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.
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
| The public are the eyes and ears of the police and your concerns about what is going on in your community often directs our activity. Inspector James Davies from the Aylesbury Vale Neighbourhood team said ” If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious then trust your instincts. We usually find that if something feels wrong or out of place then it normally is. Do you think you’ve seen drug dealing, do you know who is riding their motorcycle in an anti social manner, have you seen suspicious activity that just doesn’t feel right – we want to know about it. The information may seem inconsequential but it may be that you give us the final piece of the puzzle that allows us to take action. Often the public do not know how to tell us what they have seen or heard so they do not pass it on. I am trying to make that process simpler” If you want to tell us about something you have seen or heard that you think we might want to know about, you can do this the following ways: Report through the Thames Valley Police website https://orlo.uk/HJrEr Contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team: WendoverNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk BuckinghamAndDistrictNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk WinslowandDistrictNHPT2@thamesvalley.police.uk AylesburyWestNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk AylesburySouthNHPT2@thamesvalley.police.uk AylesburyEastNHPT2@thamesvalley.police.uk AylesburyCentralNHPT2@thamesvalley.police.uk GreatbrickhillwingivinghoeNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk WaddesdonNHPT@thamesvalley.police.uk If you are unsure who is your local team then please email: joanna.howland@thamesvalley.police.uk Calling crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via the online tool https://orlo.uk/YRJSy To report a crime in progress or a threat to someone’s immediate safety call 999 DO NOT ASSUME WE ALREADY KNOW SOMETHING, IF YOU DO NOT TELL US THEN WE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT IT! |
| Come along and speak to a member of your local neighbourhood policing team to raise any issues you may have or discuss crime prevention measures. 16/04/2023· Dagnall village hall – 0930 – 1030· Edlesborough Green – 1100-1200· Whitchurch Rec – 1400 – 1500 As this is a Sunday, we will patrol the beauty spot locations in between each of these. 17/04/2023 · Ivinghoe Rec – 0900 – 1000· Pitstone Café – 1030 – 1130· Slapton Rec – 1300-1400 18/04/2023 · Watermead Piazza – 1000-1100· Outside Aston Abbotts Village Hall – 1130-1230· 1400 – 1500 – Mentmore Green 19/04/2023 · Wingrave Rec – 0900-1000· Cheddington Green – 1100-1200· Jubilee Green, Wing – 1400-1500 We look forward to seeing you |
 Message Sent ByJo Howland (Police, Neighbourhood Administrator, Aylesbury Vale) |
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:
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 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
Lot 2: Surface Treatments including Surface Dressing
Lot 3: Minor Works (under £500K)
Buckinghamshire Highways Framework Two – Major Works (over £500K)
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
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
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.
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.
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 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 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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
| Residents in Buckinghamshire can choose to pay their 2023-2024 Council Tax in 12 monthly instalments, instead of the standard 10 instalments. To take advantage of this option, all residents need to do is complete and submit the online form available on the council’s website by Saturday 15 April. “Buckinghamshire Council understands that the current cost of living pressures can be challenging, and this flexible payment option is designed to help residents manage their finances more effectively and conveniently,” said John Chilver, Cabinet Member for Accessible Housing and Resources. “By spreading the cost of Council Tax over 12 months, residents can better plan their monthly expenses and hopefully help avoid any financial difficulties.” So, if you’re looking for a more manageable way to pay your Council Tax in the next financial year – which starts in April 2023 – then you might want to consider opting for Buckinghamshire Council’s 12-month instalment plan. Requesting this payment option is simple and straightforward, just complete and submit the council’s online form |
Buckinghamshire Councils latest Community Safety newsletter: https://enews.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/5438-PJ7E-D813C60F93552C093ZCQE91D545B0D58A4FEFB/cr.aspx
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:
Online:
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’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:
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
| Buckinghamshire Council has today announced the adoption of its first ever county-wide heritage list. Using Government funding, the council has developed a Local Heritage List to protect some of the most important sites in the county that contribute to the character and heritage of Buckinghamshire. There have been more than 2,653 nominations for inclusion on the list and 771 of these sites are now being brought forward for adoption in Phase 1. The Local Heritage List identifies locally significant heritage sites and celebrates their contribution to local identity and character. These sites include historic buildings (houses, chapels, agricultural and industrial buildings), archaeological sites (upstanding earthwork remains and buried sites), formal gardens, public open spaces, public works of art, monuments and street furniture. This is different to statutory listing and designations (e.g., Grade I, II and II* listed buildings, scheduled monuments, and registered parks & gardens), which are assessed nationally by Historic England. |
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:
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:
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
Arthritis Action are pleased to bring our popular Arthritis Action Self-Management Event Online so you can attend from the comfort of your home, over the course of two days: on Thursday 2nd and Thursday 9th of February.
This FREE course will cover the following topics:
– Working with healthcare professionals
– Pain management
– Healthy eating
– Staying active
– Dealing with emotions
– Positive thinking
– Managing fatigue
– Weight management
– Clinical therapies
– Travel and getting out and about
– Family life
A certified self-management trainer, along with Arthritis Action staff, will be answering your questions about managing your arthritis.
Book on Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/self-management-online-two-day-event-2nd-9th-february-tickets-483256221367
The January edition of OUR NEWS is here  We are pleased to bring you the first edition of OUR NEWS for 2023 – our newsletter for Neighbourhood Watch supporters across England and Wales. This edition covers articles on the new government emergency alerts system, how to prevent burglary and protect your friends from romance fraud, understanding ‘secured by design’, offers from Patlock and Avast, how to avoid Amazon scams, how to find a trusted locksmith and more. We hope you enjoy this edition as much as we enjoyed creating it. READ THE NEWSLETTER HERE Keep safe, John Hayward-Cripps  John Hayward-Cripps | CEONEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support TeamFollow us… ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedInNeighbourhood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349 |
 Message Sent ByCentral Support Team (NWN, Enquiries Dept, England and Wales) |
| Dear resident, I’d like to start by wishing you a very Happy New Year and hope that you enjoyed a good Christmas with friends and family. We start the new year facing significant global challenges, all of which continue to directly impact our lives but I’m hopeful that we are entering a phase of more stability during the coming year. |
| This leads me onto the subject of finances and the council’s costs in the coming financial year. This week I and the other members of the council’s Cabinet considered our plans for spending and council tax rates for 2023-24, and I wanted to write to you to explain the proposals and what they mean for households in Buckinghamshire. We know that next year, due to high inflation and a rise in demand for our services, we have to find an extra £63 million to cover our costs, before a penny of next year’s budget is even allocated. This represents a significant challenge for us and even though we have already made savings of over £27 million since becoming a single council in 2020, we are working hard to find another £10 million savings across all departments next year so this can also help towards balancing our books in 2023/24. Making these extra savings will help us to close this gap alongside other measures we’re putting forward in the budget, including our proposed council tax rates. In order for us to balance the books next year and to be able commit enough money to our core services like social care for vulnerable children and adults, and continue to invest in our roads, schools and other priority areas we are proposing a rise in the base rate of council tax of 2.99% from 1 April 2023. We also have to fund huge adult social care costs and are acutely aware that relieving pressures in the social care sector will in turn help the NHS during a period of considerable demand. It means we are also taking up the government’s proposal for a social care precept of 2%, meaning an overall rise in bills of 4.99%. I do not want to put up council tax by a single penny but the reality is that we cannot achieve a balanced budget next year without doing so; last year’s council tax increase was well below inflation and now, with inflation running at more than 10% (and even higher at around 20-30% for some of our costs), even with substantial savings, this is the only way we can pay for the services we provide whilst shielding residents from the bulk of the cost increases. I want to highlight that there is a significant level of support available to residents facing particular hardship and I urge anyone worried about debt or paying the bills to look at our dedicated Cost of Living webpages for initial guidance and support. If you have specific concerns about paying your council tax, please contact our team directly to discuss further options. I want to close this section by highlighting that while we are in a sobering position, we are still in a financially stable place and I am determined that we will continue to be a very efficient and value for money council. While it’s difficult proposing a 4.99% council tax rise, I am still pleased that we can still commit considerable funding to key areas that matter to our residents. We had nearly 2,000 responses from residents to our budget survey in the autumn that have helped us form the following plans around allocating funding. We’re proposing spending: more than £125 million fixing and maintaining roadsnearly £143 million for improvements to schools£20 million on housing and tackling homelessnessmore than £14 million to tackle Climate Change and prevent floodingand, investing more than £20 million in our waste and recycling facilities We have seen a rise in the number of councils issuing what are known as ‘Section 114 notices’ – where they are effectively ‘bankrupt’ and simply unable to set a balanced budget. We are not in that situation here in Buckinghamshire and I’m pleased that we can still set aside expenditure on the above areas, such as roads, drains and helping the most disadvantaged within the 2023/24 plans. Other cost of living supportThe council’s comprehensive support is outlined at the link I’ve already mentioned above, in particular through our Helping Hand service which supports local households experiencing hardship. In addition, there is the ‘Help for Households’ webpages on the government’s website and I also want to mention the £2 bus fare cap that has started this month for many local bus services in Buckinghamshire, another strand of national support available to households during these challenging times. It’s up to operators directly as to whether they take up this scheme and it’s good news that many are doing so here; you can see whether your local bus service is taking part by checking the list on the government’s website. Bledlow HRC reopening I also wanted to make a quick mention that – reflecting our overall stable financial position – we are continuing to invest in essential local services for our residents. Waste and recycling is one of the universal services that we all rely on, and I’m really pleased that we’re in a position to be reopening our Household Recycling Centre at Bledlow in a week’s time, to serve residents in that area with the continuing future expansion of Princes Risborough also in mind. This site will be open five days a week (closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays) and operate on a slightly different basis to when it was previously open, in that it will be free to Buckinghamshire residents but people who want to use it from outside the county will have to pay a fee. To this end, we would ask visitors to bring proof of address and also to bear in mind this is a rural location, so to take care when driving to and from the site and check webcams to avoid busy times where possible. I want to sign off with a reminder to you all to take care of yourselves and others. The dark and cold days post-Christmas, with the extra challenges we are all facing around the cost of living can take their toll so please be mindful of your own health and wellbeing, both physical and mental, and reach out if you feel you need any extra advice or support. A good starting point is our own Health and Wellbeing website which points to various useful bits of information, advice and how to seek help if you need it. Yours, Martin Tett,Leader, Buckinghamshire Council |
| “The prolonged period of very cold conditions experienced before Christmas was the coldest in the region since 2010. Continuous freezing conditions like these can cause serious problems with road surfaces, both in the surface layers, where freeze-thaw action causes potholes and cracks to widen but affects the integrity of the underlying structure of the road if the frost penetrates deep enough. This can cause sudden, fairly catastrophic failure in roads. This has then been followed by an extremely wet period, which also causes more rapid deterioration. This is exacerbated where road surfaces are already damaged, and especially through extensive use by HGVs, such as we are seeing in many parts of Buckinghamshire, most notably associated with construction works for HS2 and East West Rail. As such, we are experiencing increased numbers of potholes and other related defects on the network and can expect this upward trend to continue over the next few weeks at least. Where a defect is unsafe, repairs will be made as quickly as possible. Ideally this will be undertaken as a long-lasting repair, but at times, such as during very wet or cold weather, or when it is an emergency “out of hours” repair, this may be possible and a temporary “make-safe” repair will be undertaken. In extreme cases the issue may require the temporary closure of the road. None of these temporary options are ideal, as this type of repair may not last very long in poor weather, particularly where the road is subject to large numbers of HGV movements. The best time to fix roads defects properly is when the weather is warm and dry – which, of course, is the opposite of when the majority of the problems occur! Transport for Buckinghamshire is working hard to assess and rectify defects as soon as possible. The council continues to invest heavily in our highway network and the ongoing programme of local schemes and strategic road repairs/improvements continues. Prudent financial planning has meant that severe weather reserves exist to help fund the required priority repairs to deal with the issues we are currently seeing. Where the damage can be attributed either in whole, or in part, to schemes such as HS2 or East West Rail, the council will negotiate appropriate third-party payments to ensure Buckinghamshire residents’ are not footing the bill. Regular inspections and repairs to our highways continue in line with our highways inspection policy, so that the travelling public can travel safely. With over 2,100 miles of carriageway across our county, the Transport for Buckinghamshire team welcome reports of potholes and other issues on our highways from residents. We urge residents not to repair potholes themselves – the best way to report a problem on the highway, so the council can repair the roads, is via Fix My Street: Buckinghamshire.gov.uk/fix-my-street This allows a problem to be reported by postcode or a click on a map and is directed to the most appropriate team to deal with in an expedited fashion. Fix My Street also allows you to see if the problem has already been reported to save duplication and you will receive automatic updates on progress of the follow up inspection or repair.” |
Clark Contracting Ltd are currently seeking views on their long term proposals for the restoration of Pitstone Quarry, developed in collaboration with National Trust, before they submit a planning application.
The proposals also include infill for re-landscaping via imported inert materials.
No official planning application consultation nor quarry licence application has yet been received by the parish council.
You can view the proposals and submit comments via their website, link below.
Please find attached the schedule, etc, for the horticultural show (19 August 2023), so you can ponder on what seeds you might like to order and what to start growing or to make for the show.
Arthritis Action have a selection of online (groups held using zoom) for people to attend that we will be running every month, a series of webinars, a new podcast, and also some online exercise classes, all free of charge! You can also find more detail about these on our website: https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/
They can also attend presentations for clubs, groups, and organisations to talk to people about how they can self-manage their arthritis better, and what support and advice they can offer as a charity. Ideally these will be done online, but where possible they can be arranged face to face as well.
Bookings are now open for activities and events for eligible children to enjoy during the Christmas holidays as part of Buckinghamshire Council’s Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme.
From sports to crafts and even a family pantomime followed by a Christmas meal, the Christmas programme offers free entertainment and activities for school-aged children in Reception up to Year 11 inclusive, who receive benefits-related free school meals. The pantomime events will happen in Aylesbury and High Wycombe, 100 places are available for each trip, happening right before Christmas.
Eligible families can book online by visiting: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/haf where they can find out more about the HAF programme and see the sessions that are available. Unique codes have been sent to schools to provide to eligible families. Each child can take part in up to four days of holiday activities.
Anita Cranmer, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “We’ve got a fantastic choice of free activities being run by local providers for children to experience and enjoy over the Christmas period and at each session they attend the children are also given a healthy hot meal.
“We know times are especially tough for many families at the moment and so we are delighted to be able to offer such a great range of activities. It’s a great opportunity for eligible children to get out of the house, try something they like or fancy doing for the first time and to make new friends. We even have a family pantomime and meal events on offer for the first time this year so don’t wait too long, as there will be only 100 places available for each pantomime trip – get booking now!”
The HAF programme is funded with money from the Department for Education and coordinated by the council for Buckinghamshire. It provides a range of fun, free activities for children in Buckinghamshire who receive benefits related free school meals. Families who do not currently receive benefits-related free school meals, but think they may be eligible can check online and find out how to apply.
New home energy schemes for Bucks residents
Become a Food Champion and help your local community
Buckinghamshire Council is reaching out to residents to offer a Helping Hand to support those struggling the most with the cost of living crisis. The council is relaunching their Food Champion scheme in partnership with Street Associations and local foodbanks, where residents are invited to set up a food collection service for tinned and dry food in their own road or street.
To help increase collections, Food Champions are encouraged to coordinate monthly food drops within their street or even their place of work and deliver these directly to the foodbanks. Once delivered, the vital provisions will help make up food parcels for vulnerable local individuals and families which will be distributed by the foodbanks direct.
To find out more about the Food Champions scheme – or to set up a scheme in your street – please visit: buckinghamshire.gov.uk/food-champions
Residents struggling to afford food can locate and contact their local foodbank by going to: buckinghamshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living
Have your say on the Home to School Transport Consultation
Buckinghamshire Council has today launched its Home to School Transport Consultation inviting residents to share their views on proposed changes to council-run school bus charges (Spare Seats Scheme), the Home to School Transport Policy (0- to 25-Year-Olds) and the Post-16 Transport Policy Statement for 2023 to 2024.
Until midnight on Sunday 4 December, people in Buckinghamshire will be able to provide their views on proposals for:
Any changes will apply for the 2023 to 2024 academic year onwards and will apply to both new and existing customers.
The Spare Seats Scheme offers paid-for seats on timetabled Council-run school buses, after all young people who are eligible for free school transport have been allocated a seat.
The changes will even out the cost of travel over a child’s whole school career by reducing the cost of post-16 travel for some Spare Seats passengers, making it easier for parents and carers to know upfront how much they will have to pay before applying for a seat.
The consultation addresses concerns that the Spare Seats fee structure is complex and difficult to understand and proposes three options for simplified school bus ticket charges.
Buckinghamshire Council receives £2.7m funding to support rough sleepers in the county
The Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has awarded Buckinghamshire Council £2.7 million of funding to help rough sleepers.
The funding – which covers five schemes running up until March 2025 – was granted following a successful bid by the council and will help support rough sleeper initiatives such as emergency beds, housing first support, and drug and alcohol outreach.
Last chance to help reshape constituencies
Final chance for public to help reshape constituency map as Boundary Commission for England launches consultation on new revised proposals for constituencies
The Boundary Commission for England today (8 November) publishes new revised
proposals for constituencies across the country and opens a final month-long consultation, giving the public a last opportunity to send in their views.
The Commission has taken into consideration over 45,000 comments sent in by the public during the previous two stages of public consultation, and has changed nearly half of its initial proposals based on this feedback. A third and final consultation on the new map of revised constituency proposals is open now until 5 December. The public are invited to view
and comment on the new map at bcereviews.org.uk.
The Commission is undertaking an independent review of all constituencies in England as requested by Parliament. The number of electors within each constituency currently varies widely due to population changes since the last boundary review. The 2023 Boundary
Review will rebalance the number of electors each MP represents, resulting in significant change to the existing constituency map. As part of the review, the number of constituencies in England will increase from 533 to 543.
After this final consultation has closed on 5 December, the Commission will analyse the responses and form its final recommendations. These will be submitted to Parliament by 1st July 2023.
Final deadline to cash council tax rebate vouchers approaches
PLEASE NOTE CORRECTION TO PHONE NUMBER BELOW
Buckinghamshire residents who haven’t yet cashed their council tax energy rebate vouchers are being reminded that the deadline is fast approaching, at the end of this month.
Earlier this year the Government announced that all households in council tax bands A to D would receive a £150 payment as part of a range of measures to support people with the rising cost of energy pressures. Residents who were eligible for an energy rebate who had not received a BACS transfer were sent a voucher in the post in August this year. The vouchers need to be taken with a form of photo ID, to a post office, where they can be exchanged for £150.
Latest figures show that around 3,600 vouchers are still waiting to be cashed in Buckinghamshire.
The original vouchers sent out are only valid for 90 days so some will no longer be redeemable, but the council can still make a payment by BACS transfer for residents to receive the payment. Anyone who needs to do this must telephone the council before 24 November to arrange this. Call 0300 131 6000, choose Option 3 and then Option 6. The last payment run will be made on 25 November.
If your voucher is still valid but you are unable to get to the Post Office yourself, you can nominate someone else to collect the money on your behalf. The nominee will need to take the original letter and relevant photo identification to the Post Office. The process is fully explained in the voucher letter and on the council website: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/council-tax
Anyone who has been sent a voucher but is in a position not to need it, please consider cashing it in and donating the funds to the Heart of Bucks Crisis Appeal which is helping local people who are struggling to make ends meet as a result of the rising cost of living.
Your donation could help someone in need buy food and household essentials, contribute towards moving costs for someone fleeing domestic abuse or help with energy costs.
Buckinghamshire Council examines concerns about pollution of rare chalk streams
Buckinghamshire Council is vowing to do what it can to lobby water companies and the Environment Agency on polluted watercourses in the county. The Council’s Cabinet has heard a special report on concerns over pollution in the county’s rivers and rare chalk streams. The council’s Transport, Environment and Climate Change (TECC) Select Committee carried out the rapid review into potential pollution of the water courses after fears that more discharges by water companies and the impact of HS2 works were potentially polluting the chalk aquifer beneath the Misbourne Valley.
The council does not have responsibility for water quality; this lies with the Environment Agency and the water companies. The cross-party review group gathered evidence from a variety of different sources and stakeholders over a four-month period earlier this year to get a better understanding of the current health of Buckinghamshire’s waterways and to see how potential problems and concerns can be addressed.
Council calls for action to strengthen primary care services in Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire Council’s Health and Adult Social Care (HASC) Select Committee has today (Tuesday 15 November) reported the findings of an independent review into the progress of the development of Primary Care Networks (PCNs) across the county and has made a series of key recommendations
Primary Care Networks bring together groups of GP practices in a geographical area, to work collaboratively with each other in managing patient and community needs. Buckinghamshire currently has 13 PCNs. Their aim is to provide communities with better access to a broad range of tailored healthcare services and to encourage enhanced partnership working
Councillor Derek Town
Beacon Villages Community Library on Friday evenings from 5pm to 6.30pm. Hot drinks available. All welcome. “We’re a warm free safe space. Please come in and make yourself comfortable. Information, support, free access to wifi, computers and cosy corner.” Find your nearest Buckinghamshire warm space at: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living/find-a-place-to-keep-warm-welcoming-spaces/
Tring Library is a Warm Space, whether you are using a computer, reading a newspaper or magazine or borrowing a book, libraries are here for you. Find your nearest Hertfordshire warm space at ww.hertfordshire.gov.uk/warmspaces
Can you help bring some Christmas magic to the children of Pitstone?
This year the Rennie Grove Hospice float will be in Castlemead on Weds 14 December and Pitstone Village on Thurs 15 December.
As well as bringing delight to the youngsters of the parish, it is one of the most important fundraising events of the year for the hospice. They are still on the lookout for potential helpers (elves) who would like to volunteer and collect door to door. If you are available to help, please email Alison Parker on Alison.Parker@renniegrove.org.
With the darker nights drawing in, we historically see an increase in Burglaries at this time of year. With this in mind, we would like to take the time to offer you some security advice.
• If you are leaving your home during the hours of darkness, please leave a light on. We recommend using a light timer switch, along with a low energy bulb in a lamp, which can be set to come on and go off at a time which suits you. This makes it appear that someone is home. Burglars are usually opportunists and patrol areas. So don’t let your home be their target.
• If you are going away, ask a neighbour to use your driveway if it is going to be vacant. This makes it appear that someone is coming and going.
• If you buy high value items, or you receive any for Christmas, don’t leave the empty boxes outside your home as this advertises what you have inside your property.
• Make sure you key lock your door, not just pull it shut.
• If you have an alarm, ensure it is set when you are not in your property.
• Consider installing CCTV.
• We recommend installing sensor security lights which come on when someone walks onto your property.
• If you have a keyless vehicle, please ensure the key is kept in a signal blocking box or pouch.
• Be vigilant. If you note a suspicious person or vehicle, report it. It may seem like a small piece of information, however it may be the missing piece of our jigsaw.
If you would like to speak with the team, or have any concerns, please email us on the below email address.
greatbrickhillwingivinghoenhpt@thamesvalley.police.uk
Kind Regards
The Wing and District Neighbourhood Policing Team
