Agenda item

To note the written updates provided and answer any questions arising from the floor:

      i.        Parish and Town Councils

    ii.        Wiltshire Police

   iii.        Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

   iv.        Chippenham and Villages Area Partnership (ChAP)

    v.        Chippenham Vision

   vi.        Chippenham Campus Development Team

  vii.        Youth Issues update

viii.        Chippenham Partnership of Schools

   ix.        Other Community Groups

Updates from partners were received as follows:

      i.        Parish and Town Councils

The written reports were noted.

    ii.        Wiltshire Police

The written report from Wiltshire Police was noted.

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Angus McPherson, was invited to the podium to give details on the proposed precept.

Angus McPherson confirmed that a consultation was taking place with regards a proposed increase in the police and crime element of the council tax of £3.15 per annum for the average home (based on a band D property).

This proposed increase would reduce the potential funding shortfall for the next 3 years by £2.3m meaning that £12.5m savings would be required rather than the estimated £14.8m without. 

It was noted that the precept level, inclusive of any increase, would still remain the lowest within the South West.

The proposed increase would help to minimise the impact proposed savings could have on front line services.  £1.5m from reserves would also be used to enable continued recruitment of officers.

All in attendance were encouraged to take part in the consultation with paper copies circulated at the meeting.

   iii.        Chippenham Campus Development Team

The update was noted.

   iv.        Chippenham Partnership of Schools

The update was noted.

    v.        Wiltshire Time Credits

The update was noted.

As indicated within Chairman’s Announcements the relevant Councillors were invited to give updates on the following Focus Areas for 2013/14.

Road Safety

Councillor Bill Douglas confirmed that he continued to work with the Highways team.  It was hoped that the ‘No Need for Speed’ campaign would be up and running within the next few months.

Crime & Community Safety

Cllr Desna Allen had no further news to report since the last update.

Deprivation

Councillor Chris Caswill confirmed that a useful meeting had taken place before Christmas which had been hosted by Green Square.  Cllr Caswill hoped to bring some proposals back to the Board for its next meeting.