Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Davy, Hanif, Graham, Shakespeare and N Teesdale.

The Chairman opened the meeting welcoming all those present to this the first introductory meeting of the Board. He highlighted that this would not be recorded or webcast as this was an introductory meeting but would be open to the public for all its other meetings from September.

The Chairman of the Board also took the opportunity to thank all the members of the community, Councillors and Council staff who supported the Covid-19 emergency response all of whom had achieved so much in such a short space of time. The Chairman sent his condolences to those who had lost family members and friends during this challenging time.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted

Cllr Gareth Williams provided a comprehensive overview of the Community Boards and a brief background of how they came into being. He emphasised that the establishment of the boards were for the benefit of the local communities they served and were expected to be driven by them. It was very much envisaged that they would be a source of strength and resilience within communities.

It was anticipated that many of the decisions would be taken during meetings of the sub groups which would be formed to discuss major agreed issues which needed to be addressed.

Councillor Baughan wished for her thanks be recorded to the team of officers allocating the Councillor Crisis Fund. Their support patience and guidance had been exceptional.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted

To receive feedback summary from local community support groups and organisations.

Information relating to this had been disseminated to Members prior to the meeting.

The meeting was informed that Over 30 community support groups, organisations and businesses and hundreds of volunteers had come together to support vulnerable residents in the High Wycombe area during lockdown. 17,991 people in Buckinghamshire were identified by NHS as needing to shield because they were Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV). 13% 2,337 were in the High Wycombe Community Board area.

24 groups and organisations were allocated funding from the Councillor Crisis fund. Local members and Area Coordinators worked with the groups and were able to identify need and allocate funds. A total of £43,501 was allocated.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

Members received a presentation on the profile of the High Wycombe area and a range of statistics on population, demographics, life expectancy, crime rates and employment.  

RESOLVED: That the report be noted

Tiffany Burch (Public Health Consultant) conducted a presentation on public health within the relevant area. Ms Burch then went on to address some of the comments that were made and answer a number of questions that were raised.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

To agree priorities and consider invitations to potential partners

Members gave some thought to agreeing priorities and considering invitations to potential partners.

The overall themes consisted of:

•       Covid-19 recovery / Economic regeneration 

•       Infrastructure (road safety, parking, speeding and traffic)

•       Mental Health and Community (Young people, Elderly, BAME)

•       Debt / Homelessness / Anti-social behaviour

•       Planning / Environment

Some Members commented that the work focus should also encompass crime related matters and issues of health. Another Member stated that economic regeneration should comprise of upskilling the workforce to help them back into employment in the light of Covid 19. It was also felt that the overall themes were of a very broad nature and as such needed to be broken down into manageable pieces of work. Quick wins would be ideal and clear objectives and outcomes would be required especially in light of the reduced timespan for the year 20/21.

It was agreed that Members would indicate which priorities they would be interested in being involved in by the end of Monday 20 July.

A Member wished it to be recorded that he viewed this meeting as being in breach of the Constitution as it had not been openly accessible to the public. It was explained that the sessions in July had purely been an introduction to the Boards and had looked to start an initial conversation of who would need to be involved, what the local issues might be and its general set up. Following these initial meetings, there would be extensive engagement with groups and organisations in the local areas to talk about matters of concern to them ahead of the official launch meetings in September.

RESOLVED: That

(i)             the report be noted,

(ii)            Members provide an indication of the areas of work they would wish to be involved with through the formation of relevant sub groups.

     .