Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor McCarthy, Wendy Thompson, Lallie Davis and John Shaw.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 9 July

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 9 July 2020 be confirmed as true record

Councillor K Wood declared an interest in agenda item 7 in her capacity of Chairman of Chepping Wycombe Parish Council, as one of the funding applications for approval was lodged by Chepping Wycombe Parish Council. 

The Chairman welcomed all those present and stated that the first initial meeting had progressed well and reiterated the role and function of the Community Boards.

Due to the technical difficulties experienced it was,

RESOLVED: That a link for the Video presented by the Leader of the Council be separately circulated to view.

The Vice- Chairman welcomed members and all those present to the Board`s first official meeting and thanked everyone for their attendance. She emphasised that people should be encouraged to participate in terms of their involvement and discussion thereby contributing to the overall success of the Board.

Launching the new funding application process (including consideration of applications as appropriate)

Mr Chapman provided a detailed explanation of the launching of the new funding application process and presented three new applications for consideration and approval for funding. It was highlighted that project applications for funding for the 2020/21 financial year would need to be agreed by the end of March next year.

Members` attention was drawn to the relevant criteria published on the Bucks Council website to be used in the event of an application. Interested parties were encouraged to make contact with the Board Coordinator for further discussion ahead of submitting applications.

The three new applications included:

(i)              Dementia Friendly Community Project – requesting funding for £675.00

(ii)            Equipment for One Can Trust –requesting funding for £575.50

(iii)           Common Wood Burrows Path –requesting funding for £1145

It was recommended that these amounts be approved by Members.

RESOLVED: That all three applications approved.

Members were informed about the introduction of the grant funding environmental initiative available to various groups, charities and social enterprises across Bucks. `Green Futures Bucks` was developed in March 2020 and was designed to assist with improving sustainability, education and undertaking new small scale environmental schemes/projects.

The second part of the programme `Green School Fund` currently operated in the Aylesbury Vale area and aimed to assist youngsters in becoming involved and engaged in the environment and in sustainability in general. The initiative required the bid for funding to be compiled by the students themselves. It was hoped that the initiative could be extended across Buckinghamshire.

Members agree that this was a very exciting and worthwhile initiative.

RESOLVED: That

(i)              the report be noted

(ii)            Mr Allmand be thanked for his presentation

Written questions in advance to andy.chapman@buckinghamshirecouncil.gov.uk (Please note that we cannot guarantee having time at the meeting for all questions, but will respond separately as necessary)

The Chairman emphasised the need to press ahead and establish the sub groups encouraging the involvement of Members and the public alike. In particular it was envisaged that these sub groups would fall into 3 main categories, namely.

(i)              Highways and Traffic – including speeding matters and cycling

(ii)            Covid recovery & regeneration – including revitalising the high streets, ongoing Covid support, empty shops

(iii)           Community & Open Spaces –including outside spaces, community centres, community projects

The themes of physical and mental health & wellbeing, young and older people, and climate change/environment would be considered in the work of all three subgroups.

A number of pre submitted questions submitted in advance were considered and relevant answers provided.

RESOLVED: That

(i)              The Co-ordinator organise a date for the first meeting of the sub groups

(ii)            The questions and answers be separately circulated along with the minutes

Discussion on expanding the Board membership and development of subgroups, media opportunities/local events to attend

Members were requested to advise the coordinator of any possible media opportunities that may arise which would help to disseminate information with regards to the Community Board. The coordinator was conscious that not all residents had digital access and that some relied more heavily on other forms of communication, for example newsletters, letters and face to face contact.

 The coordinator agreed to circulate the link to the Board’s Facebook page @bcwcommunityboard

(Tuesday 17 November) To be confirmed

RESOLVED: That the next meeting be scheduled for Tuesday 17 November 2020 at 7pm.