Agenda and minutes

Beaconsfield & Chepping Wye Community Board - Tuesday, 17th November, 2020 7.00 pm

Contact: Iram Malik

Media

Items

No.

Item

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

Minutes:

The Chairman welcomed all those present to the meeting of the Board and thanked everyone for their attendance.

APOLOGIES

To receive apologies for absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors: Newman, Waters, and L Wood. Dame Gillian (MP) Mr Pegg (Neighbourhood Watch), Sgt Dale (TVP) and Ms Rankine and N Judson (Community Engagement Team).

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 29 September 2020

Minutes:

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the last meeting of the Board held on 29 September 2020 be confirmed as a true record.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

To receive any declarations of interest

Minutes:

There were no relevant declarations of interest

CHAIRMAN`S UPDATE

Minutes:

The Chairman provided a brief update of events that had taken place since the last meeting of the Board.

She emphasised that many needed support within the community as part of the Covid recovery process and that we needed to remain vigilant so that we could help those most in need.

COVID SUPPORT HUBS (EMMA DENLEY) PDF 859 KB

Minutes:

Emma Denley, Buckinghamshire Council Localism Manager provided up to date details of provision of support for local residents.

There had already been a considerable level of work carried out in relation to recovery and further work was to continue during the current lockdown and beyond. In particular focus was centred on the provision of support to critically extremely vulnerable people (CEV) those residents who were currently self - isolating or known by Adult Social Care to be particularly vulnerable.

A Member asked about the progress relating to the provision of slots for shopping for those self -isolating especially over the Christmas period. It was confirmed that supermarket priority slots are again available to those most in need. Further information was anticipated from government but residents could receive up to date guidance by calling the Support Hub service on 01296 395000 or visiting buckinghamshire.gov.uk

It was also confirmed that the community teams were disseminating information out across the community to make them aware of the people to contact should support be required. The presenting officer stated that whilst there were a greater number of clinically vulnerable people during this lockdown the Council was more prepared and better organised and therefore able to provide greater help.

RESOLVED: That the presentation be circulated with the minutes

VICE CHAIRMAN ON GRANTS

Minutes:

Councillor K Wood provided an overview of the two business support grants that were in place to help businesses in the current situation. These consisted of the Local Restrictions Support Grant and the Additional Restrictions Grant. In particular it was hoped that this would be useful in the areas of non- essential retail and hospitality sectors.

Members were informed that further information could be obtained from the Council`s website.

RESOLVED: That

(i) the information be noted.

(ii) The guidance relating to the business grants be circulated with the minutes.

CITIZENS ADVICE (ALASDAIR TURNER) PDF 850 KB

Minutes:

Mr Turner provided some in depth information on the current work of Citizens Advice, its main challenges during the lockdowns and the consequent impact on the service, together with the desire to work with the Community Boards in order to help build capacity and make the CAB a sustainable presence.

A Member suggested that the Citizens Advice work alongside Beaconsfield Advisory Centre to help make better use of resources and avoid duplication. Another Member suggested that Bucks Council may be better placed to consider funding as opposed to the Community Boards giving the matter further consideration.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and the presentation be circulated with the minutes

COVID UPDATES FROM LOCAL GROUPS)

Minutes:

Better Connected Beaconsfield – Paul Henry

This provided support to frail elderly and shielding residents with shopping, hospital appointments, collection of prescriptions food deliveries and supportive phone calls. Further activities include the provision of tablets, with relevant training, to help isolated residents stay connected

Penn & Tylers Green Residents Society– Madalyn Roker

Provision of activities for families with 180 volunteers covering each street in order to help foster the community spirit.

Winchmore Hill Residents Association

Provision of activities including village show and Remembrance Sunday event, and a proposed Carol Concert in December.

Beaconsfield Society – Peter Foster

With a Facebook following of 5000, the Society provides assistance to residents with signposting on issues such as rules around Covid and sources of local support, such as the Rotary Club and Better Connected Beaconsfield Currently supporting a Buy In Beaconsfield campaign.

Loudwater Forum – Paul Cogger

Emphasis on community cohesion provision of support within the community. Pizza and ice cream deliveries with a community baking morale booster. There had also been a virtual remembrance service which was filmed for the benefit of those who were isolating. In addition there would be services and carols held over the Christmas period with litter picks being held also. Connections had also been made with Winchester Round Table who were also on board to help.

Hazlemere Helpline - Ed Gemmell

Over 4,000 leaflets had been distributed with more than 100 volunteers working to assist the community with daily food deliveries from Co-op, distribution of prescriptions and befriending phone calls. Services have been increased again recently and the group is welcoming new volunteers.

10.

WORKING GROUP UPDATES

Minutes:

Highways & Traffic (Cllr Johncock)

This had met once in October with a cross section of community representatives. 12 traffic schemes had been agreed and forwarded for assessment and costing to be completed by Transport for Bucks. It was anticipated that a cycle calming scheme would fall under the current year`s budget. The next meeting would be held in February/March time for further consideration of the proposed schemes once costings had been received.

Community & Open Spaces (Cllr Oliver)

This group’s meeting discussions which had centred on outdoor spaces and access for those with limited mobility, provision of allotments and play equipment for children. The group had received a presentation from Chiltern Rangers, and had discussed and supported a proposal to fund a range of projects in six local schools and at local wildlife sites. The Board agreed to provide £18,000 funding to support the projects.

John Shaw from Chiltern Rangers expressed hisenthusiasm in working with the Community Board and thanked Members for supporting the funding application.

Economic Recovery & Regeneration – (Cllr Watson)

Members were informed of the meeting of the group held on 3 November with a number of business representatives also in attendance. There had been a consensus of opinion that as unemployment was on the rise new business start- ups should be given assistance through the Board.

Following a presentation to the working group, Buckinghamshire Business First had proposed to set up an Enterprise Day, a 2-day workshop and 1 to 1 support for individuals seeking to set up their own businesses. To facilitate this, a Crisis Fund application for £3000 was proposed. Mr Chapman confirmed that there were sufficient funds within the crisis fund to support this initiative and Councillors voted in favour of the proposal

11.

NEIGHBOURHOOD MATTERS

Written questions in advance to andy.chapman@buckinghamshirecouncil.gov.uk

(Please note that we cannot guarantee a response to all questions at the meeting but will respond separately)

Minutes:

The Charity Services Manager from the Clare Foundation (Helen Mee) requested information as to whether anyone was aware of older residents requiring hot meal provision in the light of closure of day centres. Many who were reliant on the service were now likely to be struggling and as such the Clare Foundation wished to help to those people as part of its recovery project.

RESOLVED: That the Charity Services Manager welcome the relevant information from members directly and Mr Chapman be copied in as to the details for reference.

12.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Minutes:

The Chairman thanked Andy Chapman for all his hard work and all those present for their input.

RESOLVED: That the next meeting be held in January and then in March with precise details to be confirmed in due course.