Members were informed that it was appropriate to consider the current costs to the service rather than have the decision deferred.

Members also referred to a previously reported deficit on the Cemetery budget and requested an update regarding this matter.  The Head of Community confirmed that she would investigate this further and would circulate a briefing note to the Committee.

Following a vote, it was

RESOLVED: That the following be recommended to Cabinet for approval,

(i) The proposed charges for burial rights, memorial charges and internment fees be agreed; and

(ii) Saturday fees be increased up to a maximum of £300 to recoup officer standby costs, to take effect from 1 April 2016.   

The Committee noted that this item had been withdrawn as further information was required.

The Committee noted that as part of the wider review of the Council’s Constitution, each Committee was being invited to review its terms of reference.

This Committee’s review would feed back into the wider review which was to be reported in its entirety for consideration to the Regulatory and Appeals Committee in early 2016.

RESOLVED: That the  Terms of Reference as presented be agreed.

The following Information Sheets have been issued since the previous meeting:

06/2015          QEII Playing Field (formerly Shelley Road Recreation Ground) – Community Room Update

07/2015          Budgetary Control Report Q2 2015/16

** Members are reminded to give 24 hours notice of any questions concerning an Information Sheet to ensure an answer can be given at the meeting. **

RESOLVED:  That Information Sheets 06/2015 and 07/2015 be noted.

To note the current draft work programme (as attached).

The Committee’s draft work programme, looking ahead to June 2016, was presented for review.

It was noted that there were currently three presentations due to the January meeting and it was suggested that the High Wycombe Town Centre Master Plan presentation could be provided as an all member seminar on an alternative date.  This option would be investigated.