Communities Cabinet Portfolio

Priority: Community Boards – deliver projects that meet council priorities.

Outcome: Community Boards work with local communities and organisations to identify priorities for improvement and create an action plan which is driven and where required, funded by the Board.

They engage and bring together the right people to discuss local issues and priorities, and then support these people to bring change and improvement.

We hold and attend engagement events to publicise the Boards and encourage membership, but also to network and share knowledge, information and link people together.

Associated corporate plan objectives: Strengthening our Communities

Priority: To deliver at pace the Devolution programme – working with partner orgs including Town and Parish councils to look to devolve service to them where it makes sense to do so.

Outcome: Progress the 16 pilots identified as potential local devolution opportunities, resulting in the successful transfer of services to external partners and organisations.

Associated corporate plan objectives: Strengthening our Communities.

Priority: Work with the police and the Police and Crime Commissioner to help prevent crime and reduce the fear of crime. Support tackling offences like speeding, illegal parking and rural crime.

Outcome: Strong relationships developed with the police for early intervention to support reduced crime rates.

Publish the Domestic Abuse Strategy and priorities to be addressed by the Domestic Abuse Board.

Associated corporate plan objectives: Strengthening our Communities and protecting the vulnerable

Priority: Female Insecurity - Understand the issues and consider a programme to address these.

Outcome: Supporting Thames Valley Police in their actions for reducing violence against women and girls including a focus on key locations and safe spaces, joining the national safe spaces scheme.

Establish the VAWG sub-group set up by Domestic Abuse Board to identify activities.

Continued campaign around White Ribbon day and other national initiatives.

Associated corporate plan objectives: Protecting the vulnerable

Priority: Work with local community and voluntary groups and town and parish councils to support local communities and build effective relationships.

Outcome: Proactive Voluntary Sector Board which sees collaboration across all key partners in delivery key priorities.

Develop the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Strategy and action.

Co-design and implement the Town & Parish Charter.

Complete Grants Review.

Associated corporate plan objectives: Strengthening our communities

Priority: Develop Helping Hand programme to tackle food and financial insecurity in local communities

Outcome: Utilise the Household Support Fund (provided by the Department for Work and Pensions) to support vulnerable residents; ensuring they have access to food and warmth through various government grant schemes.

Continue to support the Financial Insecurity Partnership.

Effective working relationships with food banks and groups supporting vulnerable people.

Delivery of the Helping Hands offer that includes signposting for Buckinghamshire residents.

Associated corporate plan objectives: Strengthening our communities and protecting the vulnerable.