Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs: Barrett, Clarke and Wood.

To approve the last minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2023

RESOLVED: that the minutes of the last meeting held on 17 January be confirmed as a true record subject to the following amendment at minute no 1 (ii).

The words `funding towards a feasibility study` be deleted.

To receive any declarations of interest

No declarations of interest ere received

Members received a presentation from Thames Valley Police which provided updated information on the current emergency situation within High Wycombe, recent police activity and force wide initiatives recently implemented.  Figures on crime trends were provided over the last 3 months and the challenges that the Force was confronted with at the present time.

A number of questions arose following the presentation, one of which related to the closure of the police custody suites. It was confirmed that the force was struggling to appoint to vacancies which now required the presence of a health care professional within the suites. New pay scales were being explored in this area of work until which the custody suites would remain closed.

Another Member asked regarding resourcing numbers and how they compared to 2010. She was informed that whilst the figures were back on track and in line with 2010, with 485 officers recruited this year alone. However the officers would need to go through a level of training prior to engaging in the full spectrum of the duties. In addition the nature of the crimes had changed since 2010 which brought about fresh challenges.

A member also enquired in relation to low level crime, such as inconsiderately parked vehicles, causing obstruction etc. the meeting was informed that residents had reported that they had been incorrectly referred to the council when contacting the police on 101. The presenter confirmed that this would be rectified.

RESOLVED: That the presentation be noted and superintendent Burroughs be formally thanked for responding to the emergency situation at such short notice.   

A presentation was conducted on CityFibre`s High Wycombe Project. The presenters outlined the construction process, the impact on the local economy and the roles and responsibilities in the rolling out of their deployment in and around the area. The purpose of undertaking the process street by street was to obtain connection to one of the fastest full fibre networks in the world, with residents able to access the new gigabit broadband services.

A Member queried why there were occasionally a number of suppliers working in the same area. He was informed that companies were encouraged to compete which in turn drove down prices. However CityFibre tended to focus on the areas which were not overly done.

RESOLVED: That the presentation be noted and the presenters be thanked for their attendance

A report was submitted which requested that the quarter 3 forecast position for 2022/23 and the forecast impact on working balances at year end for the Committee be noted. The net forecast outturn position for 2022/23 was £355k, a favourable variance of £73k against a total budget of £428k.

The table on page 17 of the agenda provided greater detail at activity level.  

RESOLVED: That

(i)                  The report be noted

(ii)                Any questions be emailed directly to the Chairman of the Committee in the absence of the Lead Officer

An update note was circulated to Members regarding the provision of a 7 day burial service.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

RESOLVED: That the date of the next meeting be confirmed in due course.