Agenda item

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

Members noted the response to the pre-submitted question received which concerning the flagging of overgrown hedgerows outside 30mph zones.

Sophia Comer also drew attention to the Community Board Summer Updates sheet circulated with the reports pack in advance of the meeting, which detailed information and upcoming events taking place between July and September 2022. This included the following:

·       A request for further help to support Ukrainian refugees across the county.

·       Raising awareness of the Helping Hand and Holiday Activity Fund to support households with the increased cost of living.

·       The Community Boards would be present at the Bucks County Show on 1st September.

·       Update on the £150 council tax energy rebate.

·       Information regarding the Bucks Online Directory.

·       A reminder to visit yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com to participate in the ongoing Buckinghamshire Council consultations.

Nick Graham confirmed that a consultation from the Local Government Boundary Review regarding warding arrangements in Buckinghamshire would begin on Tuesday 2^nd August and run until October. The feedback and views of Parishes and community groups as part of that process would be valued and could be submitted at the following website: https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/node/29857 

Sophia Comer also provided a funding update. The following key points were raised:

·       The budget for the Winslow and Villages Community Board was £108,452 for the ensuing year.

·       Applications could be made for sums up to £15,000 for projects. Contributory funding would be mandatory as part of all project applications.

·       A small grants fund would be established providing up to £1,000 to support grassroots activities.

·       An emergency fund could provide up to £1,000 where money was needed (e.g. in the event of flooding).

·       All applications for community board funding were to be discussed with Sophia prior to an official funding application.

Sophia gave an overview of the applications that had been awarded community board funding. This included the following applications:

·       Winslow Lions North Bucks Bike ride - £1,250

·       UK Astronomy Project (multi-board project) - £1,300

·       Stewkley Players - £745.00 with a £200 contribution

·       Great Horwood Cricket Club - £1,000 with a £7,000 contribution

·       North Bucks Breathe Easy - £960.80

It was clarified that whilst applications that were made to multiple community boards would no longer be permitted moving forward, two or more boards could choose to work together on a project if it was to the benefit of both areas. The community board was also working with Community Impact Bucks on possible avenues for contributory funding where applicants were unable to provide this themselves.

Thanks were received on behalf of Winslow Lions Club for the funding given for their charity bike ride. Over £8,000 was raised for charity, half of which had been given to Bucks Mind. Furze Down School received £1,300 with smaller contributions being donated to other partners. Feedback was taken on the length of time it had taken to process the initial application for this funding, and the revised funding process would be communicated publicly to minimise the chances of similar delays happening in future (ACTION: Amy Jenner).

Winslow Town Council gave feedback that communication from the community board relating to meeting arrangements and funding applications could be improved moving forward. It was felt that little time was given to respond where necessary to community board correspondence and that changes to funding streams and meeting arrangements were made without appropriate consultation. Sophia clarified that correspondence had been sent to Parish/Town Councils in advance and would check to ensure that all relevant parties were included on the distribution list for that correspondence (ACTION: Sophia). The community board funding criteria could also be found online at the following link: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/community-and-safety/improving-your-local-community/apply-community-board-funding/