Agenda and minutes

To elect the Chairman of the High Wycombe Town Committee for the ensuing year.

The Clerk to the Committee requested nominations for the position of Chairman.

Councillor Tony Green proposed Councillor Sarfaraz Raja for the position of Chairman, this was seconded by Councillor Matt Davy.

Councillor Julia Wassell proposed Councillor Matt Knight for the position of Chairman, this was seconded by Councillor Brian Pearce.

Following a vote it was agreed that Councillor Sarfaraz Raja be elected as Chairman.

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Sarfaraz Raja be elected as Chairman of the High Wycombe Town Committee for the ensuing year.

To appoint the Vice-Chairman of the High Wycombe Town Committee for the ensuing year.

The Chairman proposed that Councillor Nigel Teesdale be appointed as Vice-Chairman, this was seconded by Councillor Harry Bull.

RESOLVED:  That Councillor Nigel Teesdale be appointed as Vice-Chairman of the High Wycombe Town Committee for the ensuing year.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sebert Graham, Maz Hussain and Andrea Baughan.

Councillor Hashmi declared an interest as the Chairman of Wycombe Humdard Foundation a non-profit voluntary organisation that deals with burials in the High Wycombe area.

Councillor Green declared an interest as the Chairman of the High Wycombe Town Twinning Association.

Councillor Zia Ahmed declared an interest as a Trustee of Sands Village Hall.

Councillor Sarfaraz Raja declared an interest as a member of a self-help organisation that help with burials.

Councillor Pearce declared an interest as a Trustee of Booker Memorial Hall.

It was noted that all declarations of interest should be noted and available on the website.

To consider the outturn position for 2019/20.

Presenter: Anne Begley, Interim Finance Business Partner

Anne Begley, Interim Finance Business Partner presented a report to the Committee which set out the details of the 2019/20 outturn position and the impact on working balances at the year end.  It was noted that there was an over spend of £15,939 on a total budget of £385,050.  All other areas with the exception of cemetery all activity areas reported an underspend position.  The main variations are set out in the report.

The following main points were noted:

·       There was an overspend of £15,939 on a total budget of £385,050.

·       All areas except for the cemetery had reported an underspend.

·       The Cemetery overspend was £76,040. 

·       During the year additional expenditure had been approved for 66 additional burial vaults at £45k and the installation of an additional terrace at £76k. 

·       The overspend was offset by a rates rebate of £13k, recalculated management fee charges and an overachieved income of £27k.

·       There was an underspend of £15k on grants to voluntary groups and savings of £2k in WDC Management Charges.

·       There was an underspend of £20k on recreation grounds due to savings on maintenance costs and WDC Management Charges.

·       There was also an underspend of £15k for Community Centres due to Castlefield Community Centre accessing grant support direct from Wycombe District Council.

·       Working balances during 2019/20 at 1 April 2019  was £-1,095,791.  With the movement of reserves during the year of £107,086 the working balance carried forward on 31 March 2020 was £-988,705.  This was an improvement on the forecasted balance of £-947k.

·       There was expected to be significant expenditure during 2020/21 with an estimated balance of £378k assuming that the £547k funding from Special Expenses for the new cemetery was spent in full.

Members raised a number of points and received responses in respect of various questions.  The main point were as follows:

·       The contractors were on site and work had begun on the road system, drainage and the main building.  Work was progressing well despite the current restrictions.  The landscaping would begin during October time and the project was progressing well.

·       Details would be provided to members regarding financial assistance provided to voluntary groups.  It was reported that just under £10k had been paid out in grants from the HWTC support and community’s grants.

·       The existing Snowdrop Garden was still being used as there were spaces.  The new children’s cemetery was not yet completed however members were assured that there was capacity at the moment in the Snowdrop Garden.

·       There were plans to increase the space near the terraces so that there was a wider access near to graves for disabled access.

·       It was noted that any further spend would impact on the budget and reduce the special expenses budget.

·       It was suggested that unallocated monies from the COVID 19 Crisis Fund be allocated to community buildings.  It was noted that these funds were allotted as per the Community Board areas and all the monies had now been allocated. There would be opportunities for groups to access funds  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider and discuss the draft Work Programme.

The Committee’s draft work programme looking ahead to March 2021 was presented for review.

Members requested that the following items be added to the work programme:

·       Review of the criteria for the awarding of the support and facilities grant.

·       Review of the High Wycombe Town market to support local providers and the changes in retail.

·       Information regarding CIL allocations for the High Wycombe unparished area. (September)

·       An update on the Park and Ride at Handy Cross regarding operational changes and to provide views. (September)

·       To understand the social deprivation in black and minority ethnic communities in the town with regards to the increased death rates regarding COVID 19.  To understand the level of social deprivation in the town and for the Council to improve the situation.  The Chairman confirmed that this would be discussed with officers, however it was noted that this matter could be more relevant to the Heath and Adult Social Care Select Committee.  A proposal could be put forward to the Committee.  It was suggested that this could be a county wide problem.

·       It was noted that there had been some positive ideas regarding the market ahead of the COVID 19 pandemic and it was suggested that these could be investigated.

·       An update regarding allotments.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting.