Added 25th September
Following feedback, this months crime summary has been changed to an adobe PDF. I hope you find this informative? Your feedback was greatly received so thank you and other changes have been made accordingly.
Please continue to engage with us so we have help you and your wider communities.
Here it is.
Social Media Summary
PDF here.
Household Recycling Centres switch to winter opening hours
Visitors to Buckinghamshire’s Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) are being reminded that from Tuesday 1 October, opening hours at all 10 centres across the county will be switching to the winter hours of 9am to 4pm.
The change in opening hours occurs every year, in line with shorter days bringing fewer visitors to the sites after 4pm.
To find out which days your local HRC is open and also further details of what can and cannot be taken to a centre, visit: buckinghamshire.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling
If you are worried about the site being busy you can check ahead and view live webcam footage via the council website and plan your trip accordingly.
Items donated are sold on by South Bucks Hospice which runs the reuse shops in High Wycombe and Aston Clinton HRCs. Items for resale can be taken to any of the 10 sites and will be transported to the reuse shops.
Be active on the school run
As children are back to school, Buckinghamshire Council is asking everyone to think about ways they can make the school run more sustainable, improving health, wellbeing and safety while also bringing positive benefits to the environment.
From using an alternative to the car for drop offs and pick-ups, to not blocking roads and turning your engine off while waiting, we can all make a few simple changes that can make a big difference.
One of the best ways to make your journey to school more sustainable is to choose an alternative to the car. Walking or wheeling instead of driving is better for your health. It also means you don’t need to worry about finding a parking space.
Those who need to drive are being reminded not to park too close to school, blocking gates, driveways or access for those on foot or in emergency vehicles. Motorists are also asked to be mindful of school crossing patrollers who will be stepping into the road regularly to help families cross safely.
When picking up at the end of the day, drivers are also asked not to leave engines running when sitting in the car to avoid emitting potentially harmful car fumes.
The council’s Sustainable Transport Team works with schools across the county to help them to deliver effective School Travel Plans to promote and encourage active, safe and sustainable travel for school journeys. Schools are encouraged to sign up for initiatives such as Bikeability Cycle Training and the Council’s own Footsteps Child Road Safety and Awareness programme and Parents' Parking Programme.
For more information on sustainable school travel visit the council website where you can also find out more about the Buckinghamshire Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy.
Bucks Council responds to Government consultation on planning proposals
Buckinghamshire Council has submitted its formal response to the Government’s consultation on proposals to make changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), amidst significant concerns about the potential and far-reaching implications for the county should the proposals go ahead.
The consultation is a complex exercise with more than 100 questions that seek views on the proposed amendments to the NPPF. This is the framework by which local planning authorities determine planning applications and form local plans. The NPPF includes setting out how local housing need should be met, and specifically how many homes should be built in a certain area.
The council’s response answers all 106 questions of the consultation, which seek opinion on the various areas to the policy where changes are proposed. While the council agrees with some of the proposed amendments, its formal response records some grave and significant objections to the proposed policy changes due to the negative implications it would have for Buckinghamshire.
The main areas the council has raised concerns over in its response are:
- The proposed changes to the way in which local housing need is to be calculated, which would lead to a 42% increase in the figure for Buckinghamshire
- The proposed changes to Green Belt policy, particularly a new definition of ‘grey belt’ land which has the potential to lead to large-scale sporadic developments across a wide area of the Buckinghamshire Green Belt
- The proposed changes to the requirements relating to maintaining a five year supply of housing land which are likely to lead to more speculative planning applications being granted permission, and
- The lack of a strategic approach to funding and providing essential local infrastructure when existing facilities are already overwhelmed
Commenting, Buckinghamshire Council Leader, Martin Tett, said:
These proposed changes reintroduce mandatory housing targets and could lead to a total of 100,000 new homes in Buckinghamshire, yet there is no mention of infrastructure and community facilities to support this massive number of new homes and new residents. The new concept of a ‘grey belt’ - a political construct - would force the release of precious green belt land for development to any developer who purchases a pocket of land.
This could pave the way for the most phenomenal change our county has seen. We have responded in a thorough, considered and a technical manner to the consultation. Our response goes through the proposed changes step by step and considers each question one by one. I want to underline that we are not anti-housebuilding in Buckinghamshire; we are very much aware of the need particularly for more affordable homes but this must happen in the right way. I now call on the government to truly consider Buckinghamshire Council’s response when taking these proposals forward.”
Added 18th September
From 1 June to 8 September 2024, we seized 118 e-scooters and e-bikes, with 21 of these seizures occurring since the beginning of September.
Unfortunately, over the past couple of weeks we have seen two serious incidents involving e-scooters in the Thames Valley, demonstrating why our ongoing work around this issue is so important.
Read the full press release, which includes more information, on our website.
Tell us how we can help everyone in Bucks to age healthily
Helping Buckinghamshire’s residents to live healthy, happy lives for longer is the commitment set down in the council’s Healthy Ageing Strategy (2024-2029). As the programme enters its second year, people are once again being asked to share their opinions on what is most important to them to help shape priorities for the coming year.
In 2023, based on the feedback received in the first consultation, the key priorities of ‘participating in society’ and ‘outdoor spaces and buildings’ were identified as being of most importance to those who took part in the survey. In response to this, in partnership with Heart of Bucks, the Healthy Ageing Fund has been set up, supporting 11 projects to increase social connectedness of older people across the county. A range of Age Well activities have also been delivered as part of the Healthy Libraries programme.
The survey is open to people aged 40 years and over who live, work and/or study in Buckinghamshire. It runs until 4 November 2024. To take part visit here.
To celebrate the International Day of Older People on Monday 30 September, council partners, Age UK Bucks and Bucks Older Peoples Action Group are organising an event to promote the variety of activities available to older adults in Buckinghamshire. It will feature live demonstrations of chair yoga, bowls and Tai Chi, with performances from local choir, Sing Your Pain Away. There will also be the chance to meet local services and groups to learn more about the activities they run, with free refreshments and goody bags. The free event takes place at Wycombe Library between 10am and 1pm on 30 September.
For more information on the event visit: BOPAG - Home
Domestic Abuse is everyone’s business
Every 30 seconds in the UK, the police receive a domestic abuse related call. Domestic abuse makes up 18% of all recorded crime in England and Wales and in the UK a woman is killed by a man every 3 days*.
Following a successful launch in December 2022, Buckinghamshire Council has developed a new fully funded multi-agency ‘Tackling and Preventing Domestic Abuse’ training catalogue for Buckinghamshire for 2024/25.
The training catalogue is for any professional wishing to upskill their knowledge around domestic abuse and is not exclusively for professionals who work with vulnerable or at-risk audiences. The aim is to increase people’s confidence in identifying the signs of abuse and give appropriate support and signposting to victims. Whatever your role, whether you manage a team, teach, own a business, run a community organisation or work in the health, adult social care or children’s services sectors, these courses could help you challenge and change behaviours and help victims get the support they need, sooner.
The offer continues to be entirely free of charge to encourage as many individuals as possible to upskill or refresh their knowledge. There are 18 different types of courses, each with a selection of dates and times to choose from. Some courses are virtual over MS Teams and others are face to face including “power hours”, half and full day sessions to suit flexible working patterns.
One person who has taken part in training previously commented: "I thought it was a great introduction to the topic and provided opportunities for further reading to increase understanding. I think every organisation should be required to attend sessions like these to increase awareness."
This year’s offer includes four new topics derived from local Buckinghamshire insight on Domestic Abuse (DA) and Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) cases, including; domestic abuse and child neglect, incels and extreme misogyny, local learning from homicides, and spiritual abuse.
For more information and to book the free training courses, visit the Buckinghamshire Domestic Abuse Board.
*Two million women are estimated to be victims of violence perpetrated by men each year. While men and boys also suffer many of these forms of abuse, they disproportionately affect women.
Could you get pension credit?
Following the government’s decision this week to withdraw the winter fuel payment from most pensioners, Buckinghamshire Council is advising residents of pensionable age and their friends and families that it’s vital they find out which government benefits they can claim to help them meet their living and fuel costs.
The winter fuel payment is now limited to people over state pension age (currently 66) who are receiving pension credit or a limited number of other benefits.
Older people over state pension age and on a low income may qualify for pension credit – which offers support for a range of household expenses including the winter fuel payment, but many are not aware and are not claiming this support that they are eligible for.
According to the government, only about 60% of eligible people currently claim pension credit countrywide. This means four out of 10 eligible pensioners are missing out on benefits of up to £3,900 a year.
The council is also highlighting that support is still available through its Helping Hand service for people who may not qualify for pension credit but who are still struggling financially. The team can offer emergency support, practical guidance or supply contact details for other organisations that provide food support or specialist advice.
To find out all about pension credit, including whether you qualify and how to apply, go to this site.
Council launches campaign to support men’s mental fitness
Buckinghamshire Council is encouraging people to have ‘men in mind’ this September, with the launch of a new campaign to support men’s mental fitness and focus on suicide prevention.
Good mental health is vital for men, especially considering that, according to ONS suicide data for 2023, three quarters of suicide deaths were among men.
Buckinghamshire Council’s Men In Mind campaign encourages men to prioritise their mental fitness through physical activity, staying connected, managing stress, and limiting alcohol.
The campaign also aims to teach friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances how to recognise the signs that someone might be experiencing suicidal thoughts or struggling with their mental health, learn how to start a conversation and help them get the support they need.
The campaign is aimed at men aged 35-55, who are likely to be more at risk of suicide.
Men experiencing unemployment, relationship breakdowns, family problems, money worries, job related stress, loneliness, loss, disabling or painful physical illness, depression or heavy use of drugs or alcohol are also at a higher risk of suicide.
Online, it can sometimes be harder to notice signs that someone is struggling, but whether it’s on social media or in group chats, you can keep an eye out for someone posting content that is sad, negative, graphic, violent, impulsive or emotional.
If you notice any signs or are worried about someone, it’s important to talk to them and act.
Visit the web page for more information about what to look out for and how to start a conversation. There is also a free online course about suicide prevention and how to talk to someone you are worried about.
If you or someone you know might be at risk of harming themselves or others: Call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E).
If you or someone else needs help with suicidal thoughts, you are not alone, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit the website – www.samaritans.org for more ways to get in touch.
Added 11th September
*Issue 8 of The Lookout is here - read our student magazine now!
*Student safety and how you can make a difference
*Celebrating funds raised towards our Volunteer Programme - thank you!
*Read more about the next cycle of our Community Grants Fund
*Put Smart home security to the test with Robin's review of ERA's Smart Universal Door Handle
*Patlock offers students security in their new homes
The September edition of OUR NEWS is here
You are warmly invited to join us at our annual Force Open Day on Saturday 7 September between 10am and 4pm. The event will take place at our training centre in Sulhamstead, near Reading.
Last year, over 4,000 people were able to see behind the scenes of policing, meet our people and learn what it takes to keep our communities safe.
From inspirational talks to exciting demonstrations and family friendly activities, the day promises to be full of fun for the whole family!
Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs, said: “Our Force Open Day is an incredible opportunity for us to showcase all the fabulous people and capabilities we have in TVP, all of which work together to protect our communities. You can also expect to experience the amazing work of a range of our departments, including our Mounted Section, Public Order and Firearms departments.”
Whilst we wait for the big day, the programme of events can be found here.
We look forward to seeing you there!
You can also follow our TVP Facebook and X social media accounts for updates on the day.
Money Matters – say how you want your council tax spent
Buckinghamshire Council is preparing its spending plans for 2025/26 and is asking residents, businesses and other local stakeholders to give their views on which services should be prioritised.
The ‘Money Matters’ survey is the opportunity for residents to have a say on what’s important to them and they you would like to see the council’s budget distributed.
Councils across the country continue to experience significant financial pressures due to rising costs and added demand on services. In particular, Buckinghamshire Council has seen social care costs escalate even further in recent months due to more vulnerable residents needing help.
With continuing pressures on household budgets after a period of high inflation and other turbulence, it’s important that residents tell the council how they want to see their council tax spent during the next financial year.
Council tax is the main way that local council services are funded – from bin collections to road repairs to looking after adults and children who need care. The council has ongoing costs to provide these services and also draws up capital spending plans too – ‘one-off’ spends on particular projects or schemes such as extra money invested into the local road network for repairs and improvements. The money received from council tax covers 79% of the cost of providing our 700 services, with the rest of our funding coming from Business Rates (13%), the New Homes Bonus (1%) and other grants (7%).
The council’s ‘Money Matters’ survey is now live –and takes just 10 minutes to complete. These views are then fed into the final budget proposals which are scrutinised after Christmas in a series of special meetings. The final budget will then be voted on during February ready to ‘go live’ on 1 April 2025.
Therefore it’s never been more crucial for our residents to tell us where they want their money spent – please let your friends and family know too that they can have a say.”
The survey is accessed via the Your Voice Bucks website.
If you’re unable to complete the survey online, you can access a paper copy of the consultation in libraries and family centres.
The Money Matters survey runs until 13 October 2024.
Added 4th September
See this pdf
Social media Summary - our social media activity over the past week
Here's the link
Don’t get stuck in a jam! – Remember to check before you travel
Motorists in Buckinghamshire are being advised to take some simple but important steps before they travel in the county over coming weeks and months, and to check road and traffic updates to avoid getting stuck in a jam.
An unprecedented rise in required roadworks and other works involving external companies is affecting large sections of the county’s roads network at the present time. This means that the potential for queues and slow-moving traffic is greatly increased.
Buckinghamshire Council is investing more than £110m in the highway network across the county with a large programme of improvement and repair works ongoing. Alongside this, other roadworks and disruption is being caused by a growing number of works being carried out by external companies. While the council can control the timing of some roadworks, it is not always possible to plan every piece of work. Utility companies often need to repair faults or carry out upgrades to pipes and cables. Some of this work needs to be carried out at very short notice. The council is not able to stop this work and instead aims to liaise with the companies involved to attempt to minimise disruption where possible. Other external projects such as HS2 and East West Rail are also causing disruption across the network.
To help drivers reduce their chance of getting caught in a traffic jam, the council is reminding people of some quick and easy ways to check ahead before they travel.
- Get live traffic updates – use the one.network website which shows current and planned future works. You can also sign to receive alerts.
- Use your satnav – even if it is a journey you regularly make, satnavs will usually pick up on congestion and traffic issues, allowing you to adapt your route.
- Consider other travel options such as walking or cycling. Even if just for part of your journey.
- Follow us on social media for up-to-date information on emergency works or unexpected road closures and diversions – Facebook – Buckinghamshire Highways, X - @bucks_highways
Council inspectors are out and about seven days a week ensuring that companies carrying out works are completing them to schedule and not breaking the terms of their permit. A record number of enforcement notices and fines have been issued for roadworks that have been non-permitted and/or run over time.
For more information about planned roadworks and closures across the county, visit the website
Bucks-wide Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan - Consultation
Buckinghamshire Council is pleased to announce the launch of a public consultation on its proposed Buckinghamshire Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). This ambitious plan aims to identify priorities for enhancing and expanding cycling, walking and wheeling networks across Buckinghamshire, with the overall aim of providing increased transport choices, promoting healthier lifestyles, reducing traffic congestion, and contributing to environmental sustainability.
The council has already developed local LCWIPs for Aylesbury Garden Town, Buckingham, and High Wycombe, with each recommending ways to improve walking, cycling and wheeling infrastructure in those towns. However, there is currently no comprehensive LCWIP that covers the whole Buckinghamshire Council area.
The Buckinghamshire LCWIP aims to address this by identifying key priorities for new or improved infrastructure that will connect towns and villages, making cycling, wheeling and walking safer, more accessible, and more convenient for residents and visitors alike. The council is now seeking feedback from the public to ensure that the plan meets the needs and expectations of the community.
Key objectives of the Buckinghamshire LCWIP:
- Improving the attractiveness of walking, cycling and wheeling, with a network that links key destinations such as schools, workplaces, shops, public transport and leisure facilities.
- Giving people alternative options for travel other than by car.
- Responding to climate change and tackling emissions.
- Promoting health and wellbeing and access for all, accommodating future growth supporting local economies.
The council invites all residents, businesses, and community groups to participate in the consultation process, which will run from 2 September to 13 October 2024.
The consultation, including the printable survey and address for posting it, are available here
A series of in-person events will be held to discuss the LCWIP and answer questions. Details of these events can be found on the consultation webpage.
Following the consultation period, all feedback will be carefully reviewed and incorporated into the final Buckinghamshire LCWIP. The finalised plan will guide future investments and developments in walking, cycling and wheeling infrastructure across Buckinghamshire.
For further details about the LCWIP consultation or to request alternative formats of the consultation materials, please email: transportstrategy@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
Could you be a Shared Lives carer?
Do you have space in your life and home to open it up to another adult who needs care and support? If the answer is yes, you could join Buckinghamshire’s growing team of Shared Lives carers and start helping to support others in your local community.
Shared Lives is a national initiative with over 10,000 approved Shared Lives carers across the UK. Buckinghamshire’s Shared Lives scheme is run in partnership with provider Ategi. As a Shared Lives carer, you would share your home and family life, providing support to an adult with additional needs, to help them develop their skills and live an independent life.
Responsibilities as a carer can include:
- Taking an active role in nurturing their skills and talents
- Assisting with life skills such as learning to use public transport as well as cook and clean for themselves
- Provide support to try new activities both at home and out and about
As a Shared Lives carer, you would be self-employed and will receive monthly payments. One to one ongoing support is provided, along with financial benefits and comprehensive training. There is a careful matching process, ensuring that carers are matched with a suitable person for their lifestyle and experience. Placements can be long or short term.
Juliet has been a Shared Lives Carer in Buckinghamshire since 2009, she was one of Ategi’s first Shared Lives carers when Ategi started managing the scheme in Buckinghamshire. Juliet is currently supporting four young women.
An information event is taking place at 10.30am on Friday 20 September where people can learn more about being a Shared Lives carer. Book your free ticket to the webinar online: Shared Lives webinar: Becoming a carer in Buckinghamshire Tickets, Fri 20 Sep 2024 at 10:30 | Eventbrite
Added 28th August