Town Clerk Facebook Feed
Weekly Covid update from Bucks Doctor, Dr Jamil.
Keep on the case everyone, let's keep the infection rate down.
Hands - Keep washing them
Face - Cover it with a mask
Space - Stay 2m away from others, or 1m with masks.
Update from Leader of Bucks Council, asking us to act now to avoid moving into Tier 2.
Dear Resident,
With everything moving so fast I am writing to again update you on how things are in Buckinghamshire, what we are asking people to do to keep us all safe and the campaign we will be running to help keep Buckinghamshire out of the ‘High’ category for COVID.
The situation in Buckinghamshire
This week there is a clear message as unfortunately we are starting to see more hospital admissions in Buckinghamshire due to the coronavirus. These are still small numbers but rising.
On a slightly more positive note, in the past week we have seen a small drop in our weekly infection rate overall in Buckinghamshire, from 87 cases per 100,000 people to 76 cases per 100,000. While on the face of it this is encouraging news, fewer tests were carried out in Bucks during this seven day period yet the percentage of people testing positive is around the same as the previous week.
More worryingly, we are now seeing a rise in cases in more vulnerable age groups across the county, with a bigger number of people aged 60+ in Buckinghamshire testing positive. We are also seeing high case numbers in the former South Bucks and Chiltern District areas; South Bucks has a weekly rate of 122 cases per 100,000 people and Chiltern stands at 81 cases per 100,000.
I completely understand that someone ‘testing positive’ does not mean that they are admitted to hospital. Many people, particularly the young, suffer few symptoms and recover quickly. However, amongst the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, this disease can be serious and even fatal.
We need to act now
We know from elsewhere how quickly things can change and with rates remaining high and more people going into hospital locally with COVID-19, we must all do what it takes to bring the virus under control here whilst it is still mainly confined to younger people. With the government currently pursuing a localised approach to restrictions we have the power here in Buckinghamshire to determine our own fate. I desperately want us to avoid being moved into ‘Tier 2’, the so called ‘High’ infection category. This would mean tighter restrictions that will harm our local businesses, endanger jobs and stop us doing the things that help make life enjoyable like meeting our friends and loved ones in a safe way.
What we are asking you to do
We all have a part to play in what happens next. So this week I am writing with a big, but vital ask to stop us moving into Tier 2.
The evidence is that the virus is being spread in Buckinghamshire between groups we don’t live with, such as friends, particularly in people’s homes. Being indoors with the windows closed is one of the worst environments for spreading the disease.
So, we are asking everyone to recommit to observing the current rules in place and, if possible, to voluntarily go a bit further, and especially to consider avoiding meeting people in our homes who we don’t live with. This isn’t currently a legal requirement but more of us choosing to meet people outside or in a COVID safe environment instead could and should make a real difference.
Please do the following, which includes and slightly expands on the current Tier 1 ‘Medium risk’ guidance that applies in Bucks at the moment:
Don’t socialise with other households at home - meet up outside instead or in a COVID safe environment
Observe the rule of six indoors and outdoors
Always stay 2 metres (6 feet) apart
Wash your hands thoroughly and often
Wear a face covering where required (unless you’re exempt)
Stay at home and book a test if you have symptoms
It’s vital that if you develop symptoms, no matter how mild, that you book a test and isolate immediately. Anyone else you live with must isolate too.
I also wanted to share with you our guidance on seasonal events as we move into the autumn.
Throughout 2020 we’ve had to do things differently and it’ll need to be the same for the events we enjoy at this time of year like Bonfire Night, Halloween and Remembrance Sunday.
With the current levels of coronavirus transmission, the council is strongly discouraging holding or attending any events that physically bring large numbers of people close together at this time. Even though it’s lawful, gathering people together simply carries more risk at this precarious time in the pandemic locally.
Needless to say, activities like trick or treating or bonfire parties just can’t happen in the same way this year. It’s not all doom and gloom though - there are lots of other ways to mark these occasions in a safe way. Take a look on our website for ideas on celebrating Halloween this year.
Please also read our important advice and information about all upcoming events.
Looking after ourselves and each other
If we do the right thing now, we can turn this around and stay out of Tier 2 - that’s what we all want.
We want to safeguard our jobs, our health and our freedoms so please, let’s pull together and do all it takes to stop the spread of the virus in Buckinghamshire.
Stay safe and protect Bucks,
Martin Tett
Leader of Buckinghamshire Council
We’re recruiting members of the community to join the steering group who will develop our Neighbourhood Plan for Beaconsfield.
Please see attached for details of how to apply or follow the link to our website.
www.beaconsfieldtowncouncil.gov.uk/general/join-the-neighbourhood-plan-steering-group/
Press Release from Buckinghamshire Council
01 October 2020
Help us decide our budget priorities
Buckinghamshire Council today launches its budget consultation for 2021/22. Residents, businesses and other interested parties are being asked to submit their views on the council’s spending priorities for the coming financial year.
The council carries out a budget consultation every year, giving people the chance to have their say on where they think money should be invested and also in which services or areas they believe savings can be made.
Council finances have faced added pressure this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The double effect of additional spending to support our vulnerable and the variety of one-off costs incurred, combined with the loss of income from regular funding streams such as parking revenue and business rates has brought about a budget shortfall. Although some additional funding from central government has helped, it doesn’t cover all the additional costs and has left a funding gap of around £7m.
Council Leader Martin Tett explained: “2020 has been a year like no other. As individuals, families and whole communities, everyone has faced uncertainty and many challenges over the past six months. As a council our experience has been no different.
“We are now at the stage where we must set our budget priorities for the coming financial year. In any year this can be a challenge but undoubtedly this year will be even harder.
"Without a doubt we are better off having come together to form Buckinghamshire Council in April this year. Being one council we were able to work quickly to deliver a coordinated response to Covid and we were able to work more effectively with businesses and community groups as a single organisation."
Martin Tett continued: "We now have an organisation that is better placed to respond to our residents and businesses' needs. We will also be able to make substantial savings going forward as we bring services together. Millions of pounds of savings have already been made; however, others such as rationalising contracts as they come up for renewal and redesigning how we do things, will take time to realise so that we don't damage vital services. The majority of these savings are likely to be over the next five years which doesn't help in our current situation. In the meantime cost pressures have increased dramatically, particularly for social care, as a result of Covid.
“There are clearly tough decisions ahead, so it’s important that we give everyone the opportunity to have their say on what our spending priorities should be for the coming year.”
To take part in the online consultation visit our website. The consultation closes on Sunday 8 November.
yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/corporate-services/budget-2021-22/
Council Budget 2021-22 Consultation - Your Voice Bucks - Citizen Space
yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com
Have your say on Your Voice Bucks
