Meeting documents

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor M A Hashmi and Councillor N Teesdale.

Cllr R Raja declared an interest in Minute 11 (Next Phase of Concrete Burial Chambers) as the Secretary of a bereavement society.  Cllr Raja remained in the chamber throughout the discussions.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on the 28 July 2016 be agreed as a correct record.

Mr Oliver O’Dell, Chief Executive of the HWBIDCo, will be present to provide an update to the Committee.

The Committee welcomed Oliver O’Dell, Chief Executive of the HWBIDCo, to the meeting.

Mr O’Dell commenced by explaining that HWBIDCo were moving into the final year of their first BID term and the BID renewal process was due to take place in 2017. 

The Committee noted that year four of the bid was almost complete and the focus for the year had been on how HWBIDCo communicated with the town.  A number of activities had been undertaken such as reviewing communication skills, introducing a regular e-newsletter, working to extend the digital security radio scheme, supporting external events and closer one-to-one working with individual businesses. 

Moving into year 5, Mr O’Dell explained that the full business plan would be delivered alongside the BID renewal process. Highlights for year 5 would include:

·         Offering subsidised training such as First Aid at Work, safeguarding, visual merchandising, customer service and mystery shopper.

·         Relinquishing the lease on 9-10 Church Street to allow for a permanent tenant.

·         Working with the Council and police to address business concerns in Desborough Road.

The BID Renewal process would be taking place in 2017 with the business proposal published in May 2017.  Business ratepayers would be invited to vote during June 2017 and this would be in the form of a 28 day postal ballot.  Mr O’Dell commented that it would be unlikely that the BID would return if unsuccessful and businesses were unlikely to work together independently without the support of HWBIDCo.

The Chairman thanked Mr O’Dell for his update and presentation, and a discussion took place on issues such as attracting prospective businesses to the town, high rental costs of units, funding, training and high street maintenance.

It was requested that information regarding the HWBIDCo business plan for the renewal process be brought to a future meeting and this be included in the Committee’s Forward Work Programme.

The Committee considered a report on the next phase of concrete burial chambers.

The Community Commissioning Manager explained that the current chambers were anticipated to be full by 2019 and additional vaults would enable the service to continue at the High Wycombe Cemetery.  It was reported that there were three options currently available for consideration based on the current scheme, and these were set out in the report presented to the Committee. 

Members made a number of points regarding the current costs and dimension of the chambers.  It was proposed that a working group be set up to support the Community Commissioning Manager in considering alternative options and costs.  A report with the final proposals would be brought to a future meeting of the Committee.

RESOLVED: That

i)             A working group comprising Councillors S K Raja, Mahboob Hussain, Maz Hussain, K Ahmed, R Raja and R Farmer, be established to consider options regarding concrete burial chambers for the High Wycombe Cemetery;

ii)            That the report be deferred until a future meeting of the Committee to consider the options explored by the Working Group and the Community Commissioning Manager.

The Committee’s draft work programme looking ahead to March 2017 was presented for review.

It was noted that an update would be provided regarding the market at the meeting in November 2016.  It was requested that any specific issues should be emailed to the Democratic Services officers so the appropriate person could attend to answer queries.

It was also requested that an update on the Public Spaces Protection Order be added to the January 2017 meeting.

An update on the HWBIDCo business plan would be added to the March 2017 meeting.

RESOLVED: That the forward work programme be noted and updated as above.

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

03/2016 – Budgetary Control Report for Q1 2016/17.

** 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 Sheet 03/2016 Budgetary Control Report for Q1 2016/17 be noted.

The Chairman requested that a short update be provided regarding a feasibility study for potential new visitor facilities at the Rye.

The Community Commissioning Manager explained that a public consultation was being undertaken to consider options and an event would be taking place on 24 September 2016 for residents to sketch or paint their ideal version of the park.

It was noted that Ward Members and Planning Officers would be consulted and the public consultation would conclude on the 26 September.  A report would be brought to a future meeting of the Committee.