Parish Council Meeting - 20th June 2013

Here's the agenda for Thursday's meeting of Bar Hill Parish Council. As always if you have a view on anything please let me know and I'll raise the issue at the meeting.

The minutes (draft) of the previous meeting from 16th May are available here.

A G E N D A

Open Forum
1. To receive apologies for absence and any declaration of interest
2. Approval of minutes
To approve minutes of Parish Council Meeting held on 16th May 2013

3. Matters for discussion and decisions to be made from Previous Minutes
3.1 Midas Care Ltd – Signing of lease agreement
3.2 Farmhouse - update
3.3 FOOTPATH Committee – update
3.4 Village Hall – update
3.5 Village Green – update
3.6 Farmhouse Water Supply – possible contribution from SPARC
3.7 Earmarked Projects - update

4. Clerks Financial Report
4.1 Approval of works by the Parish Council
4.2 Ongoing employment of Clerk’s assistant
4.3 Donation Request Form – Bar Hill Preschool
4.4 Approval of Internal Audit
4.6 Approval of accounts and payment of cheques for June

5. General Correspondence Received
5.1 Cambridge Water – Credit for invoice for the amount of £2433.74
5.2 Letter to Tesco – litter and fence repairs
5.3 Letter to County Council – bus shelter repair at the Crematorium
5.4 SCDC – Planning Policy Monthly Update
5.5 Connections Bus – Term Report for January to March 2013
5.6 Carillion WSP – A14 Junction 31 (Girton) – repair works

6. Chairman’s Report

7. Committee Reports
a. Planning Committee  (MP)
b. Environment Committee (BW)

8. Other Reports
a. Cambridgeshire County Council (JR)
b. South Cambridgeshire District Council (BW/RH)
c. Any other reports

9. Items for Information

Cambridge MP Welcomes Pension Reform To Help Self-Employed And Carers

More than 6,500 self-employed Cambridge workers will benefit from new pension reforms being debated in the House of Commons this week.

The reforms are also good news for the city’s army of carers looking after elderly or disabled relatives, giving anyone with 35 years service as a carer a full state pension.

The news has been welcomed by Cambridge MP Julian Huppert who claims the new single tier pension will treat self-employed people and carers fairly for the first time.

“Self-employed people and carers work hard and contribute so much to our economy, but they have been treated poorly in the pension system,” he said. “The Lib Dems have worked hard in government to change the system to make it simpler and fairer.

“Now anyone who has 35 years of working or caring will qualify for a decent, flat rate pension of £144 a week. Finally, we are able to recognise the contribution these people make and reward them for their years of hard work.”

Under the previous pension system, Cambridge’s 6,694 self employed people would have missed out on a higher state pension because they could not qualify for the second state pension, despite having paid National Insurance contributions all their lives. They would have been forced to rely on the basic state pension of just £107 a week.

The reforms will also treat men and women equally for the first time, with 750,000 women nationally getting an average £9 a week extra within the first 10 years of its introduction. It will be set above the basic level of the means test and will value unpaid caring work just as much as a high-flying city job.

The Pensions Bill begins its second reading in the House of Commons today (Monday, June 17).

What Will Your Next Round Cost?

Road Safety Partnership backing summer drink drive campaign

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership are supporting the new THINK! 2013 summer drink drive campaign.  The new campaign aims to raise awareness of the consequences of a drink driving conviction.

The campaign features radio adverts, pub posters and an eye catching online film to drill home the message that motorists faced heavy costs if they drink and drive.  The core target is young men who believe it unlikely that they will crash when drink driving; yet they do worry about the personal consequences of a drink drive conviction.

During 2012; 1064 drivers were arrested for drink driving across Cambridgeshire.  Drink Drive happens throughout the year however; nationally there is more drink drive casualties in August than December.

Cllr Mac McGuire, Cambridgeshire County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Highways and Community Infrastructure, said: “This is the time of year that many people choose to throw an impromptu barbecue, have planned their social gathering or are attending wedding day celebrations.  It’s all too easy to forget the amount of alcohol consumed throughout an afternoon and/or evening and how much remains in the system the following day.”

Inspector Mark Rogers, Road Policing Unit, Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: “Drink driving is a year round problem on the road affecting families, communities and work places by somebody making the mistake of not realising how long it can take for alcohol to clear from their body.”

He added: “It may come as a surprise that there are many more drink drive related casualties in the Summer months than during December’s traditional party season.    Our message is simple – if you’re celebrating this summer, leave the car at home the Morning After too.”

As well as supporting the national campaign the Partnership will also be distributing flyers and posters to organisations reminding drivers to consider their suitability to drive the morning after a summer social event.

NOTES:
1.  During 2012, 1,064 drivers were arrested for drink driving across Cambridgeshire.
2.  Any amount of alcohol affects the ability to drive; even a single drink affects driving performance. Driving after drinking will result in being less alert and careful. Judging speed will become more difficult and reaction time to hazards will be slower.
3. Tolerance to alcohol depends on a combination of factors: weight, age, gender, stress and recent food consumption. The best way to remain safe is not to drink and drive.
4. A drink drive conviction can result in a prison sentence, driving ban and fine. However, it could also result in causing the death or injury of another road user or yourself.
5. There’s always an alternative, most drink-drivers don’t plan to break the law. Avoid becoming another statistic by booking at taxi, nominating a designated driver, using public transport or staying overnight at a friend’s house.
6.  Posters/flyers supporting the campaign have been distributed to organisations across Peterborough.
7.  Please view the new Department for Transport film at http://think.direct.gov.uk/video-drink-driving.html.
8.  The morning after website (www.morning-after.org.uk) features an alarm clock for some examples of how long it takes for typical drinks to be absorbed by the body.

9.  The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership is made up of organisation working together to reduce road traffic collisions.  Partners include, Cambridgeshire County Council, Peterborough City Council, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, NHS and Highways Agency.

10.  Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s confidential Drink Drive Hotline number 0800 032 0845 can be used to report those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

ShapeYourPlace.Org Comes To The City And South Cambridgeshire

An award winning website where people can question local services and get action is launching in the City and South Cambridgeshire on 18 June.

The ground breaking www.ShapeYourPlace.org lets local people talk directly to local public services about the issues that matter most to them.

The site can also help community organisations and groups share news and help them promote activities and events via blogs, images and video.

As part of the launch, the ShapeYourPlace.org team will have a market stall outside the Guildhall on 18 June. Everyone is welcome to come along to find out more about the project.

There will be a site for Cambridge and a site for South Cambridgeshire in what will be a real first for the two areas. Local people can go online to discuss, start campaigns, report problems and join conversations with each other and local public services which will try and resolve issues where possible.

ShapeYourPlace.org links with local councils, the Police, the Fire and Rescue Service and other organisations to make sure when issues are raised an answer can be found.

In Fenland, East Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire, where ShapeYourPlace.org has been active, the site has been a success. It has attracted thousands of visitors and helped resolve many local issues including highway problems, public drinking offenses, environment issues and helped local groups attract volunteers.

The launch also represents a key milestone for ShapeYourPlace.org as it will now cover the whole county placing all Cambridgeshire's communities at the heart of decision-making.

ShapeYourPlace.org has been developed by Cambridgeshire County Council working with its partners, the Police, the district councils and the Fire Service.

Although anyone can use the site, the project also trains volunteer community reporters who cover local events and activities via video and blogs.

County Councillor Martin Curtis, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: "We're very excited about bringing ShapeYourPlace.org to Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire. At the heart of ShapeYourPlace.org is the ethos of open democracy. It can really help local people get answers, and where possible, get things done in their communities. It's also a one stop shop in that people don't have to worry who to report the problem to, the website does it all for you. We'll be working very hard to make sure ShapeYourPlace continues to be successful and I'd like to thank residents and all our partners - the police, the fire service and the district councils for all their support so far."

Inspector Chris Savage, from Cambridgeshire Police, said: "This facility will enhance a range of existing community engagement tools used by us to communicate with residents and deal with issues of local concern. ShapeYourPlace will enable us to broaden that consultation and, working with colleagues from local councils, deliver a more effective response to local concerns.”

District Councillor Pippa Corney, South Cambridgeshire District Council's Cabinet Member for New Communities, said: "ShapeYourPlace will bring together the residents, organisations and groups that make up our communities and give them a place online to debate, share information and discuss the problems facing their local area. What's more, where people raise an issue, we, together with Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridge City Council, the police and the fire service, can respond and help to resolve the problem wherever possible. It lets local people get answers about the questions that matter most to them and I would encourage everyone to get involved."

Andrew Limb, Head of Corporate Strategy at Cambridge City Council said: “From what I have seen from other areas, being a community reporter on ShapeYourPlace looks tremendous fun. You get to learn some great new skills, meet some really inspiring and interesting people while being able to report on the things you care most about.”

Rick Hylton, Area Commander at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "ShapeYourPlace is proving to be a valuable tool for us to communicate life-saving fire safety messages directly to people in the local community. Our crew at Ely Fire Station have been using the scheme in East Cambridgeshire since it started and because of it, they feel more involved with those living in the area and have received lots of positive feedback.

"We welcome its launch across the county and would encourage residents, community groups and other organisations to get involved in shaping their area, like our firefighters have done."

New Leisure Contractor Proposed For Cambridge City Council

In a report released today, officers at Cambridge City Council are to recommend that a contract to manage the City’s leisure facilities for the next seven years is awarded to Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL). The new contract will start on 30 September 2013.

A decision on the recommendation will be made by the Executive Councillor for Community Well-being, Councillor Sarah Brown, at the next meeting of the Council’s Community Services Scrutiny Committee which takes place on 25th June.

The process for awarding the new contract has taken a year and although the Council has made substantial investment in the facilities in recent years such as new changing facilities at both Parkside Pool and Abbey Pool, the new approach will aim to deliver further improvements.

The GLL bid offers major investment in a new gym and fitness facility at Parkside Pool, a first floor extension to the gym at Abbey Pool, initiatives to further reduce energy consumption and a leisure apprenticeship scheme. GLL also offers the Council a potential reduction to the current cost of the service.

Executive Councillor for Community Well-being, Sarah Brown said: “This report suggests some potentially very good outcomes for the City, including substantial investment into Council facilities and securing a good deal for the council tax payers of Cambridge. I look forward to discussion of this recommendation at the Committee.”

The report is available on the Council’s website. The meeting of the Community Service Scrutiny Committee is on Tuesday 25th June from 13:30 to 17:00. Please note this meeting will be held at Castle Street Methodist Church.

Cambridge 20mph Project Consultation Exhibitions Reminder

Public consultation for the North Phase of the Cambridge City-wide 20mph Project started on the 13th of May and will close on the 5th of July. Due to its size, the 20mph project has been divided into four phases. The first phase covers the north area of the city, including Arbury, Kings Hedges, West and East Chesterton Wards. Subsequent phases are programmed to be consulted in the future, with the East of the city due for public consultation in late 2013/early 2014, followed by the South and then West/Central areas.

As part of North Phase consultation, two public drop-in sessions are taking place at the Arbury Community Centre (Campkin Road, Cambridge, CB4 2LD). The first is on Saturday the 15th of June from 10am to 4pm, and the second is on Wednesday the 19th of June from 4pm to 8pm. Council officers will be on hand at both sessions to answer questions about the proposed project. In addition the public exhibition, which has been in place at the Arbury Community Centre since the 29th of May, will continue to be on display.

There have been over 3600 responses to the consultation so far.

Executive Councillor for Planning and Climate Change, Cllr Tim Ward said; “It is clear from the volume of responses to this consultation that residents within the north area of the city have a significant interest in this project. This level of public representation provides a strong foundation for the decision making process.”

It is still possible to respond to the consultation. Either by going to the project webpage at: https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/20mph-speed-limit and filling in the online survey, or for those who have an address within the north phase area, by completing and returning the questionnaire that was posted there.  The closing date for responses is Friday 5th July.

Further information about the proposals is available on the project web page. Following closure of the North Phase consultation, the outcomes will be uploaded to the web page. They will also be presented to the City Council North Area Committee on the 1st of August 2013, and subsequently presented to the City Council Environment Scrutiny Committee on the 8th of October 2013, where the Executive Councillor for Planning and Climate Change will decide on whether to implement the scheme and it what form.

Should the City Council approve implementation, further authority will be required by Cambridgeshire County Council before a statutory process can commence.

A Million Jobs

The first phase of the campaign is a major apprenticeships drive. The party's ambition is to double the number of companies offering apprenticeships from 100,000 to 200,000.

Campaigning 'Action Days' will take place across the country tomorrow [Saturday], with MPs and local parties highlighting the work they and the party nationally are doing to help create jobs and apprenticeships in their local areas.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg said:
"Britain is creating jobs. I know it doesn't always feel like it - a lot of families are still feeling the pinch. But since the Liberal Democrats came into Government in 2010, we've helped British businesses create more than a million jobs. Now we want to help them create a million more.

"That will mean an unrelenting focus from Government for the next two years. The country is on a jobs mission and I'm determined the Liberal Democrats will lead it.

"We want more jobs for young people; more jobs outside of London; more jobs in high skilled manufacturing and the high growth industries of the future; more green jobs and more rural jobs too.

"We've already done a lot - investing billions in science, advance manufacturing and renewable energy, as well as creating work by investing in roads, railways and homes. Our Regional Growth Fund is providing money to firms around the country. And we're offering £2,000 cash back to employers on the tax they pay on their employees, making it easier to take people on.

"But we need to do more - starting with a major apprenticeships drive. More and more young people are learning the skills they need for well-paid careers, not just in a classroom or lecture theatre, but in the office or on the shop floor - and they're getting paid for it.

"It's an old idea to help build a new economy. Not only do apprenticeships create new opportunities for young men and women, but companies get the loyal and capable staff they need to compete and expand. It works for all kinds of industries - from construction to catering; from advanced engineering to accounting.

"Vince Cable and I made this a priority when we came into office and the Coalition is investing record sums in helping firms hire and train apprentices. We're also cutting red tape so it's easier for smaller firms to take people on.

"But there are still firms and young people missing out. We have nearly five million businesses in the UK, but little over 100,000 currently offer apprenticeships. We need to be more ambitious - I want to see that number double to 200,000. Over time, I want to see apprenticeships viewed as a much more mainstream route to work. They're a crucial building block for the stronger economy and fairer society we all seek, enabling everyone to get on in life."