Archives: Local News

The latest edition of the newsletter, with lots of useful information on the following topics:

• Aylesbury & Wycombe Street Wardens
• Vehicle Crime
• Love Exploring app
• Self-Defence Classes
• Creating a safer Buckinghamshire for all
• Neighbourhood Watch Awareness Week
• National Bike Week
• Child car seat checks
• Cyber Security
• Thames Valley Police
• Social Media
• Useful Contact Details

https://enews.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/5438-SKS4-88E7101A0917B9FB1DX5Q835C4D9D0158326DB/cr.aspx

Thames Valley Police have apparently been made aware of some recent instances of anti-social behaviour in Pitstone by young people with sling shots.

They have asked that we publish on social media a request for any incidents witnessed, or any intelligence known in relation to this matter, to be reported to them via their normal email : the Great Brickhill Wing & Ivinghoe neighbourhood policing team (NHPT) on greatbrickhillwingivinghoeNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk

The same email applies for any other incidents of anti-social behaviour witnessed within the parish. Please provide as many details as possible in relation to any report, so that TVP can build up their intelligence and schedule their patrols more effectively.

Thank you.

Buckinghamshire Council outlines further cost-of-living support for residents

Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet has today agreed a comprehensive package of continuing support for residents struggling with cost-of-living pressures.

The council has been allocated a further £4.8 million of Household Support Fund money from the Department for Work and Pensions to provide support until March 2024. It’s now set out how the funding will be used to provide the best help possible to residents who need it most.

The council recognises the cost-of-living pressures have not gone away and high inflation and recent annual bill rises are continuing to impact households across the county. The council is pleased the funding is for a full twelve months of support and today the Cabinet has agreed to continue with a range of initiatives to help local households, including its flagship Helping Hand service.

The Council will spend the new tranche of money in the same way it has done previously, by providing food vouchers to eligible residents, direct support through the Helping Hand service and using the funds to support local organisations like foodbanks, which are providing vital community-based support.

Creating a safer Buckinghamshire for all

The Safer Bucks Strategy 2023-26 is the product of many months of work to identify the community safety issues that matter most to Buckinghamshire residents, working with partner agencies and analysing available data.

The five identified priorities are:

• Neighbourhood crime – raising awareness of fraud, scams and cybercrime; and undertaking multiagency problem solving to tackle crime hotspots
• Anti-social behaviour – Tackling repeat victimisation and encouraging reporting and working with partners to address concerns
• Serious Violence – Raising awareness of serious violence and supporting early intervention and prevention for young people at risk
• Violence Against Women and Girls – Raising awareness through education and training of professionals and increasing confidence in reporting
• Exploitation of Vulnerable People – Identifying vulnerable locations where exploitation is at risk of occurring and ensuring communities can recognise the signs and how to report exploitation

To help set the priorities, in September last year a public consultation was run to gain an understanding of how safe residents feel in Buckinghamshire. Some of the key findings included:

• Fraud and scams continue to be of most concern to respondents, followed by theft from a vehicle
• Anti-social behaviour continues to be a significant concern for residents
• There has been an increase in criminal damage and vandalism

The Safer Buckinghamshire Partnership Board is the multi-agency partnership responsible for tackling crime and disorder within Buckinghamshire. The central vision of the Safer Buckinghamshire Partnership is for Buckinghamshire to continue to be one of the safest places to grow up, raise a family, live, work and do business.

Pothole Pro gets to work fixing problem potholes

Buckinghamshire Council’s latest tool in the fight against potholes has been hard at work tackling some of the most troublesome road defects around the county.

The Pothole Pro is a specialist three-in-one vehicle that speeds up the process of repairing potholes and large sections of the road surface.

The machine starts by cutting into the road surface where a pothole has appeared. It planes out the defective area then crops the perimeter of the hole neatly, minimising the amount of material that needs to be removed and allowing a watertight seal. It then brushes away and collects the debris afterwards. All that is then needed following this is for highways teams to seal, lay and compact the asphalt into the prepared area to complete the repair.

The harsh winter weather caused significant damage to many roads across the county, compounded by the extra HGVs working on projects including HS2 and East West Rail. The council’s road crews were trained and ready to spring into action with the new machine once suitable dry weather conditions allowed them to get out and start making permanent repairs to the roads. During the previous wet and cold weather the crews could only make temporary emergency repairs.

Last week, Buckinghamshire Council Leader, Martin Tett and Cabinet Member for Transport, Steven Broadbent, went out to view the Pothole Pro in action in Crispin Street and Berryfields Road in Waddesdon to see for themselves how the Buckinghamshire Highways team is working round the clock to carry out the much-needed repairs.

The first sites the Pothole Pro visited earlier this month were Lower Road in Haddenham and Portway Road in Stone, where nine areas of defective road surface were repaired. The Pothole Pro will continue to travel around the county visiting sites that have been identified for repairs as part of a 28-day patching plan, including further works on Berryfields Road where 41 defects are due to be fixed over coming weeks.  

Condition surveys of the county’s road are carried out by the Highway Inspectors who, along with the Local Area Technicians, identify areas that require repairs. The number and size of the defects are recorded, measured and assessed to determine the best way of making the repairs. The Pothole Pro is being used to repair defects measuring 21.5sqf (2sqm) and above. For larger areas with multiple defects, use of the Pothole Pro for planing and sweeping is combined with the more practical methods of Plane and Patch or resurfacing is used, where the old road surface is removed in its entirety and a new surface laid. To date the largest patch of road repaired by the Pothole Pro has measured 2,637 sq ft (245sqm).

You can’t evade the law when it comes to fly-tipping in Bucks

Councillor Derek Town 

Buckinghamshire Councillor Peter Brazier advised at the Annual Assembly that additional finances had been allocated to help clear the backlog of potholes across the county, bringing the total Buckinghamshire Council budget to £30m.

The size and position of the pothole dictates how it gets classified and how quickly it get fixed. There is also a set schedule for how frequently different categories of highway get surveyed by BC, and in between visits they rely on your assistance to report any issues via their website. Reports generate a visit from the Local Area Technician to assess, log and schedule remedial works as appropriate.

If you spot a pothole, highway defect, problem with a pavement, blocked drain, problem with a sign or a range of other highways related matters, please report them via this link:

https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-transport/report-problems-on-roads-streets-and-pavements/

If there are 2 potholes in slightly different locations, please report each one separately, rather than just reporting one and hoping the technician will spot the other when they drive past.

If one is classified as a major pothole, requiring category one response times, and the other is classified as minor damage with a longer remedial window, you may find that one is filled but its neighbour is not.

You can choose to receive updates on the issue you have reported if you so wish.

Thank you very much to PCSOs Megan Dean and Tina Hobson for attending the Annual Assembly and providing a crime update. They advised that 94 incidents of note had been logged for Pitstone over the previous 12-months, which included 10 thefts from motor vehicles, 4 thefts of bicycles/other, 3 house burglaries and 2 business burglaries.

You can report a range of issues to Thames Valley Police online via this link, including crimes, anti-social behaviour or general concerns:

https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/area/your-area/local-policing-team-contact/contact-your-local-policing-team/

You can also email our local policing team (the Great Brickhill Wing & Ivinghoe Neighbourhood Policing Team (NHPT)) via their generic email address: greatbrickhillwingivinghoeNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk

They use the information that you provide to build up intelligence and schedule their patrols or operations, so please do get in touch with them whenever you witness anything inappropriate or have a policing concern. You may not see an immediate response, but your information might be the missing piece of the jigsaw that enables an operation to be scheduled.

You can also sign up to receive email alerts if there is an incident in the area, please follow this link to sign up: https://www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk/

Thank you to the trustees of the Town Lands Charity who gave an interesting presentation at the Annual Assembly last night.

The Charity was set up to help those living in Pitstone who may be in need, hardship or distress. Surprisingly, despite the recent challenges with the pandemic and cost of living crisis, applications for assistance from the charity are down. They now provide assistance to all ages, and also provide assistance through local groups and charities that support Pitstone residents.

If you are struggling to make ends meet, please get in touch, in complete confidence, to see how the trustees can help. They would love to hear from you.

Thank you to Alex for the fascinating Repair Cafe presentation at the Annual Assembly last night.

Here is a reminder that the next two events are on 27 May at the Ivinghoe Old School Hub and 24 June at Pitstone Pavilion:

https://pitstone.co.uk/event/repair-cafe-2-2/

Please do go along with all your broken items that need repairing. There is no charge, but donations are welcome.

Good Morning,

I am one of the PCSO’s who covers your parish.

We are looking at ways to communicate with our communities more frequently and one of the ways is via Thames Valley Alerts.

Thames Valley Alerts is a system where we can send an email to specific communities and areas if there has been an incident or crime in that location. This not only enables people to be extra vigilant but it also keeps them informed of what is going on in their area.

The link to sign up is below:

https://thamesvalleyalert.co.uk/

Or pop along to see us at the Pitstone Annual Assembly on Thursday 18 May 2023 at 7.30 at Pitstone Pavilion and we can help you to sign up.

PCSO C9953 Megan Dean

Wing Police Office

Aylesbury LPA

Thames Valley Police

Vicarage Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

18 May – 25 May

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)

Description: SGN has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by SGN.

Responsibility for works: SGN

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: XW070W119117448-00344

Council has a new tool in the fight against potholes

As part of its new contract, which started on 1 April, Buckinghamshire Highways has taken delivery of a different type of vehicle to help in the fight against potholes.

Used by many councils across the country, the Pothole Pro is a time-saving, three-in-one vehicle designed to make pothole repairs faster. First it cuts into the road surface where a pothole has appeared, it crops the perimeter of the hole neatly to allow a watertight repair, and then it brushes away and collects the debris afterwards. Highways teams just need to lay and compact asphalt into the prepared hole to complete the repair.

The benefits of using such a vehicle are speed but also that operators are safely in their cab, with no risk of the use of vibrating hand tools affecting their hands or fingers.

Council sells unused land for affordable homes development

Buckinghamshire Council has announced the sale of unused council-owned land at Horns Lane in High Wycombe – paving the way for the construction of 50 affordable homes which will be managed by social housing provider Sovereign. This decision aligns with the council’s ongoing commitment to addressing the urgent need for new, affordable housing within the county.

Woolridge Developments will be constructing the homes for Sovereign, who have a proven track record of delivering affordable housing. The housing association will work with the council to ensure that the homes are built to high standards, and that they meet the needs of the local community.

The Horns Lane development serves as yet another example of the council’s proactive approach to community enhancement, following a similar project to deliver affordable homes on a council-owned site at Bellfield in High Wycombe, where 68 affordable homes will be built.

The Horns Lane homes will meet Sovereign’s unique Homes and Place Standard and be constructed using its new range of house types. The new design range goes further to support the health and wellbeing of its future customers, exceeding national space standards, incorporating increased storage and renewable energy sources.

The new homes will have air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, making them even more affordable and sustainable.

98% of Bucks families get one of their primary school preferences

Figures published today, Monday 17 April, show that overall, 98% of children in both Reception and Junior schools were offered one of their preference schools this year.

90% of children starting Reception received their top choice allocation, with 96% of families getting their first choice of Junior school. All children who expressed preferences in the Reception and Junior allocation rounds have been offered a school place in Buckinghamshire.

Communities devastated by groundwater flooding to receive support

Groundwater flooding can be devastating but the lack of information and management techniques available often leaves communities with little support. Without effective mapping and modelling, groundwater flooding can seem to come out of nowhere, with communities and management authorities not understanding how to prepare and respond. Project Groundwater Chiltern Hills and Berkshire Downs is here to change that. Over the next four years, it will develop modelling techniques and a flood warning service for groundwater flooding, working in collaboration with the community to help protect their homes and businesses.

Led by Buckinghamshire Council, Project Groundwater will work with communities in nine areas of the Chiltern Hills and Berkshire Downs at high risk of groundwater flooding, gathering local knowledge about floods and developing solutions on the ground, to ensure residents are better prepared for groundwater flooding. Findings from the project could benefit hundreds of communities and thousands of properties at risk of groundwater flooding across the region. The project’s findings will also support a national understanding of how to manage groundwater flooding.

Are you entitled to childcare support for your two-year-old?

Buckinghamshire Council is reminding parents of two-year-old children to check whether they are entitled up to 15 hours a week funded childcare.

Any parent or carer who currently claims some benefits may qualify for this support, which is worth over £3,000. Full details of who is eligible can be found on the Buckinghamshire Council website.

The funded childcare can be used with participating childminders, day nurseries, pre-schools and nursery schools across Buckinghamshire.

Have your say on the vision and objectives for development and transport in Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire Councilwants to hear your views on its draft vision and objectives to guide future development and transport in Buckinghamshire.

The council is creating two long-term plans for what Buckinghamshire should be like in 2040 and how this can be achieved:

• The Local Plan for Buckinghamshire – to shape and manage future development across Buckinghamshire.
• Local Transport Plan 5 (LTP 5) – to set out the priorities for all types of transport across Buckinghamshire.

The draft vision and objectives have been developed from what people who work and live in Buckinghamshire have already told the council during a survey that ran from November 2021 to February 2022.

Bucks Tree Mission flourishes with more than 145,000 trees planted since October

Buckinghamshire Council is celebrating the significant progress made in its Bucks Tree Mission, with over 145,000 trees planted since October 2022.

The overall mission, which began in 2021, is to plant over 543,000 new trees on council-owned land in Buckinghamshire within a decade – one for every resident. This is part of the council’s comprehensive Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy.

The most recent tree planting season ran from October 2022 to March 2023. Key projects in the county have included a mix of large-scale tree planting on council land and a wide variety of local community planting initiatives.

• Grange Farm – 14,700 trees and shrubs planted at this site to create a new woodland in Hazlemere. Volunteers, including 60 school children, attended a planting day run by Chiltern Rangers.
• Bury Farm – 14,300 trees and shrubs planted at this site in Amersham, creating a new woodland.
• Platinum Way – 4,038 trees planted along this walking, wheeling and cycling route with volunteer planting co-ordinated by Chiltern Rangers.

Alongside the larger projects on council-owned land, community involvement has resulted in locally delivered, smaller tree planting projects across Bucks. One such example is the St Peter’s Greenway, where a total of 2,700 trees were planted, spanning from Berryfields to Buckingham Park. Additionally, two ‘tiny forests’ were established; one at Princes Risborough School and the other at Bourton Park in Buckingham, both consisting of 600 trees each.

Furthermore, a lease has been signed with Forestry England to create a new woodland in Bucks near Wing, where 132,000 trees will be planted over the next 12 months. During a relatively wet April, Forestry England have already planted over 109,000 trees at the new Wing Woods.

New early bird trial gives free bus pass holders even

Older and disabled residents in Buckinghamshire who qualify for a free bus pass, can now benefit from even more freedom following the introduction of a new early bird trial which allows them to use the bus before 9am for a reduced fare.

Holders of an older person’s bus pass or a disabled bus pass in Buckinghamshire are allowed free travel on buses. Previously this was only after 9am on Monday to Friday. In a pilot arrangement with local bus companies, Buckinghamshire Council has arranged for new, extended benefits to free bus pass holders to travel on a bus before 9am on weekdays by paying a fixed £1 fare. These additional benefits will be in place until 31 August 2023.

Respect our beloved School Crossing Patrollers

​Buckinghamshire Council is calling on all drivers in Bucks to be respectful of the work carried out by the county’s dedicated group of lollipop men and women.

Come rain or shine, the small army of 60 school crossing patrollers are out morning and afternoon during the school term with their trusty STOP signs to help children safely reach school, as well as assisting adults across the road. However, a small minority of drivers can be abusive and put lives at risk with dangerous manoeuvres just because they don’t want to stop to let people cross safely.

Examples include drivers using abusive language, not stopping when the patroller was already standing in the road and swerving round the patroller to get past. The patrollers’ job is also made more difficult by drivers blocking pavements and stopping or parking in inconsiderate locations to drop off their children, particularly at ‘School Keep Clear’ markings and at bus stops.

So, the council is relaunching its ‘Respect Me’ campaign to remind drivers to be more considerate and respectful of the job school crossing patrollers do. 

Councillor Derek Town 

Ivinghoe Freight Zone

The purpose of the Freight Zone is to restrict HGV access to the area. Those HGVs that DO NOT have a business reason to be there, entering the area as a cut-through to somewhere else will be in breach of the order. This traffic should be encouraged to follow more suitable roads around the zone. HGVs for businesses based within the zone and trucks entering the zone to service commercial and residential properties in the zone will have exception and be allowed.

The result of surveys made during the last few years indicate that the majority of HGVs are using this part of Buckinghamshire as a cut through to other parts of the UK.

Phase 1 covers the installation of signage around the zone making the 7.5 tonne environmental traffic regulation order restricting HGV traffic with exception for local access legal. This started in February and is now complete.

Phase 2 which covers the more bespoke advance notice signage on key routes around the zone, including Central Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, to alert drivers and operators about the restriction enabling them to avoid breaching the order and follow the more appropriate routes is continuing and I will update when more concrete details are available.

A further traffic survey will be conducted to measure the change in flows around one month after the phase 2 install. The data captured will help measure the effectiveness of the zone and impact on the preferred routes around the area. The results of the post implementation surveys will be shared with local members, parish councils and the public. It must not be forgotten that the Ivinghoe scheme is first intervention of this type within Buckinghamshire and as such there is no previous experience to utilise.

Who will enforce?

Currently powers for the enforcement of traffic regulation orders (TROs) sit with the police and the trading standards, the later not actually having powers to stop vehicles. 

Under the Traffic Management Act (2022), Part VI it was enabled so that local authorities outside of London may have powers to enforce certain moving traffic offences. The council is presently introducing the first batch of locations for enforcement of Moving Traffic Offences. Requests for future locations can be made through the council website. All locations and associated processes do have to be approved by the Secretary of State for Transport.

How will enforcement be implemented ?

The priorities for TVP and Trading Standards have not changed, being ‘crimes against the person’ and ‘protecting the vulnerable’; Local Authority capability to offer effective moving traffic enforcement is some way of. As a result it was suggested that the communities could make use of sending letters of guidance to operators observed in the zone. These letters would advise of the potential breach of the order, the risk of prosecution and encourage the use of more appropriate routes around the area. This approach was devised taking advantage of experiences from Central Beds who suggested results in excess of 80% compliance without legal enforcement measures.

A process of enforcement similar to the ‘speedwatch’ lines is envisaged and expected to evolve over the next 2 years. It will be wrong to expect an immediate change in the traffic flows, not only will the HGV drivers need to become acquainted the zone signage and alternative routes but also, devices such as ‘in-cab navigation aids’ and maps will require updates.

What will be the penalties ?

The maximum fine for breach of a traffic regulation order is £1,000. The police are able to enforce by way of a Fixed Penalty Notice of £50. Based on what has been observed in Oxfordshire where they have an existing Structural TRO for the medieval Newbridge. They operate the use of warning letters. In a numbers of cases things can escalate to a prosecution through the Magistrates Court though fines are paid to the civic purse and costs allocated to the prosecuting authority. These don’t cover the real costs so every prosecution is expensive.  

Will the police be involved/active ?

The police are able to enforce these TROs but given their priorities and the fact that for these zonal orders they would have to see a vehicle enter the restricted area, follow it till it leaves the zone; if it doesn’t stop they can pull the vehicle over and prosecute the driver, getting police support will be a challenge.

At the moment we are in no-mans land (Pilot Scheme!); we need the LA (local Authority) enforcement of moving traffic offences to offer the solution but (Bucks Council) have to get all locations and detailed plans approved by the Secretary of State these can only submit twice a year.

Vicarage Road, Pitstone, Buckinghamshire

11 April – 17 April

Roadworks, Delays possible

Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals)

Description: SGN has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by SGN.

Responsibility for works: SGN

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: XW070W119117448-00344

The UK government’s new Emergency Alerts system is now live.
The system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone when lives are in danger. On Sunday 23 April 2023 at 3pm, there will be a national test of the Emergency Alerts service.

It will be used to warn you in the event of emergencies, such as severe flooding.

Emergency Alerts are sent to all compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. They don’t track your location, need your phone number, or collect personal data. Only the government and the emergency services will be able to send them. If you don’t have a mobile phone, you’ll still be kept informed through other channels.

If you get an Emergency Alert on your phone, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. You’ll be able to check an alert is genuine at gov.uk/alerts

If you receive an alert, read the alert carefully and follow the instructions.

You can opt out of receiving emergency alerts; for more information on how to opt out please go to gov.uk/alerts

To find out more about Emergency Alerts, visit gov.uk/alerts

We are pleased to bring you the April edition of our newsletter for Neighbourhood Watch supporters across England and Wales.

This month’s edition highlights are: new Neighbourhood Watch window stickers with NHS on the reverse, offers from LockLatch, Avast One and D&D Technologies, how to be in for a chance to win £25,000 through our lottery, tips and support when planning a Big Lunch for the Coronation weekend or Neighbourhood Watch Week, rising cybercrime fears, and more.

Grab a cuppa, take a moment for yourself, and enjoy the read.

READ THE NEWSLETTER HERE

Click the link to go through to the Government Find a Job website to find out more information or apply.

https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/details/11820160

We are looking for a Visitor Welcome Assistant to work at Pitstone Windmill every Sunday, to manage the day-to-day running of the Windmill and a team of dedicated and passionate volunteers.

As part of the wider Visitor Experience team at Ashridge Estate, you will be given full training and support to fulfil this unique role.
Hours: 7.5 hours per week
Duration: Fixed Term Contract until 01-Oct-2023
Salary: £10.78 per hour
You’ll be required to work every Sunday and Bank Holidays.

What it’s like to work here
As part of our team, you’ll be offering a warm welcome to every visitor, sharing stories that intrigue and inspire. Reporting to our Visitor Experience Officer, you will help lead our team of dedicated Volunteers whose involvement in Pitstone Windmill reaches back decades. You will also be part of a much wider portfolio team, working with staff from Ashridge Estate and Shaw’s Corner.

Being part of our Visitor Experience team, you will join a community of people who enjoy, protect and want to learn more about Pitstone Windmill its relation to the Ashridge Estate and the stories it holds. You’ll be central to creating the brilliant experience that visitors have at Pitstone Windmill.

Pitstone Windmill is the oldest Post Mill in the country. Its machinery is still in place and there are indications of the stages in its life to be seen on the outer woodwork. You’ll be telling visitors the story of this ancient landmark and the part it played in its rural community – from the intricate way the mill worked, to the history of the people who worked there.

What you’ll be doing
As the largest conservation charity in Europe we work hard to raise funds, so that we can continue to care for all the heritage in our trust. Visitors are a vital part of what we do, so you’ll be responsible for ensuring that you provide an excellent service to all our visitors, every day. As a Welcome & Service Assistant, it’s your role to ensure that the welcome our visitors receive is perfect, setting them up for an amazing experience for the rest of the day.

You’ll be responsible for answering queries and making sure visitors can find everything they need for their visit. Understanding how and why we engage our supporters is key. Working with our spirit of place you’ll work with the visitor welcome team to link everything we do back to our cause and the on-going work we do.

You’ll deliver high standards of presentation at the property, and ensure all our communications with our visitors are clear and consistent, from the first click on the website, to the posters and signs around the property.
Please also read the full role profile by visiting our website.

Who we’re looking for
We’d love to hear from you, if this sounds like you:
• Ability to work in a team – flexible and adaptable
• Well organised and able to work with minimum supervision
• Helpful & friendly
• Customer focused with a positive attitude
• Enthusiastic with a willingness to learn
• An understanding of the importance of great service

The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Tax free childcare scheme
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most locations
• Independent financial advice

Buckinghamshire Council announces extra investment in county’s roads

Buckinghamshire Council is investing an extra £5 million in the county’s road network, on top of £100 million it’s already committed to spending on the roads over a four-year period.

The announcement was made at a meeting of full Council last Wednesday night, where the full budget for 2023/24 was set. Council Leader Martin Tett made the extra funds for roads available from our Reserves acknowledging the heavy toll of wet and freezing conditions this winter plus increased HGV traffic from HS2 and East West Rail.

It means that in total, £105 million is now allocated directly to maintaining and improving the county’s road network. Overall, £130 million in funding is being dedicated to roads and other highways infrastructure in Buckinghamshire including pavements, drains, street lighting and bridges during the council term.

It’s part of an overall package of investment in local services agreed by councillors last night, who went through and agreed the detail of the 2023/24 budget. The agreed budget outlines which services and projects are being prioritised, and how these are being paid for. The spending plans were shaped by residents who outlined how they wanted council tax to be spent during a consultation last year.

The agreed budget also includes the following investment:

• nearly £143 million for improvements to schools
• £20 million on housing and tackling homelessness
• more than £14 million to tackle Climate Change and prevent flooding
• more than £20 million towards our waste and recycling facilities

Have your say as a member of Buckinghamshire Council’s Customer Partnership Panel

Buckinghamshire Council is calling on residents to join its Customer Partnership Panel, giving them the chance to offer their views and feedback on how the council can improve its website, online forms and other communication methods.

The panel was launched late last year and is now seeking new members aged 18 and over from all walks of life. Applicants must live within the Buckinghamshire Council area.

As a panel member, residents will have the opportunity to participate in surveys several times a year to provide their views on how the council communicates with residents, as well as providing feedback on the council’s digital services.

Panel members will be invited to participate in up to four surveys a year and the majority of these will be conducted online. However, some may involve a telephone call or focus groups. Panel members can choose how they wish to be contacted and whether they wish to participate. They can also leave the panel whenever they wish.

Members of the panel will be reimbursed for reasonable traveling expenses and offered refreshments at any face-to-face meetings.

Buckinghamshire Council announces new highways contractors

​Buckinghamshire Council has today announced the 12 approved contractors who will be working on highways, maintenance and infrastructure projects within the county from 1 April 2023.

The announcement completes all elements of the transition of the council’s highways and maintenance contract work to new partners, as part of a planned move as the contract with current partner, Ringway Jacobs, comes to a close at the end of this month.

Last year Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP) were awarded the council’s Term Maintenance Contract and the Term Consultancy Contract was awarded to Atkins, starting from 1 April 2023. The 12 newly-appointed contractors will work alongside BBLP and Atkins to carry out the works needed, under new Framework 1 and Framework 2 contracts which will run for a period of four years.

The 12 contractors have been appointed following a procurement process and will operate as follows:

Buckinghamshire Highways Framework One – Minor Works

Lot 1: Conventional Surfacing Work

• Balfour Beatty Living Places Limited
• Eurovia Infrastructure Limited
• O’Hara Bros Surfacing Limited

Lot 2: Surface Treatments including Surface Dressing

• Colas Limited
• Eurovia Infrastructure Limited
• Kier Highways Limited

Lot 3: Minor Works (under £500K)

• Balfour Beatty Living Places Limited
• J McCann and Co Limited
• O’Hara Bros Surfacing Limited  

Buckinghamshire Highways Framework Two – Major Works (over £500K)

• Balfour Beatty Living Places Limited
• Keltbray Highways Limited
• Tilbury Douglas Construction Limited

The frameworks have been set up in this way to deliver value for money and to allow the council to align delivery of highways and regeneration infrastructure projects under a new delivery model. The new model will mean other council services such as Flooding and Development, Transport Strategy and Rights of Way teams can benefit from the wide range of expertise and experience provided by the range of contractors

Support available for Bucks residents struggling with Council Tax payments

​Buckinghamshire residents are reminded that annual Council Tax bills will start being posted from Monday 13 March. Residents worried about their ability to pay their Council Tax are urged to contact Buckinghamshire Council as soon as possible.

The council offers several options to help ease financial pressures, including checking for discounts or exemptions, switching payment dates, and spreading payments over 12 months.

The council is encouraging residents to sign up for a Customer Access online account, which provides people with 24/7 access to manage their Council Tax account – including checking balances, payments, bills, and setting up or amending their Direct Debit. To sign up for a Customer Access account, residents need their account number and online key, both of which can be found on their Council Tax bill.

For information and help with any money-related issues, residents should visit Buckinghamshire Council’s website or contact the Helping Hand team on 01296 531151.

Citizen’s Advice also offers free, independent advice and support around Council Tax payments

Free, fun and flavourful – Buckinghamshire Council continues support and countywide holiday clubs for eligible families this Easter

​This Easter, Buckinghamshire Council is continuing its support for eligible children and families during the Easter Holidays as part of its ongoing Helping Hand and Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes. These services provide a range of assistance, including food vouchers, holiday clubs and hot meals. There is also a range of support and advicDetails of all the HAF holiday activities are available on Buckinghamshire Council’s website.e available to help with the cost of living for families in Buckinghamshire.

Council joins forces with Forestry England to create new woodland in Wing

Plans to plant a brand-new woodland in Wing have been given the green light in a joint project between Forestry England and Buckinghamshire Council. The new Wing Wood will see 132,000 trees planted on land owned by Buckinghamshire Council, creating an inspiring green space for local people, a valuable habitat for wildlife and a sustainable source of timber.

The decision to create the new woodland on the 51-hectare site follows a public consultation last year and local and national organisations were also involved in discussions over the woodland plan. Wing Wood will include a mix of tree species suited to the locality, five new wildlife ponds and a community orchard as well as accessible paths for walking and cycling. As part of the woodland design, Forestry England hope to link the new Wing Wood with Long Spinney Wood, creating clear paths and an easy connection between the two areas.

Forestry England will begin planting this year and aim to get most of the trees in the ground before the end of April with the rest planted in the autumn and winter. The 132,000 trees will form part of the council’s pledge to plant 543,000 trees, one for for every resident in Buckinghamshire by2031, as part of its Climate Change Strategy.

​Vision for future of Buckinghamshire libraries is agreed

Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet has today reviewed and agreed a vision and strategy for Buckinghamshire’s library service.

As well as traditional reading and book-borrowing, Buckinghamshire’s library service has transformed to offer many more services including free computer classes, health checks, loanable tablets and a broad range of educational, social and cultural activities for all ages.

Over this winter our libraries have also become important welcoming spaces for anyone who needs a warm, free and safe space to visit during the colder months.

The strategy for Buckinghamshire’s libraries adopted today has been developed after extensive consultation with users, staff, volunteers and stakeholders.  It outlines the priorities for the service and agrees a clear vision for the future – which is that Buckinghamshire libraries “provide welcoming and safe spaces for everyone to access reading, culture and the information and services they need to learn, discover, imagine and thrive.”

With reading and book-borrowing still at the heart of our libraries, the new strategy reflects the growing use of libraries as community hubs accommodating other services too, for example, registrars and the Junction Youth Club in partnership with Action4Youth at High Wycombe library. Many libraries also now operate as Council Access Points, helping residents with information on wider council services.

New parking charges to come in across Buckinghamshire

New charges for on and off-street parking across Buckinghamshire will come into force from Monday 3 April. The changes are being introduced following a review by the council’s budget scrutiny committee.

The changes will see an increase of 20p per tariff for on street parking and 10p per tariff for off street parking. Where applicable, free parking periods are expected to remain unchanged.

Buckinghamshire Council awarded £576k to provide energy efficiency and clean heating upgrades to low-income households in the county

​Buckinghamshire Council has been awarded £576,000 from the government’s Home Upgrade Grant to provide energy efficiency and clean heating upgrades to owner occupied and private rented properties in the county. The upgrades are aimed at tackling fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions.

The scheme enables eligible households to benefit from a range of energy and cost saving upgrades, depending on the specific circumstances such as the fuel source, energy efficiency and EPC rating of the home. The majority of the funding will be made available for the least efficient homes heated by the most polluting fuel sources.

Councillor Derek Town 

Residents in Buckinghamshire are being reminded to double check their refuse and recycling bin collections dates over coming weeks, due to upcoming bank holidays.

As usual, during weeks with a bank holiday, there will be some changes to normal collection schedules across all parts of the county. To ensure residents don’t miss their collection due to these changes, the council is reminding everyone to check the revised dates for their area.

Gareth Williams, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, explained:

“Everyone enjoys this time of year, when bank holidays for Easter, May Day and the end of May Spring Bank Holiday give most of us some extra time to enjoy with family and friends. And this year we have the bonus of an extra bank holiday, as part of the celebrations for the King’s Coronation.

“As a result of so many bank holidays falling throughout April and May, it means our regular refuse and recycling collection schedule will need to be altered over this period. This means that for every resident there will be some temporary changes to note. Our crews will be working extended hours at times, to keep these changes to a minimum. That will include some Saturday collections, so it really is vital that residents check our website and social media to find out what the changes are in their area, so they know the correct day to put out their bins.”

Find out more on Buckinghamshire Council’s website.

In addition to the bin collection changes, the opening hours at all Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) across the county move to summer opening hours of 9am to 6pm from Saturday 1 April. Please check your local site to find out which days they are open, as this varies according to each site.

Anyone visiting the High Wycombe or Aston Clinton HRC can now also stock up on Buckinghamshire Community Compost.

This peat-free, organic compost has been made locally from recycled organic matter including garden waste from Buckinghamshire. The compost is PAS 100 certified and only £5.50 per 40-litre bag or £15.50 for three bags. Purchases can be made by card payment only. Proceeds from the sale of this compost will go to local good causes.

The council plans to expand the availability of this compost to all 10 HRCs in the future.

For more information on all of Buckinghamshire’s HRCs please visit the website.

https://bookings.masonscoachhire.co.uk/Tours/Cultural-Days-Out

Did you know that Masons Coaches offer a number of day trips to various historical and cultural locations and special events?

All have local pick up and drop off.

Click the link to view the trips available for 2023.

https://bookings.masonscoachhire.co.uk/Tours/Seaside-Day-Trips

Did you know that Masons Coaches offer a number of day trips to various English seaside towns and events from April through to September.

All have local pick up and drop off.

Click the link to view the trips available for 2023.

https://bookings.masonscoachhire.co.uk/Tours/Lunch-Clubs

Did you know that Masons run monthly lunch club coach outings with a 2 course menu included every time in a county venue with easy accessibility for those with limited mobility.

Perfect for making new friends; ideal for couples, single travellers or small groups; and a great option for those wanting a shorter day out.

Local pick up and drop off.

£37 per person.

Click the link for full details.

Buckinghamshire Council has introduced a new online food waste toolkit to help support our residents through the current economic pressures and reduce the impact of food waste on the environment.

The toolkit includes simple advice to help reduce food waste at home, helping to save money. It is included within the dedicated Helping Hand cost of living section of the council’s website, which gives full information on the help, advice and support that is available.

FORD END WATERMILL

Ford End Watermill, for those not familiar with it, is a small farm mill, which has produced flour and animal feed for centuries. On Station Road, just a short distance from the centre of Ivinghoe, it is run today entirely by volunteers. The mill is fully operational and we mill at each opening to the public. Our wholemeal flour is much sought after.

Would you like to join our team of volunteers?

We would welcome volunteers who can

• help maintain the mill through the Autumn, Winter and Spring in readiness for our openings.
• help us welcome our visitors as they arrive for one of our openings each Summer – on Sundays and Bank Holidays; and/or
• guide visitors around the mill describing how we use the power of water from our millpond on the Whistle Brook to drive our waterwheel, our gears and our millstones to produce our sought-after wholemeal flour.

There are opportunities for individuals with a variety of skills. So whether your preference is to meet our visitors, to explain all about the mill to visitors or to get to grips with the mill building and its machinery – the choice is yours. We can provide you with the necessary training and we have all the relevant information about the mill – how it works, its history and how it has been restored.

We are a friendly group. All of us are committed to conserving this priceless local resource for future generations. We can provide new volunteers with the satisfaction that comes from showing how the sustainable power of water can be used to produce flour for the baking of bread.

So, if you are interested, please telephone:
John Wallis on 01296 661997;
Chris Tugby on 01442 825421; or
Stephen Booth on 01296 661745.

You can also contact us by email at millman@fordendwatermill.co.uk

Stephen Booth, Chairman, Ford End Watermill Society

https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean

Keep Britain Tidy are running the Great British Spring Clean between 17/3 and 2/4/23 to encourage local residents to litter pick. More details can be found via the above link. The website also contains lots of useful information about how to stay safe whilst you are out, especially if you plan to collect litter from near any roads, and has links where you can buy litter picking kit.

Buckinghamshire Council can offer a variety of support to people who officially register for the above (as this ensures that you’ve read and agreed to the safety advice). They can supply black sacks and will come and collect the full bags once you notify them of the location. They can also loan litter pickers and other equipment. Please contact the email address below for more information: streetscene.av@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

The parish council has staff that regularly collect litter from our playgrounds, open space, paths and roadsides. You may therefore like to consider concentrating on less frequently visited areas of open space such as the woodland walk through Castlemead, the local wildlife site or the right of way network etc. These areas are particularly suitable if you plan to litter pick with children or take your dog, so that you are away from the roadside. We don’t recommend that volunteers try to litter pick beside derestricted roads, where extra hi-vis clothing and knowledge of working safely by the highway would be required.

If you are interested in litter picking on a voluntary basis you might also like to visit this website and sign up: https://litteraction.org.uk/pitstone-ivinghoe-pickers

The parish council would also like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere thanks to all the residents that regularly litter pick around the village on a voluntary basis. Your support for our environment is very much appreciated.

Brookmead School would like to pass on their thanks to the Wing and Ivinghoe Community Board for their funding towards the clearance of the Whistlebrook. Over the years, both Ivinghoe and Pitstone Parish Councils had passed on local concerns regarding the danger of dead and un-coppiced trees, along with debris, in the brook. Wing and Ivinghoe Community Board liaised with Buckinghamshire Council to arrange a grant towards the necessary safety works. The company concerned were recommended by Ivinghoe Parish Council, having previously quoted for the works, and they carried out a full survey of the area, including of the local wildlife, prior to works starting.

Brookmead School look forward to the brook flourishing now that it has been looked after and can’t wait to show our children how responsible wildlife management encourages a rich and diverse habitat. 

As the weather is exceptionally cold, if you see anyone sleeping out on the streets of Buckinghamshire, please contact StreetLink via https://www.streetlink.org.uk or phone 0300 500 0914, who will notify Buckinghamshire Council’s dedicated Outreach workers.

If you see anyone you believe to be under the age of 18 and or are concerned about the health or welfare of anyone that you see sleeping rough please call 999.

During office hours you can contact Buckinghamshire Council’s housing teams on the following numbers:

• Aylesbury Vale Area: 01296 585168
• Chiltern and South Bucks & Wycombe Areas: 01494 421212

Digital tools help speed up the planning process in Buckinghamshire

 A government minister has been to Buckinghamshire to see how the council is trialling innovative digital tools aimed at speeding up the planning process.

It’s part of a government project funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – Buckinghamshire is one of three councils already using the pioneering approach to co-design, build, test and launch more efficient software for planning.

As part of the project, Buckinghamshire residents can use this prototype software to check if they need planning permission using an online tool on the Council’s website. Buckinghamshire residents can also apply online for a lawful development certificate – which certifies works they’re undertaking don’t need planning permission or to certify that past works are lawful.

The new software under development will help manage cases and applications more quickly and efficiently, ultimately helping planning officers to reach decisions more quickly. The new systems will also help planning officers and applicants to communicate directly more easily.

number of organisations including the Department for Education, Now Teach and a number of local school and university-based Initial Teacher Training providers. The event will include all the information needed on how to train to become a teacher including how to apply, the qualifications needed, the different routes into teaching and training programmes around the county. There will also be information on the scholarships and bursaries available.

Council calls for ULEZ expansion to be scrapped

Buckinghamshire Council is calling for the planned extension of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London to be scrapped.

Cabinet Member for Transport, Steven Broadbent, wrote to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, last year to express concerns over the proposals. Since then, the expansion plans have been approved by Transport for London (TfL) and are due to come into effect from the end of August 2023, prompting the council to contact the Mayor of London once again.

Once of the council’s main concerns is the cost implications for the many residents who commute into the Greater London area, particularly at a time when other cost of living pressures are already having a serious impact on people’s lives.

Don’t pay cash to remove your trash, council urges

Buckinghamshire Council is renewing its call for residents not to pay in cash when employing someone to take away their waste.

However big or small the amount, if dumped illegally, the original owner of the waste can be liable for prosecution.

You may be tempted to pay cash as a cheaper option but sadly, speaking from experience, we know that it is statistically more likely to be dumped illegally and the fly-tipper is less likely to be caught without any electric or paper trail available, proving their involvement. In these cases, if the waste can be traced back to the original homeowner, they are then liable for the offence and can be prosecuted

Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet approves 2023-24 budget plans

​The Cabinet considered the overall income and spending plans for 2023/24, which cover how the council will raise enough money to cover the costs of providing its essential services such as social care, as well as how it will pay for big projects like improvements to roads and schools, as well as further investment in waste services, environmental projects and tackling homelessness.

High inflation and added demand mean that, in spite of ongoing savings from becoming a unitary authority, the council needs to find an extra £63 million to cover its costs for the coming year. Like most councils with responsibility for social care, it means that, to raise enough money and to present a balanced budget, the Cabinet has agreed to put forward to Council a 2.99% rise in the base rate of council tax and a plan to take up the Government’s proposal for a Social Care Precept of 2%, meaning a total rise of 4.99% in bills.

This equates to a rise in council tax of £1.61 per week for the average home (Band D) in Buckinghamshire.

Healthy Libraries – more than just books!

​This month sees the launch of Buckinghamshire Council’s ‘Healthy Libraries’ pilot programme in a number of libraries across the county.

The programme seeks to highlight that our libraries are a diverse and interactive place for people from all walks of life. Divided up into three categories: Start Well; Live Well and Age Well, Healthy Libraries will cover activities, events and information that aim to promote healthier, happier lives for Buckinghamshire residents.

Libraries act as hives of activity with strong links within the local community and so are ideally placed to support residents whilst promoting health and wellbeing. Whether you want to learn about healthy eating or have a chat about your mental health, there are many ways the selected libraries will be able to support you with your health and wellbeing over the next few months.

Running from February to April, the Healthy Libraries pilot is taking place at libraries in the following locations:

• Aylesbury
• Buckingham
• Burnham
• Chesham
• High Wycombe

Buckinghamshire Council aims to improve local air quality with £120k grant

Buckinghamshire Council’s Strategic Environmental Protection Team has been awarded £120,000 from the Government’s Air Quality Grant Scheme to carry out a travel planning and eco-driving project.

The team will be working with local business engagement groups such as Bucks Business First (BBF) to lead a campaign to accelerate a shift away from single occupancy car use to more active travel and sustainable ways of travel in Buckinghamshire.

The project will be aimed at employers and their staff.

Unlike the electric vehicle (EV) campaign that the council received funding for in 2020 and which focused upon businesses with more than 100 employees, this project will target small to medium enterprises (under 100 employees) that were ineligible under the previous project. The new initiative will give small and medium sized enterprises within the county the opportunity to create active travel plans and to trial an app to encourage a safer eco-friendlier style of driving.

Gareth Williams, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment, commented:

Council welcomes £4.8m funding boost to support struggling households

Buckinghamshire Council has welcomed the news that it is to receive £4.8m of funding to continue supporting households and residents in Buckinghamshire who are struggling with the ongoing cost of living pressures.

The funding has been allocated through the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) and enables local authorities to use the money to directly support residents and households facing hardship and challenges brought on by cost of living pressures.

This funding will cover the full year from this April, through to the end of March next year. Previous allocations have been for six-month periods

New photo ID requirements announced for local and national elections

​From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections.

This will apply to:

• Local elections
• Police and Crime Commissioner elections
• UK parliamentary by-elections
• Recall petitions

From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.

The Electoral Commission’s website lists the accepted forms of photo ID.

People who do not have an accepted photo ID can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate. Applicants will need to provide their name, address, date of birth, national insurance number and a recent digital photo of themselves.

For people registered to vote by post, no photo ID will be required. This is because postal voting requires other identification checks, such as signature and date of birth verification.

Councillor Derek Town 

From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections.

This will apply to:

• Local elections
• Police and Crime Commissioner elections
• UK parliamentary by-elections
• Recall petitions

From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.

The Electoral Commission’s website lists the accepted forms of photo ID.

People who do not have an accepted photo ID can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate. Applicants will need to provide their name, address, date of birth, national insurance number and a recent digital photo of themselves.

For people registered to vote by post, no photo ID will be required. This is because postal voting requires other identification checks, such as signature and date of birth verification.

Nick Graham, Buckinghamshire Council’s Director of Legal & Democratic Services and Returning Officer, said:

“Although we don’t have local elections in Buckinghamshire this May, you will need to show accepted photo ID to vote in polling stations in any upcoming local referendums and elections, and for national elections from 4 May.”

“If you haven’t done so already, I’d encourage you to make sure you are registered to vote. The easiest way to register to vote is by visiting GOV.UK.

“For anyone who doesn’t already have accepted photo ID for voting at polling stations, then I’d ask them to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.”

Find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day by visiting the Electoral Commission website.

Our team works to assist Buckinghamshire residents who are financially struggling and need a helping hand.

The list of assistance we can provide is as follows:

• Food support – including foodbank referrals, supermarket vouchers for those in food crisis and signposting to local schemes such as community fridges and hot meal services
• Post Office vouchers for residents using pre-payment energy meters
• Heating oil
• Grants to clear arrears (e.g. utility bills, rent and council tax)
• White goods
• Bedding
• Carpets
• Clothing (children’s, School uniform, and warm clothing for adults).

We also support local food and welfare projects across the County.

I have attached a copy of our flyer for your reference:

Any resident that requires assistance can apply through our online application form: Contact the Helping Hand Team | Buckinghamshire Council or can call- 01296 531151.

To help with the cost of living we have a wealth of information on our website – https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living/

Buckinghamshire Council is taking action to reduce the number of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) travelling through Cheddington, Mentmore, Wingrave, Long Marston and Ivinghoe villages.

The council has introduced new traffic regulations that prevent freight vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes from driving through the area in an effort to improve road safety and reduce air pollution. These regulations have been designed to minimise the impact of HGVs on residents and communities in the Ivinghoe area.

These new restrictions are the first of their kind in Buckinghamshire and will mean that HGV traffic will be prevented from coming off main roads to take a shortcut through the villages. Signs have been placed around the area making this restriction legally enforceable. HGVs that need to service commercial and residential needs in the area will still be permitted.

Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

“We’re committed to making Buckinghamshire a more sustainable and pleasant place to live, work and visit. The approval of these new freight vehicle restrictions in the Ivinghoe area is an important step in that direction. We believe the zone will help to reduce the impact of HGVs on the community, and address concerns about road safety and air quality in the area.

“We’re proud to be leading the way in rebalancing the impact of HGVs in favour of residents within the freight zone, by keeping these vehicles on more suitable roads outside of the area.”

The Ivinghoe Freight Zone HGV restrictions are part of a pilot programme across five areas in Buckinghamshire. The programme aims to create safer roads in local communities and make them cleaner and more enjoyable places.

For more information on the Ivinghoe Freight Zone HGV restrictions, please visit the council’s website.

Part of the Buckinghamshire Council Ivinghoe Freight Strategy signage installation. You’ll see other signs appearing around the zone.

Thames Valley Police have asked us to share this information with residents following an increase in No Hang Up scams:

Further dates for 2023:

• 25 March – Pitstone Pavilion
• 22 April – Ivinghoe Hub
• 27 May – Ivinghoe Hub
• 24 June – Pitstone Pavilion
• 22 July – Ivinghoe Hub
• no Repair Cafe in August
• 23 September – Pitstone Pavilion
• 28 October – Ivinghoe Hub
• 25 November – Pitstone Pavilion
• no Repair Cafe in December

Buckinghamshire Councils latest Community Safety newsletter: https://enews.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/5438-PJ7E-D813C60F93552C093ZCQE91D545B0D58A4FEFB/cr.aspx

https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2023-02/Feb%202023%20OUR%20NEWS%20small.pdf

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for the Thames Valley will be recommissioning support services for victims later this year. To ensure that victims get the best possible support we would like to get the views from those who have experienced crime on what is and isn’t working currently in support services.  

To make this happen, Lisa Ward (http://www.iamlisaward.com/) will be running a series of focus groups on behalf of the OPCC. This is the opportunity for victims of crime to tell us what they believe is needed to help people in the local area.

We want to make sure that as many people as possible can take part so during February we are running several focus group sessions online and in person, as well as one on one interviews. Travel expenses to events will be covered and we are offering a voucher for attendees.

Focus group details are:

In Person:

• High Wycombe – Wednesday 8^th February
• Reading – Friday 10^th February
• Oxford – (Wednesday 15^th February)

Online:

• Monday 6th February
• Thursday 9th February (sexual violence experiences only)

Further information and details on how to register can be found on our website Victim Services consultation – Thames Valley PCC (thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk)

Buckinghamshire Council aims to save costs through new Estates Strategy

​Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet has approved a new Estates Strategy, which will see the council review their office accommodation inherited from the pre-unitary legacy councils. The plans propose a reduction in the council’s operational estate based on organisational need, which could lead to revenue savings of £2.4m a year and capital receipts savings of £4m. The council’s carbon footprint would also be reduced.

Realigning their use of office accommodation reflects the change in work patterns in a post-Covid environment, where more staff are now working from home for at least part of each week.

Buckinghamshire Council confirms 2023/24 budget proposals

Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet has agreed to recommend to full Council its proposed budget and council tax rates for 2023/24. These are subject to further scrutiny by the Finance and Resources Select Committee and agreement by Council. 

The budget has been drawn up against a backdrop of global economic turbulence and uncertainty. High inflation driven by the war in Ukraine and extra demands on the council’s services are adding an extra £63 million in costs for next year before a penny of next year’s budget is even spent.

It means the council is proposing a 2.99% rise in the base rate of council tax. This is set against an increase in inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index of over 10%. In addition, it is planning to take up the Government’s proposal for a Social Care Precept of 2%, meaning a total rise of 4.99% in bills. The Cabinet were very aware that helping relieve pressures in social care is fundamental to helping the NHS during the winter peak in demand.

This would mean a rise in council tax of £1.61 per week for the average home (Band D) in Buckinghamshire.

The budget proposals also outline which areas the council is allocating funding for – and how much, after nearly 2,000 residents fed in their views on the budget plans. This includes:

• More than £125 million fixing and maintaining roads
• Nearly £143 million for schools improvements
• £20 million on housing and tackling homelessness
• More than £14 million to tackle Climate Change and prevent flooding
• Investing more than £20 million in our waste and recycling facilities

The budget report considered by Cabinet (5/1/23) includes detail about how the Covid-19 pandemic and global factors have created considerable extra pressures on the budget this year. There have been many more people needing support and social care from the council following the pandemic; more children and families are facing need and more adults are receiving social care – 3% more in a year. The economic uncertainty and high inflation also mean the council’s own costs are much higher too across the piece, whether that’s the cost of materials to fix and build roads, energy costs or the cost of providing social care services.

The council is, however, in a stable and positive financial position compared to many other local authorities – we are able to present a balanced budget which includes major spend on services residents have told us that they want us to focus on. Importantly, we are continuing to achieve savings from becoming a single unitary authority in 2020. The council is finding a total of £10 million in savings across all departments to balance the books in 2023/24.

Buckinghamshire Council reveals first ever county-wide Local Heritage List

Nominations are now open for the Proud of Bucks Awards

Nominations are now open for Buckinghamshire Council’s Proud of Bucks Awards 2022 – generously sponsored by The Clare Foundation.

The awards aim to recognise and celebrate outstanding community contribution carried out by local volunteers, groups and organisations during 2022. They acknowledge Buckinghamshire’s communities that have made a positive impact in their local areas.

Just like last year, each of Buckinghamshire’s 16 Community Boards will be celebrating local people in three award categories. Members of the public are invited to send in their nominations for those who they feel deserve recognition and praise. The three award categories are:

• Local Community Champion – For an individual (aged 21 and over) who has made a clear and positive impact in their local community during 2022. 
• Young Community Champion – For a young person (under age 21) who has made a clear and positive impact in their local community or towards their peers during 2022. 
• Community Group Contribution – Recognises and celebrates a group in the Community Board area who has made a clear and positive impact on the community during 2022. 

There are lots of ways to nominate someone for a Proud of Bucks Award, including submitting a nomination online or downloading a form and returning it by email. People can also visit their local Buckinghamshire library to pick up or drop off a printed paper copy. Find out more at: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/PoB-awards

The closing date for nominations is Sunday 12 February. Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of judges and the winners will be announced in the spring.

Buckinghamshire Council secures £397k in government funding to support active travel in the county

Buckinghamshire Council has been awarded £397k in funding from the Active Travel Capability and Ambition Fund – a national initiative from Active Travel England and the Department for Transport that aims to support local authorities to plan active travel infrastructure, develop expertise and deliver behaviour change activities.

The funding will be used by the council to support:

• Development of a Buckinghamshire Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) that will identify priorities for future investment in the active travel network
• Resources to encourage school-aged children and young people to walk, cycle and scoot to and from school
• Feasibility work for future active travel schemes
• Promotion and monitoring of recently constructed active travel routes, alongside wider activities to encourage behaviour change
• Training for officers and councillors on active travel infrastructure design

The one-year revenue Active Travel Capability and Ambition funding reflects Buckinghamshire Council being assessed by national government as being an authority with strong leadership and support for active travel, with strong plans and an emerging network. This Fund builds on the previous Local Authority Capability Fund, which provided £111k funding to Buckinghamshire Council through this initiative in 2021/22.

Feeling Blue? Don’t suffer in silence – help is available in Buckinghamshire

January can be an inspiring start to the new year, but some may still face challenges during the first few weeks. Current cost-of-living pressures have affected us all in different ways, and for many it has meant that this year has started differently to the previous ones.

The colder, shorter days of winter can also have an impact on how we’re feeling so it’s important to know what mental health support is available, and how to access it. It’s good to note that it’s okay to not feel okay, and that during these difficult times, some people might be facing mental health difficulties for the first time. This is why it’s especially important to look out for others and reach out for help when it’s needed.

If you are struggling to cope, and feeling low or worried, the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone, and that help is widely available across the county.

If you are struggling to heat your home or afford bills, Buckinghamshire Council’s Helping Hand initiative can help to ease financial pressures and support individuals or families in need, or those on low incomes. You can also visit the page to access advice, information and support if you are facing a financial emergency or a crisis.

Residents in Buckinghamshire also have a range of options when it comes to mental health support and where to find it. If you are concerned about your mental wellbeing, contacting your GP is an excellent first point of contact to establish what support is right for you.

Additionally, you can contact NHS 111 at any time to speak to an NHS mental health professional, who is ready to support adults and children if they are concerned about their mental health, or the mental health of others. For a full list of organisations and helplines that can help you to support your wellbeing, visit Buckinghamshire Council’s Care Advice Mental health and wellbeing webpages.

Buckinghamshire Lottery: Strike it lucky and support local good causes

Buckinghamshire residents can support local good causes while also potentially winning big with Buckinghamshire Lottery. By purchasing a ticket for just £1 per week, players not only have the opportunity to win cash prizes up to £25,000, but they also support local good causes such as community groups, sports clubs and charities.

All proceeds from the lottery go towards supporting local projects and organisations that make a positive impact on the community. Whether it’s supporting a local sports team, helping to preserve a historic building, or funding youth programmes, the Buckinghamshire Lottery is an easy way for residents to make a difference.

Buckinghamshire Lottery offers a 1 in 50 chance of winning – much better odds than the National Lottery. Recent winners include Mr M from Dunstable, who won a whopping £2,000 on Christmas Eve while supporting Stoke Mandeville-based wheelchair sport charity WheelPower.

To purchase a ticket and support local causes, go to: www.buckinghamshirelottery.co.uk

If you’re part of a local good cause looking to boost your fundraising in 2023, why not sign up to the Buckinghamshire Lottery. It’s completely free to sign up, there’s no admin and no risk. Free marketing and support are provided to get you started. For more information, visit: www.buckinghamshirelottery.co.uk/good-causes

Councillor Derek Town