PARISHES ASSEMBLY

THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2010

7.00 PM

COUNCIL CHAMBER CIVIC OFFICES

A G E N D A (Refreshments available from 6.30pm)

Note – Please submit apologies and details of any substitutions. Names of substitutions must be submitted by the Parish Council to Community Liaison by Noon on the day of the meeting

1 AGENDA PARISHES ASSEMBLY THURSDAY 28 January 2010 In the Council Chamber Civic Offices at 7.00pm 1. Apologies and Substitutions 2 mins 2. Minutes of the Last Meeting and Matters Arising 10mi To receive the Minutes of the meeting of the Parishes Assembly held on 1st October 2009 and to discuss any matters arising. (Item 2) 3. Milton Keynes Partnership Committee 15mins 3a To receive an oral update on the MKPC from Cheryl Montgomery & Sara Botham 3b Letter dated November 2009 from Cheryl Montgomery attached (Item 3b)

4. Community Safety Partnership 15mins Presentation on the Strategic Assessment 2009 with Richard Solly (Community Safety Manager) (Item 4 to follow) 5. Core Strategy Verbal update on the Core Strategy as requested at 1 October Assembly 5mins with Michael Moore (Senior Planning Officer)

6. Update on the Working Together Project 40mins Feedback from the discussions held on the 10th December at Harben House. Presentation from Caroline Godfrey (Community Liaison Manager) (Item 6a) Presentation from 10th December 2009 event attached (Item 6b)

7. Items requested by Parish Councils 7a Olney Town Council A request to provide an officer presentation on how the additional 0.5% 20mins Council Tax has been invested in rural public transport. Referred from 1

October Assembly. Andrew Coleman (MKC Planning and Transport) (Item 7a ) (Page 10) 7b West Council School Meals: Members were keen to hear feedback received about the 10mins service now being provided by the newly appointed contractor to Schools local to Bletchley area and Milton Keynes. Paper attached from Michael Bracey (Asst. Director Partnerships, Commissioning & Planning CYPS) who will also attend the March Parishes Assembly. (Item 7b )

8. Announcements by Parish Councils 1mins Parish Council - that the Council adopts the alternative style of ‘Woughton Community Council’, with immediate effect. Simpson Parish Council – that the Council adopts the alternative style of “Simpson and Ashland Parish” with immediate effect.

9. Announcements by Milton Keynes Council

2 Regeneration Phase 2 Consultation 11/01/2010 to 09/04/2010 (12 3min weeks), Geoff Snelson Assistant Director, Strategy & Partnerships to attend the 18 March 2010 Assembly (Item 9)

Milton Keynes awarded host city status for 2018 World Cup Bid.

10. Date/Venue for Next Meeting 1min To note the dates for future meetings: 18 March 2010 - Council Chamber, Civic Offices The following meetings are subject to confirmation following May 2010 AGM 10 June 2010 - Council Chamber, Civic Offices 30 September 2010 - Council Chamber, Civic Offices 9 December 2010 - Council Chamber, Civic Offices 17 March 2011 - Council Chamber, Civic Offices

Health and Safety Please take a few moments to familiarise yourself with the nearest available fire exit, indicated by the fire evacuation signs. In the event of a continuous alarm sounding during the meeting you must evacuate the building immediately and follow all instructions provided by the fire evacuation officer who will identify him/herself should the alarm sound. You will be assisted to the nearest designated assembly point until it is safe to return to the building.

Any persons unable to use the stairs will be assisted to the nearest safe refuge. The yellow call point alarm will be sounded to alert the fire service as to your presence.

Mobile Phones Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched to silent or is switched off completely during the meeting.

Agenda Agendas and reports for the majority of the Council’s public meetings can be accessed via the Internet at: http://cmis.milton- keynes.gov.uk/cmiswebpublic/

Comments, Complaints and Compliments Milton Keynes Council welcomes comments, complaints and compliments from members of the public in order to make its services as efficient and effective as possible. We would appreciate any suggestions regarding the usefulness of the paperwork for this meeting, or the conduct of the meeting you have attended.

A form is available online at http://www.mkweb.co.uk/complaints/home.asp

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Items raised by Parish Councils:

To assist in preparing the Agenda for the Parishes Assembly, Items raised by Parish Councils will need to be received by the Community Liaison Team no later than the dates and times listed below:

Parishes Assembly Meeting Date Deadline for Item submission (5 WKS PRIOR TO NEXT MTG) Thursday 18 March 2010 Noon on Thursday 11 February 2010

Announcements:

Details of announcements for inclusion on the Parishes Assembly Agenda are: Parishes Assembly Meeting Date Deadline for announcement submission (2 WKS PRIOR TO NEXT MTG) Thursday 18 March 2010 Noon on Thursday 4 March 2010

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MINUTES OF THE PARISH ASSEMBLY HELD ON

THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2009 7 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, CIVIC OFFICES

PRESENT:

Cllr Vanessa McPake Milton Keynes Council (Chair) Cllr Ivor Bradbury Bradwell Parish Council Cllr Satinder Gill Bradwell Parish Council Cllr John Hawthorn Bradwell Abbey Parish Council Dai Evans Calverton Parish Meeting Cllr Tom Fraser Parish Council Cllr David Pafford Campbell Park Parish Council Cllr Phil Ayles Parish Council Cllr Bert Tapp Castlethorpe Parish Council Cllr Ken Baker Town Council Cllr Charles Allum Parish Council Cllr Pauline Wallis Great Linford Parish Council Cllr Brian Kalunga Kents Hill & Monkston Parish Council Cllr Kate Porter Parish Council Cllr Alan Francis Parish Council Cllr David Rumens Olney Town Council Cllr David Livingstone & Tattenhoe Parish Council Cllr James Buxton Parish Council Cllr Adrian Dneš Town Council Cllr Jeannette Green Walton Parish Council Cllr Sam Crooks Milton Keynes Council Cllr Norman Miles Milton Keynes Council Cllr Alan Mallyon Milton Keynes Council

Officers: Caroline Godfrey (Community Liaison Manager), Heather Baker (Community Services Officer), Michael Moore (Senior Planning Officer), Phil Snell (Senior Landscape Officer), Pam Gosal (Economic Development Manager), Dr Diane Gray (Deputy Director of Public Health (MKPCT), Adrian House (Emergency Preparedness Manager (MKPCT) Janie Burns (Minutes)

Also in Attendance: Allison Carlton (MKPCT Communications & Engagement Manager), Lesley Blue (County Executive Officer BALC)

ITEM 1. APOLOGIES & SUBSTITUTIONS

Cheryl Montgomery (Homes & Community Agency), Cllr Charles Mitchell (Astwood & PC), Cllr Elizabeth Rowell-Tinsley (CMK TC), Cllr David Stabler (Great Linford PC), Cllr Ken Maudsley (Kents Hill & Monkston PC), Cllr Sharon Smith (Kents Hill & Monkston PC), Cllr Mandy Kingham ( PC), Cllr Nigel Richards (Moulsoe PC), Cllr Marie Collins (New Bradwell PC), Cllr Roz Hatton ( PC), Cllr David Hunt (North Crawley PC), Cllr Jean Nicholas (Shenley Brook End & Tattenhoe PC), Cllr Rosemary O’Sullivan (Stony Stratford TC), Cllr Marissa Cork (Walton PC), Cllr David Hopkins ( PC), Cllr Norman Wilkes (Wavendon PC), Gillian Nicol (Weston Underwood PC), Cllr Jacky Jeffreys ( TC), Cllr Mike Geddes (Woburn Sands TC), Cllr Tina El-Shabrawy (Woughton PC), Cllr Margaret Roberts (Woughton PC) Substitutions: Cllr Pauline Wallis (Great Linford PC), Cllr Brian Kalunga (Kents Hill & Monkston Parish Council)

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ITEM 2 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING AND MATTERS ARISING A question was asked about how much MKC has invested into the Core Strategy. Cllr Adrian Dneš, Stony Stratford Town Council, advised that the problem emailing English Partnerships had been resolved. Cllr Vanessa McPake spoke of the rural strategy, broadband and the adoption process. Briefing sheets attached.

ITEM 3 MILTON KEYNES PARTNERSHIP COMMITTEE Cheryl Montgomery had sent her apologies. She had been unable to provide her normal briefing on housing numbers but will as soon as they have been accepted by the Partnership committee. They will be distributed under separate cover. As she is leaving next April, the details of her replacement eg photograph and background will be put in a future Parish & Town Council Newsletter. Members spoke up to say that it is unacceptable that Cheryl can’t find a replacement to attend the Parishes Assembly from an organisation as large as hers. ACTION - Officers to discuss with the Chief Executive of HCA.

A Cllr enquired about the Strategic Housing forum which used to meet and was for people who are interested in that facet particularly in his case in houses of multiple occupation. ACTION - Cllr McPake said she will investigate and contact the parishes with the information before the next assembly. Post Meeting Note: The Assistant Director of Housing recently recommended to the SAFER & STRONGER COMMUNITIES SELECT COMMITTEE that MKC should lead a Strategic Housing Partnership, the full report can be found at http://cmis.milton-keynes.gov.uk/CmisWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=28331 All enquiries regarding homes in multiple occupation should be passed to the Private Sector Housing Team; email [email protected] tel 01908 253281

ITEM 4 CORE STRATEGY AND FUTURE CONSULTATION AND PUBLICATION ARRANGEMENTS Michael Moore (MKC Senior Planning Officer) gave information on a handout to outline the formal strategy. The LDF Member Advisory Panel met Tuesday 29 September. The earliest the core strategy could go to cabinet would be the 27th of October. This assumes there are no major changes to be made and it has full council agreement. The 10th of November is the more likely date. Core Strategy is the plan for the Borough of MK. These are the key strategic policies on the development of Milton Keynes through to 2026. This will replace the strategic policies of the Milton Keynes Local Plan. Comments are expected on the soundness of the new document in the New Year. Various documents and versions were produced, from December 2006 and came to a preferred version in September 2007. The document will be published early in the New Year. 1st Core Strategy produced. When published there will be an examination by an Inspector(s). It will be available on the council’s Web pages. At present it is being checked for legal compliance, soundness and consistency with national policy. This is an early warning of when it is to be published and planning will update Parishes Assembly as updates come in.

Post Meeting Note: The Core Strategy is now expected to go to a Cabinet meeting on the 24th November and to full Council on the 8th December

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Questions: Qu. A Cllr has looked at the Core Strategy and saw lots of changes. Is there an opportunity to see what is emerging from the Local Development Framework (LDF) group to debate and make changes? MM responded: The Core Strategy has more or less completed its examination by the member LDF Advisory Group but will be going to a Cabinet and full Council meeting so there is the possibility of amendment to it. When published in the New Year there will be an opportunity for parishes and town councils to comment on the document. Qu. The Cllr enquired whether it would be Council Examination or public enquiry, which is it? This makes the difference of who can go. MM responded it would be an examination but he would check on procedures and respond in writing - see update at end of item 4. Cllr McPake stated that the Assembly would prefer a public enquiry and requested that MM pass this preference to relevant officers. Qu. A member asked if the CMK Framework will be replaced. MM responded there are no plans at present to replace the CMK Development Framework, however there will be strategic polices within the Core Strategy covering CMK and he doesn’t see there will be any conflict. Qu. The member responded that some Conservative councillors have abandoned this as there will an election soon. MM stated that the document had been prepared with input and contributions from all political groups. Qu. A member asked; ‘What is the Core Strategy? How does it affect Olney? It speaks of the ‘city’. How do the rural areas fit into the Core Strategy?’ MM stated that the government has reformed the development plan system. Instead of preparing a single plan covering the whole Borough, the Council now prepares a number of LDF documents such as the Core Strategy, these set out the overall strategic planning policies for the Borough and where major new development will go. It has been prepared in the context of national and regional planning policy guidance and advice. This plan goes up to 2026, further into the future than the Local Plan. The Core Strategy covers the whole of Milton Keynes Borough including Olney. The policy of development in the rural areas is very restricted. The Council is focusing development in and around the city Qu. A Question asked, about the SHLAA (Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment) MM stated the SHLAA is a background technical document for the Core Strategy. It does not allocate land for development whereas the Core Strategy does. The SHLAA will be available on the Council’s website within the next month or so. Cllr McPake asked if MM could let CG know when these links are available. (Links to planning policy website are at end of item 4). Qu. A question was asked about the level of parish and town council involvement. MM stated that they’ve been at this process for over 3 years and there has been quite a bit of involvement with town councils and parishes. Copies of previous versions of the document have been circulated to them he stated, ‘we want your involvement’.

Post Meeting Note ATTENDING AN EXAMINATION INTO THE MILTON KEYNES CORE STRATEGY. It is for the Planning Inspector conducting the examination into the Core Strategy, not the Council, who decides how the examination into the document will be conducted and who is invited to participate.

7 Under the new arrangements for examining development plan documents such as Core Strategies, the examination is held by an independent Planning Inspector. Although anyone can attend the examination to hear what is said, participation at the examination is not automatic. Invitations to participate in the topic under discussion are at the discretion of the Inspector carrying out the examination. In section 5 of the notes (see link below) issued by the Planning Inspectorate on procedures at examinations. What it says about representation is that "The Inspector will invite participation from those who wish to be heard and anyone else who might be required to properly explore the relevant issue." http://www.planning- inspectorate.gov.uk/pins/appeals/local_dev/advisory_pack_notes_aug_09.pdf The Core Strategy is expected to be published early in the New Year and comments on the soundness of the document will be sought for a 6 week period. Representations on the document will provide an opportunity for Parish and Town Councils to indicate if they feel the document is not fit for purpose and how it should be changed. In their representation they can also indicate to the Inspector conducting the examination, what specific topics they would like to attend, if a session at the examination is arranged to discuss that topic. The examination into the Milton Keynes Core Strategy is expected to be held in the Summer/Autumn, precise dates have not yet been finalised. Officers from the Council’s Development Plans Team would like to brief Parish and Town Councils on the timetable and progress of the Core Strategy and how to get involved with it at future Parish Assembly meetings. However, if anyone would like further information about the Core Strategy, please either view the Council’s planning policy web pages at http://www.miltonkeynes.gov.uk/planning%2Dpolicy/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=61300 or contact the Development Plans team on 01908-252599. Michael Moore (Development Plans Team)

ITEM 5 NHS MILTON KEYNES – BECOME FLU FRIENDS Cllr McPake introduced Dr Diane Gray, Executive lead for Emergency Preparedness. A discussion took place. NHS had planned for this eventuality over a number of years. There is an established, strong, multi-agency pandemic influenza committee that coordinates the MK health and social care response during the pandemic. The first wave hit in April moving into May, Jun and July. We didn’t reach the numbers, thankfully, that were expected. There were 250 -300 people per day down to about 10 per day, in July, receiving medication. In Milton Keynes, we anticipate that the people will be looking for antiviral medications towards the end of this month through November. The NHS is expecting, in this wave, to be prepared for about 12% absences of staff, on top of normal absences (worst case scenarios). There is planning for significantly more than the 250-300 per day. Christmas is usually bad period for flu and then the next peak (3rd one) possibly February, March and the Easter period. People with flu like symptoms are advised to call and not to come in to GP / Hospitals. There will be antiviral collection points for ‘flu friends’ through pharmacies in Milton Keynes. Bletchley therapy unit may also open as demand requires. Two important messages for Milton Keynes - preventing people from falling ill in the first place through ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ and washing hands which is the simplest form of preventing infections, all infections. Vaccination is now “green” licensed by GSK. The dates of arrival for general practices are within 3 weeks, by the 19th of October with the following qualifications: • People with over 6 months of chronic difficulties, breathing difficulty • Pregnant women

8 • Patients who have a condition affecting their immune system or their Carer • Those over 65 and most with chronic medical conditions Sessions are to be run with seasonal flu jabs to make it more convenient though this pandemic jab is in 2 shots. The NHS would like the following 3 actions from Parishes and Town Councils : 1. As it is not known how hard this will hit each parish area please encourage the eligible recipients in the 4 categories above to take up the offer of vaccines. 2. Watch out for those who are ill. 3. Spread the following message “If you do fall ill don’t come yourself, send a healthy flu friend”. The NHS are preparing for the worst but hoping for best and offer to come and speak to the parish councils. A member felt this would be good information to put on parish websites. Could information be sent to the parish councils? Dr Gray said yes and we would gladly speak to your parishes. Adrian House, Emergency Preparedness Manager (MKPCT) feels we must speak and interchange info all the time and would like to encourage all communications go through the central NHS Milton Keynes communications and engagement team. (Allison Carlton at [email protected] or on 01908 278681.

Cllr McPake would like to see accurate information and a fine balance to avoid panic. She advised we all go through NHS communication points. Cllr’s were more concerned that lay people receive information. Dr Gray feels that they don’t know how bad it is going to be and how severe; but the probability is that the illness will be mild. There was concern that the nearest collection point was Netherfield. AH advised all attempts are made to spread collection points. MK also has a 24 hr site at Walk in Centre - Hospital Campus. AH suggested they are trying to address these problems and are in discussions and looking to put in a ‘flu friend service’. If you don’t have a ‘friend’, Milton Keynes volunteers will help out. Cllr McPake reiterated that transport from rural areas is difficult. Dr Gray made everyone aware that you can go outside the area eg Bedfordshire if it is easier. AH suggested this should be published, communicated. Cllr’s are aware of businesses that are removing newspapers/magazines from waiting areas and had been asked to wash their hands and wondered whether we could expect businesses to do this now? Dr Diane Gray felt the removal of newspapers/ magazines was a bit of overkill but washing hands is good and expressed that the NHS is still pushing the washing of hands, this is basic hygiene. AH stated that the overkill happened early in the news media. It was suggested that Libraries could promote these messages. Dr Diane Gray stated proportionality must be considered and the context of what to do, good hygiene; “catch it, bin it, kill it “should be promoted Members spoke of the simulations of the spread of the disease on the computer and felt it has been the best strategy to target the virus through school communications. Dr Diane Gray stated that we should not shut schools; research showed the pupils would mix more outside the schools, so better they are in school. It is best to use schools to promote good hygiene and for nurses to monitor pupil health

9 A Cllr stated that parish borders overlap and is there to be an anti viral point in Stantonbury? AH to confirm. (Response given 05th October 2009 “The issue raised ref: Stantonbury ACP and whether there is one – the answer is no, not at this time (the nearest is Neath Hill - Jardines Pharmacy 03 Tower Crescent MK14 6JY). Cllr McPake reiterated that publication of information is good and thanked Dr Diane Gray.

ITEM 6 PLAY AREA FUNDING Cllr McPake introduced Phil Snell, Senior Landscape Officer to speak about the Playbuilder scheme. Playbuilder is a fund from the DCSF (Dept for Children, Schools and Families) and is about the importance of play in children’s development. There has been a lot of concern in the press with issues such as child obesity, children spending too much time indoors, not developing social skills, challenge and risk. MKC needs to raise the profile, target the 8-13 yr old’s and make play inclusive for all local children. Make them challenging. Looking at site specific designs to consider the wider landscape and community, with local measures to ensure sustainability. Allot £50,000 per site with 11 sites chosen in each of 2 years using a variety of criteria and support funding through Milton Keynes Council. The main funding is from DCSF supported by WREN, residents / parish council groups and Milton Keynes Council working together. Second year sites will be starting from March next year till 2011. They need parishes help and thoughts to implement this and to promote the value of play. There is a community questionnaire on the web site with an adults and children’s questionnaire. MKC are looking for input from local residents – parish feedback is needed by 10 January 2010. Cllr V McPake agreed there are lots of challenges – timescales, negativity, getting people involved, helping professionals and local people to move away from the traditional idea of play, procurement of materials, sustainability, she is involved and supports it and stated that now we are into phase 2 could we please only ask about principles. Members like idea of challenges and risks but questioned who is going to do the maintenance of them? PS stated that maintenance continues to be the responsibility of the Council. They want to give access to all children and budgets are quite tight. Cllr McPake stated it is easy for the existing fund to be eaten up and that this is government money to enhance and improve play areas. A Cllr questioned his assumption that the rural parishes will be involved in this? Cllr McPake agreed that they will be. When asked what is happening to the old equipment Phil Snell stated that it is re-sited if still in a usable condition It was asked who does the ground work? PS responded that he would like the parish and town councils to do as much as they can, stating he needs their support as they have the local knowledge. The parish councils will also know which children will be able to provide support. It was suggested that when MKC consider buying equipment, it is maintainable. Can parishes have a document that is quite definitive about risk and danger? PS said MKC carry out a risk analysis, to make sure it is all acceptable. Cllr’s asked if there is a list of criteria to assess which site is to be picked. PS agreed that there is criteria that is very extensive. Members asked for feedback about ongoing maintenance on existing play areas and asked to be kept informed. ACTION PS will make sure that it is done and promises to send all the risk assessments for all the sites. Members would like to see more natural play areas.

10 PS agrees as to the need for natural play areas but some people find ‘wild’ areas frightening. He feels a good mix is needed. A Cllr felt that because of small populations in the villages, help is needed in these areas. Rural parish budgets compared to city are smaller. A Cllr spoke of funding and the specific proportion from WREN. There are lots of discussions to see what people would like with public consultation being a very important part.

ITEM 7 ITEMS REQUESTED BY PARISH COUNCILS OLNEY TOWN COUNCIL To provide an officer presentation on how the additional 0.5% Council Tax has been invested in rural public transport. Due to unforeseen circumstances Andrew Coleman was unavailable but Cllr Alan Mallyon, Milton Keynes Council, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transport and Highways, gave a brief overview. Improvement of bus services in Milton Keynes MK STARS (Sustainable Transport and Road Safety Forum) has been working towards putting more money into the services for a number of years. MKC have decided to take a wider strategy as putting money in does not always solve the problem. MKC are subsidising empty buses and STARS hopes to solve this. It is proposed that passengers, particularly on the outskirts of MK, will be brought into hubs. These hubs will be places where smaller buses bring those from the outer edges to catch a faster bus to take them into central Milton Keynes from there. In the future it will hopefully be a fast track system as we can’t afford it now but want to prepare for its inception in the future. It was asked what about a lot of buses in Central Milton Keynes? Cllr Mallyon will reduce this as there will be express buses coming in. The 0.5% added onto council tax for transport was questioned by a member. There are already existing problems on rural transport, many too full, no direct links to Coachway, no direct link to the hospital. He would like to see at least £70,000 of the £400,000 odd put into improving rural routes. Cllr Mallyon will have to come back on that stating he has only been in his post for 3 months and found that there are lots of people dissatisfied with the bus service. We will not solve all the problems of transport in Milton Keynes overnight. We’ve got a change taking place. Milton Keynes is expecting considerable growth in next 10 years. The resources are not likely to increase at the same pace. It was felt that buses start too late and finish too early with some routes cutting out parts of estates. A detailed email about one such route will be sent to Cllr Mallyon. Cllr Mallyon would welcome this email and he stated that he did some observations in and intends making some changes because of that. It was felt that people should be able to get to work by bus. Cllr Mallyon agrees and is working on it. Want to solve as many problems as possible within reasonable times. It will take time. Get timetables in line with work patterns. Work smarter. Don’t put more money in; solve the ‘non cost’ problems first. Cllr’s stated that we need an orbital bus service around the city. Cllr Mallyon is looking into this. Members feel we need bus to hospital not buses that go way out of the way going backwards to go forward. Cllr Mallyon is looking to improve this with the hub and which he hopes will reduce the overall journey time. At present there is a transport hub problem; 2 exist, one at central Milton Keynes and one at the station. MKC would like to see the same pattern as the circle line in London.

11 Expect to see an improvement in journey times with the hubs. A Cllr did not agree and said MKC needs to improve local services that we already have. Cllr Mallyon wants to address serving the local hub. Hubs should also improve the economy around the hub. ACTION Cllr McPake agreed to put on the next Parishes Assembly agenda an update on the buses and the original Bus Transport Presentation.

ITEM 8 ANNOUNCEMENTS BY PARISH COUNCILS Olney Town Council “Dickens of a Christmas” event will be held on 6th December 2009

PARISH COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITIES GROUP (RAG) Cllr Philip Ayles gave a RAG Update • RAG – is the senior body that all the Community Safety Delivery Groups report to. • Statutory body, Police, NHS, Fire, Council, Police Authority • Deals with crime, fear of crime, impacts of crime. • RAG has to meet a number of government targets. • The parish reps will produce bulletins on crime trends in layman’s language, Community Safety, improve existing website; would like the Assembly to see the improvement from their labours by the end of the year.

ITEM 9 ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MILTON KEYNES COUNCIL 1) December Assembly Cllr McPake suggested that the December assembly date be used for the “Working Together” project workshop. • We are required to have a meeting at the end of the project to discuss the findings • There was a reminder to fill in the questionnaire on the working together project by 31st October which was sent to parish and town councils. This was sent out about 5 weeks ago. • When results come in they will be collated and the findings presented to the Parish Assembly members, other parish councillors, MKC councillors and officers. • The meeting will be workshop style. Cllr McPake asked whether the Assembly agreed to this change. There was a clear majority in favour. CG is looking to hold the event in a venue outside the city centre rather than have the problems of the Christmas traffic and parking. Members asked to have a normal Parish Assembly meeting as well, as waiting till March is too long. Cllr McPake said that people said this may be difficult, but it is up to the assembly members and asked for a quick show of hands. There was a clear majority to have another parish assembly in January. ACTION Arrange a meeting in January – Post Meeting Note next Assembly will be on 10/12/2009 and will be specifically on the Working Together Project. The normal Parishes Assembly will be on the 28/01/2010 It was asked if members rather than clerks could have documents sent to them direct. This was seconded.

12 CG stated that we have canvassed parish councils in the past; many parish councillors do not want information sent direct to them, they want it to go through their clerks and for the clerks to disseminate it. The member asked for the information re the Working Together project questionnaire to be sent to the Parishes Assembly members as they have been elected by their parishes. Cllr. McPake agreed to this Action: Send link to Questionnaire Website The member stated that ‘We are the people to feed back to the parish, not the clerk’. The clerks collect it but there is no dissemination. Cllr McPake stated that we have debated this before and asked everyone to get back to the issue in hand. Cllr McPake stated that the 10 December meeting would be purely for the Working Together project but starting earlier that 7pm and the next Parish Assembly will be in January. A Cllr asked what has happened about the parish conference dinner? CG answered that the big problem was that we have lost our venue here in Civic Offices (the old canteen) we try to keep costs down and it would be quite expensive to find a new venue. After the Working Together project is finished we will look into this, hopefully next spring. 2) Library Service Cllr McPake gave a Library Service reminder Have your say. Milton Keynes Library customers aged 16 and over will be asked to take part in a survey about library use. This is part of a national survey conducted every three years. The survey will take place for a week, beginning Monday 12 October 2009 and visitors will be asked by staff to complete a questionnaire. Customers who use the mobile library will also be able to take part. 3) World Cup Bid - 2018 Pam Gosal, Economic Development Manager, showed an animated CD in support of the world cup bid for Milton Keynes She explained the process; • There has been an inspection to see what Milton Keynes can offer, final decision is expected by the 9th Nov. • FIFA have between July and October been to look at Milton Keynes. We need the support of the parishes with posters and backing on the website. The benefits are large eg tourism. It will put Milton Keynes on the map. It will recognise Milton Keynes as a major football venue. • Vote for Milton Keynes at the official Bid website; www.england2018bid.co.uk/hostcity/miltonkeynes

It was suggested that the type face in the support CD makes it look like MH rather than MK and feels that should be changed to look professional. Pam Gosal said that no-one else has mentioned this but she would take this up. ACTION PG to look into changing presentation Posters publicising our World Cup bid where distributed at the meeting. It is hoped that they could be put on Parish notice boards.

ITEM 10 DATE/VENUE FOR NEXT MEETING To note the dates for future meetings Thursday 10 December 2009 – MKOB 5.15pm Harben House, Newport Pagnell Working Together Project Thursday 28 January 2010 7.00pm Council Chamber, Civic Offices Thursday 18 March 2010 7.00pm Council Chamber, Civic Offices

13 Cllr McPake closed the meeting at 9.50pm Items raised by Parish Councils:

To assist in preparing the Agenda for the Parishes Assembly, Items raised by Parish Councils will need to be received by the Community Liaison Team no later than the dates and times listed below: Parishes Assembly Meeting Date Deadline for Item submission (5 WKS PRIOR TO NEXT MTG) Thursday 28 January 2010 Noon on Thursday 17 December 2009 Thursday 18 March 2010 Noon on Thursday 11 February 2010

Announcements:

Details of announcements for inclusion on the Parishes Assembly Agenda are: Parishes Assembly Meeting Date Deadline for announcement submission (2 WKS PRIOR TO NEXT MTG) Thursday 28 January 2010 Noon on Thursday 14 January 2010 Thursday 18 March 2010 Noon on Thursday 4 March 2010

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