Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed all those present and thanked them for their attendance.

Apologies for absence were received from T Lightfoot, Ms Cornell, Mr Chilver and Mr Harvey and Mr Whyte.

To disclose any Personal or Disclosable Pecuniary Interests.

There were no declarations of interest

At the previous meeting of the Board Members had wished to establish how the change in Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) contractors would affect the ways of working with the community board.  Alice Williams, Community Board Manager confirmed that although the contractors had been appointed, it had not yet been confirmed how they would work with the community boards going forwards.  The board would be updated once the official process had been formally confirmed. 

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the previous meeting be approved.

Stacey Thomas, UK Finance

A presentation was delivered on the Banking Hub by Cash Access UK. Positive discussions were currently underway with the landlord regards a suitable property located in the area of Market Square. The Hub opening timeline would be subject to a number of further activities and actions and it was anticipated that the Hub would be functional within about 9 months.

Members were encouraged to get in contact if they were aware of any other suitable properties.

Members emphasised that they would like to be involved within the preparation for the launch of the new Banking Hub and that relevant Cllrs, the Mayor of Buckingham and MP should be invited to the event. It was also suggested that the university be consulted and liaised with as the service would be of considerable benefit to students.

ACTION:  Alice Williams to act as the point of contact for the board regarding banking hub updates and liaise with Cash Access UK directly. 

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and the officer presenter be thanked for attendance.   

A presentation was delivered by Ashley Waite on the Bernwode Community Bus initiative which had been launched in 2018 in Waddesdon and Quainton with the primary objective of serving the elderly in the community. The project had gone from strength to strength and had merged with Buckingham Area Rural Transport (BART) in 2020. This meant that the service was able to offer 2 buses with wider coverage. 

Members were informed that it was hoped that the same level of coverage could now be provided in the Buckinghamshire area but that assistance was required in order to make this happen. Mr Waite advised that more volunteer drivers were now needed to cater for the growing client group, in addition to help to publicise the service being offered.

All those present agreed that this was a fantastic initiative for the local community.

ACTION:  Ashley Waite to share spec sheet with Alice Williams to be distributed to the board.

ACTION:  Alice Williams to share Ashley Waite contact details with the board.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted

Sara Turnbull, Service Director for Adult Social Care Operations highlighted points from the corporate update as circulated with the minutes.

Ms Turnbull also highlighted the press release issued on 2 February 2023 which highlighted the road repairs scheduled to be carried out by East West Rail in the community board area.  The board asked for reassurance that the work would be monitored and for clarification of the payment arrangements. 

ACTION:  Alice Williams to liaise with the appropriate officer and share an update on East West Rail payment arrangements with the board.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

The Community Board Action plan for 2022/23 was summarised on pages 13-19 of the agenda pack. Its priorities fall within the areas of economic recovery, green spaces and communities, road safety and youth.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

Alice Williams, Community Board Manager detailed all the main events, highlights and achievements of the year to date. As part of the presentation the Board Manager gave mention to the priorities which had been established for the year and the Task and Finish Groups which had developed as a consequence of the further work undertaken.

Reference was also made to the budget allocated to date, a total of £67,361 with a total of £49,665 remaining. However it was highlighted that this was not the final figure as the deadlines would not elapse until the following week. It was confirmed that the Board would be updated on the final budget status for the year end following the final budget meeting.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

Ms Williams emphasised the positive work that had taken place over the past year and gave an overview of the events that would take place in 2023-24.  She also commented that she was very much looking forward to further success of the board which she anticipated would go from strength to strength.  

4^th May 2023 - Community Engagement Event

6^th July 2023- Community Board Meeting 1

12^th October 2023- Community Board Meeting 2

8^th February 2024- Community Board Meeting 3

4 May 2023 – community engagement event

6 July 2023

12 October 2023

8 Feb 2024