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September 2, 2010

MINUTES OF MEETING
Title:	Basingstoke District Association of Parish and Town Councils
Held On:	Thursday 2^nd September 2010
Present:	Martin Slatford Martin Biermann Leslie Fryer Peter Goff Maria Morris Brian Langer George McGarvie Julian Crawley Sandy Johnston Ray Randall Katie Dixon Jo Slimin P. McGarvey	Baughurst Chineham Chineham Kingsclere Mortimer West End Overton Pamber Sherborne St John Sherfield on Loddon St Mary Bourne St Mary Bourne Tadley Whitchurch
Guests:	Clive Sanders Paula Chatterton	BDBC BDBC
Apologies:	Jacqueline Matthews Tony Baldwin John Jervois Russ Castle R.Nicholson Susan Lefley Roger Booth Carolyn Brown Ivan Godson Vanessa Richards Peter Harsant John Raymond Roddy Jameson Karen Brimacombe Steven Lugg	Ellisfield Hartley Wespall Herriard Highclere Lichfield & Woodcott Mapledurwell & Up Nately Newnham North Waltham Sherfield on Loddon Silchester Upton Grey Winslade Wootton St Lawrence BDBC HALC

1 Minutes of the last meeting - 3 June 2010

1.1 These were approved after an amendment to 7.2 in that the date of the next meeting of the Transport Forum was the 22^nd September 2010 and not 26^th as recorded

2 Apologies for absence

2.1 Noted as above

3 Matters arising

3.1 None.

4 Request from HALC to raise subscriptions in 2011 to 2012

4.1 HALC had advised our representative Director and alternates, that they wished to increase subscriptions by 4%. None of the Councils represented at the meeting expected to be able to increase their precept next year in the current financial climate. One Council accepted the increase, all others requested more detail on what HALC were doing to reduce their costs in the period. Agreed to ask HALC for budgeted reserves at the start and end of the financial year. This to be circulated by email and responses collated in time for our representative to present at Board meeting of HALC on 11^th September. Several representatives thought that the electorate numbers used in HALC calculation were questionable. Paula Chatterton advised that the data used by HALC was provided by BDBC and the annual electoral roll renewal was due later this year. The data used by HALC was the most recent published data.

4.2 The disconnect between NALC and HALC fees being based on electoral roll and the Precept being based on rateable premises was noted.

5 Discussion topics

Natural Environment Whole Place Approach from HCC

The meeting welcomed the HCC concept of collaboration on issues like flooding , land management and energy creation.

3- yearly Licensing Policy review by BDBC

Clive Sanders advised that Borough Councillors could now make representations to the licensing committee on behalf of electors in much the same way that Parish and Town Councils could make representations to the Magistrates within previous legislation. National Government had indicated that changes were intended to the legislation and this will impact the review. He also advised of changes to legislation which should simplify the process of applying for road closures for street parties.

Communities Right to Build

The proposal from National Government contained few details of how communities would be allowed to build new houses, shops, businesses and facilities. The consultation period from NALC had closed on 24th August. This was too short for most Councils and there was no substance on which to comment. Agreed that we would comment when substantive questions were asked.

HCC Companion Document to Manual for Streets

Several Councils represented had conducted reviews with HCC to reduce roadside signage. Others were encouraged to contact HCC if they wish to review signage.

Abolition of SEEDA - Creation of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP)

National Government has decided to abolish SEEDA and Business Links offices. These would be replaced by 40 LEP. Funding would be significantly less. There are 3 LEP schemes being proposed for Hampshire. Clive Sanders advised that the scheme for our area was being led by the North Hampshire and M3 Economic Board. This links to the Diamond for Growth area that spans parts of Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey. The current “Vision for Basingstoke” on employment, housing recreation and infrastructure fits better with this North Hampshire LEP than with a pan Hampshire LEP .

HCC Concessionary fares scheme

Consultation extended until 15^th September. This scheme will be administered by HCC and will be under the terms of the national scheme. That is no tokens, and travel between 9.30am and 11pm. This will hit the most vulnerable who rely on BDBC’s more generous scheme. It was felt that this should be brought to the attention of our parishioners as a matter of urgency.

BDAPTC to send response to HCC to highlight the harm to the disadvantaged and disabled in our area. Clive Sanders reported that BDBC adds £2.3 million to the national scheme to provide travel tokens to help those without bus services, extension of bus travel outside off peak periods and travel for disabled. It is estimated that these services account for £700,000 of the subsidy. HCC are not expected to provide any of these additional services. The withdrawal of travel tokens would also adversely affect the Dial a Ride scheme .

Wheelie bins obstructing pavements

Kingsclere had raised the problem of wheelie bins not being returned to original location after emptying. Whitchurch and Overton reported similar issues, particularly where bins were gathered in groups by contractor at end of cul de sacs but not returned after emptying. BDBC confirmed that the contract for waste collection was due for renewal and that bins should be returned to the point that they were collected. If Councils have any complaints they should contact Colin Peckham waste@basingstoke.gov.uk.

Queens Garden Party 2011

We agreed to nominate Peter Woodman of Kingsclere to HALC. Peter Goff declared an interest - personal friend .

Councillor Training on September 8^th

The meeting agreed that it was not appropriate for BDAPTC funds to be used to pay for Councillor Training. All Councils present agreed that their Councils would pay for Councillor training. We agreed to pay for Paula Chatterton to attend if she so desires.

6 Reports

HALC - Covered earlier in meeting

6.1 LSP – no updates.

6.2 Community Safety Forum (CSF) Sandy Johnton reported that Crime in Basingstoke and Deane is down by 14%, this compares with 12% throughout Hampshire and 8% nationally. Priorities will be Violent Crime and Anti Social Behaviour.

6.3 Disability Forum – Clarification on DDA rules. Repaired and repainted equipment does not need to meet DDA rules but new equipment must. Annual Disability Day will be on 20th October 2010 outside Marks and Spencers store in Basingstoke Town Centre.

6.4 SHLAA – version 5 has now been produced. There is no complete picture of what is in and what is out. It ws stated that it was produced in a professional non-political manner by officers of B&D. It was hoped to have a revised version available by end September 2010.

6.5 Voluntary Services Forum - There was nothing to update.

7 Any other business

7.1 Parish Conference is on 29^th November starting at 7.15. The Mayor has arranged a buffet and refreshments from 6.45. Proposed agenda was discussed and agreed. Invitations will be sent to all Councils in October.

8 Date and time of next meeting

Martin Slatford to finalise dates for 2011