I am pleased to present my report for the financial year 2010/2011.

As in previous years, this report will focus on major achievements and activities that this Parish Council has been engaged in over the past year.

Perhaps our most momentous decision was to freeze the precept for 2011/12.  We took this decision in the light of the current economic downturn, and indications from the coalition government that it wished to see local authorities showing restraint when determining Council Tax.  Although Town & Parish Councils are not bound to follow government guidelines, we resolved to do so, for the benefit of residents in these difficult times. 

We believe that we can maintain the services we offer without making any cuts.  However, we will have to monitor our budget carefully throughout the year, and limit expenditure to essential items only.

We continue to be statutory consultees on all planning applications received by Milton Keynes Council, for building developments in this Parish.  The number of large scale developments being planned has virtually dried up. Kingsmead South, and Tattenhoe Park, which together amount to over two thousand dwellings, are still on hold due to uncertainty in the housing market.  We understand that work may start in early 2012, but this is by no means certain. 

We are also consulted on licensing applications, and we raised a number of major issues regarding Emerson Valley Rugby Club.  Fortunately our concerns were recognised by Milton Keynes Council, and the license was significantly modified.

After nearly five years of discussions with Milton Keynes Council, we have finally achieved a Controlled Parking Zone in Shenley Lodge and Furzton when concerts are held at The Bowl.  Residents in these two neighbourhoods have suffered major inconvenience because visitors to concerts have parked their cars on residential streets to avoid paying the parking charge.  From this season, cars parked on the highway not displaying a valid residents parking permit will receive a fixed penalty notice, or in extreme circumstances, will be towed away.

The Parish Council provides financial support to “not for profit” organisations who provide valuable services and activities for residents in the Parish.  Last year this amounted to £14,500, and we hope to sustain this level of support in the coming year.  Applicants have to conform to a strict set of criteria before grants are awarded.

We own and operate eight allotment sites in the Parish, making us the largest provider in the borough.  Demand for allotments is very strong, and we have waiting lists on nearly all sites.  Maintaining these is both costly and time consuming, and we are in the process of revising the terms and conditions for allotment holders to try to minimise the impact that allotments have on our resources. We are in discussion with the Homes & Communities Agency to ensure that provision of allotments in Tattenhoe Park and Kingsmead South is part of both developments.

We have been in discussions with Milton Keynes Council following their intention to close Westcroft Day Nursery.  This is a valuable asset in the community, and its closure would have a serious impact.  Negotiations continue, and with a new administration about to take control, we are hopeful that this closure can be averted.

There are two Neighbourhood Action Groups operating in the Parish.  The Parish Council provides important support to both groups, offering financial assistance and the use of the Parish Office as a meeting venue.  This valuable support enables both groups to operate effectively, and it is planned to continue this in the future.

We are very fortunate to have talented and hardworking Officers working for this Parish Council.  Without their commitment, many of the services we provide would not be of the standard as currently.  We employ nine staff, some part time, and they all play a major role in delivering Council policies.  Rather than single out individuals, may I on behalf of all Councillors express our appreciation for the work that they do, and the professional way that they conduct themselves.

After a long period without a Clerk, during which time we relied heavily on our Deputy Clerk, Carole McMillan, I’m very pleased to welcome Bill Dawson as Clerk to Council.  Bill joined us in November last year from Campbell Park Parish Council, and has brought the necessary skills to advise us and manage our affairs.

I would also like to pay tribute to the team of Parish Councillors, whose talent and energy makes this a Parish Council that gets things done. The local elections in May resulted in three new Councillors being elected to this Council.  New blood is much welcomed, and all of us “old hands” look forward to getting to know our new colleagues in the coming months.

Finally, may I add a personal note.  I consider it a real privilege to have been Chairman of this Parish Council over the past year.  I believe we are formidable team, focused on a simple objective; IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL RESIDENTS IN THE PARISH.

David Livingstone
Chairman

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