November 2021

5 Buckden Roundabout November 2021 From your councillor From Your District Councillor HDC I recently attended a very useful review meeting at HDC to discuss future Strategies for HDC across all of its various responsibilities. For any organisation planning the way ahead is always a key issue, but what I had not realised as a relatively new resident to the ar- ea, was that HDC was one of the first organisations to adopt Car- bon Neutral thinking. Ten years ago, HDC built two “ ECO - Houses ” to pilot and trial the various technologies from insulation, solar panels and heat pump technology. It was not just the two trial houses that were important, it was the fact that HDC set itself clear principles to change the vision, strate- gy and action plan for Huntingdonshire to become more carbon neutral by 2040. Basically that each department and service in HDC needs to have an embedded vision which harmonises with the total community, starting with families and their needs and reaching out to include business, government and the voluntary sectors. This kind of thinking and attitude really came into its own with Covid 19, when the key issue became Partnering and linking local voluntary organisations, who knew the problems on the ground, to resources and finance available from Government. Huntingdonshire now has a vibrant and well managed network of partner organisations covering social care to farm security and many other areas. There were good presentations from the Hunts Forum and Ramsey Neighbourhood Trust. But none of these excel- lent developments would be happening without the good vision and leadership from HDC who organise frequent meetings with Partner Organisations. Decriminalisation In about 18 months time, the responsibility for parking and traffic violations will devolve from the Police to local Councils. A recent experimental trial in Peterborough, took the traffic issue some steps forward by including anti - social behaviour, fly tipping etc. Instead of the Police, day to day supervision of parking etc would be provided on a cost or profit share basis by commercial organi- sations who could issue on the spot fines for any violations. It is the same concept as a Car Park Fine in your local Supermarket. A simple idea, but with big implications we need to start thinking about as a community. Oxford – Cambridgeshire Arc The re - development of the general area between Oxford and Cambridge up to Northampton, is now a priority Government pro- ject with detailed planning and surveys starting now. A full scale consultation to all residents in the area is proposed for next sum- mer 2022. Again, this may change local responsibilities for busi- ness, government and all. One spin off principle is the idea that in due time we should all work not more than 15 minutes drive away from home. Support for Vulnerable Households A £500 million support grant for the vulnerable was launched in late September. Key elements are Doubled Free Childcare for eligi- ble working parents and a 30% increase in the value of Healthystart Vouchers for disadvantaged women with children under 4. Contact HDC for more details. I hope you have all had a good autumn and as always please get in touch about any concerns. Hamish Masson, Councillor, Buckden Ward, HDC FRIENDS IN DEED Friends in Deed is a group of volunteers who offer help and support to residents of Buckden. There are times in our lives when we could all do with a little extra support or companionship what- ever our age or circumstances. WELCOME BACK TO THE COMMUNITY CAFÉ We are so pleased to be able to re - open our Community Café in the Liv- ing Stones Room in St Mary ’ s Church Buckden on the 2nd Wednesday of every month 2.30 - 4.30pm. STARTS WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 10TH. Please come and join us, whether you are in need of support or just fancy a cuppa, chat and homemade cake. Need someone to talk to? - it is not easy to ask for help, but why struggle when there are people happy to listen and to help? When we keep things to ourselves and struggle on, things can feel overwhelming and a little bit of help can make all the difference. Come and speak to us at the Community Café or email friendsindeed@stmarysbuckden.org.uk We can arrange either home visits or a friendly voice and ear over the phone. This is a free service and can be either a one - off chat or regular chats. Need a lift to an appointment? Our team of volunteer drivers are able to provide transport for vaccination / hospital / dental / hair appointments etc when family, friends or public transport is not an option. There are fixed fees for this service. Please email our transport co - ordinator peter.mount@btconnect.com or call 07914 669967 and leave your name, number, address and de- tails of your appointment (date, time, location). Please do give us 48 hours notice if possible; 24 hours notice as a minimum and we shall do our best to meet your needs. Want to volunteer? We are always on the look out for new volunteers. Just contact us at friendsindeed@stmarysbuckden.org.uk if you would like to know more. We have contacted Ken Billington, our new County Councillor, to invite him to communicate with his constituents by writing a monthly article for the Roundabout, as our District Councillors and previous County Councillors have done, but we have had no response from him.