Agenda and draft minutes

Chairman Santhokh Chhokar welcomed everyone to tonight’s meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence

Liz Charter read out those who sent apologies

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 11 July 2023

The minutes of the last meeting were approved

To receive any declartions of interest

No declarations of interest arose

Cllr Santokh Chhokar welcomed Tiffany Adonis-French as the new service director for Adult Social Care and Health and is our new Community Board Champion.

TA-F gave a background to herself: been in post since July, began as a Social Worker and has worked across care and health settings mainly in London.  Specialist areas include learning disability, mental health and experience in older peoples’ services and integrated cares settings.  Role this evening is to act as a conduit between the CB and BC.  Presented Bucks Council update *Refer to pack*

Questions from members of the public can be submitted in advance of the meeting to denhamgxchalfonts@Buckinghamshire.gov.uk 

No questions were received.

Lloyd Little, Senior Programme Officer (Digital) BC

Background / current position / expectations and input

Cllr Chhokar introduced Lloyd Little, Snr Programme Officer (Digital) BC. LL introduced himself, his role sits in Economic Growth & Regeneration area of BC, areas of focus is digital infrastructure, connecting people through mobile, broadband and satellite. Key purpose to explore maximise broadband, as seen as another utility as now considered essential.  Today it was announced that BC have received £4m mobile funding for 5G innovation in partnership with neighbouring authorities.  This is to boost connectivity in rural areas for eg. 5G masts. He presented Project Gigabit that included their key areas of focus, an outline of broadband in Buckinghamshire, DGXC – digital infrastructure overview (NB. Contract information has been embargoed, so somewhat limited and note that data is given at postcode level). *Refer to pack*

A question on what the definition of ‘good coverage’ means as that doesn’t seem to be the experience for a lot of residents. LL fed back that it is interesting to hear as it means that the data is given isn’t always accurate and will be fed back and look at how to maximise coverage.

Councillor J Walsh mentioned that Virgin Media were keen to bring in superfast fibre to higher Denham as it was an enclosed element of Denham Parish; however, once it was realised, they needed 100 signatures it caused a problem. Alongside this, it was mentioned that perhaps an audit across the parish would be a good idea.

Cllr Hollis asked what proof would be required from those claiming that they have bad coverage. LL replied that they have access to a speed checker and LL suggested that having a digital champion for the board as a whole / areas within that, to understand what people could do with better connectivity would help to make the case. Made a plea to have the help of the board and their representatives.  Cllr Hollis suggested Unitary Councillors working with Town & Parish Councillors could do this, so asked for LL to follow up with this.

CG suggested that Lloyd have meetings with the community board managers to understand each area need in greater depth. Cllr Chhokar explained that Denham, Gerrards Cross and the Chalfont’s would be the pilot project and would take lessons learned away to then roll out to all Community Boards.  Recognised level of interest and suggested that we follow up with a workshop, LL to work with LC on this. LC requested LL put together a form that councillors can use.  GH requested a system to use for BCllrs to use.  Cllr Chhokar noted has had discussions with Parish Councils and is an opportunity to provide input to help frame solutions.

Matthew Locke requested that mobile phone signal is not overlooked, for example, signal in CSP is terrible, requested that the focus is not just on broadband and fibre. JW added that it is also terrible in Denham.

Cllr Hollis mentioned that planning permission is not necessary to put up a mast.

ACTION: LL to create a table of information that he  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Funding position / Community Engagement LC

Project spotlight – Jacqui Gellman, Outreach, COAM

COMMUNITY BOARD UPDATE

Liz gave an update on the Community Board and local events that have happened since the last board meeting.  Cllr Chhokar emphasized that would like to support events across the Board area, please keep informing the Board of your community activities. *Refer to pack*

Cllr Chhokar introduced Jacqui Gellman of the Chiltern Open Air Museum.  DGXC partnered with Amersham & Villages CB on a social prescribing project. Cllrs Chhokar and Rush attended a day along with CBMs of DGXC and Amersham & Villages board.

Jacqui Gellman gave a presentation on Summer Wellbeing Socials as well as a background on the museum as the county’s ‘best kept secret’.  Is a multi-generational welcoming place, that has 35 rescued historic buildings that can be walked into and explored on 45 acres of land, with allotments and livestock.  Successful project with many positive outcomes (eg. increased confidence, combatting loneliness etc.) *Refer to pack*

JG also encouraged any organisations that would like to be a part of their Festive Weekend running from the 2^nd – 3^rd December to get in touch and they will find a spot for them.

Cllr Darby asked if there was an issue with transportation due to the remote location, JG replied that there was but they were allocated funds to help people travel there.  Possible to explore links with CDAR.

Cllr Chhokar thanked JG, an inspiring project, and noted Health & Wellbeing a priority for the board and would continue to try to support COAM. 

The presentation received positive feedback from the group.

JG would like to connect with TA-F, Cllr Chhokar noted that TA-F would be invited to work closer with the board, especially in the Health & Wellbeing priority.

Community Safety TS

Sustainability Action Group JC

Infrastructure & Highways JR/DB

Health & Wellbeing ID

28 February 2024

February 28^th, 2024 6.30pm via Teams.