Tag: budget

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Premises & Recreation – 1st February 2016

The Premises & Recreation Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 1st February when, among other items, they discussed Orpen Hall, Health & Safety, budget, storage, football clubs, licences and toilets.

Premises & Recreation Minutes

Sub-committee meeting held on Monday 1st February 2016 in the John Lampon Hall

Councillors present Brian Butcher (Chair), Murray Harlow (Vice chair), Jenny Church, Rosemary James, Bob Tyrrell.
Apologies Harry Stone

Also in attendance Victoria Beckwith-Cole (Hall Administrator)

2.

Matters from Last Meeting
2.1 Orpen Hall Signage
Work in progress, will update at next meeting. BT
2.2 Health and Safety Questionnaire
This has now been completed with the exception of obtaining a copy of the Asbestos Report – Parish Clerk to look further and to contact previous Parish Clerk to where the Report maybe located. LW
BB/VBC will organise unannounced fire drills throughout the year. BB/VBC
BB asked about fire extinguisher training – VBC confirmed that she has undertaken this in another employment. As Bluebells are the main users of the Hall – VBC to ask if their staff know how to use extinguishers. VBC
At this point reference was made to the chair clips (Panto Orpen Players) – that they were not functioning properly – VBC pointed out the correct positioning of the clips and confirmed that she will meet with the Orpen Players Friday night to show the Front of House the correct way positioning them.  We discussed the Orpen Players smoking, “instructing” Zoe etc, and agreed we would meet them to discuss. VBC

3.

Clerks & Administrator’s Report
3.1 Bar Licence and Dance/Music Licence – LW has sent off PPL and PRS paperwork.  Bar Licence: LW to check with Social Club. LW
3.2 Additional Bin Hire – This will only need to be considered when the CSH implement their “weighing payment” method. However, currently it will work out cheaper to have a 360l wheelie bin for glass and cans. LW
3.3 JL Hall Toilet/Boiler – VBC updated that the plumber had to come out and deal with a leak in one of the toilets (replacement ball valve) and a leak on the boiler.
3.4 Job Role of Hall Admin – H&S – VBC reported that all points are covered within her role at present apart from “ensuring a fire risk assessment is maintained”. VBC to implement this. VBC
3.5 Draft T&C for one-off hirers – in progress will update at next meeting. VBC
3.6 West Bergholt Website – has been updated with up to date information especially with making contact details more prominent – will be checked periodically.

4.

Cleaning
No further comments – this item can now be taken off the Agenda.

5.

West Bergholt Football Club – grass cutting Lorkin Daniell Field
Signed off – this item can now be taken off the Agenda

6.

Bergholt Heath Youth Football Club – Saturday morning training proposal
Prior to meeting CS sent the Committee correspondence regarding this.  The Committee were to talk through the “Action Points” – As the first point was of utmost importance, this was discussed and agreed in principal that BHYFC could use the Orpen Hall disabled toilet – this was on the proviso that they agreed and signed the T&C which VBC will draft and send to BB for approval. VBC
The other action points will be followed up as and when necessary. ALL

7.

Refurbishment of Orpen Hall Toilets
A discussion ensued about the layout whether to draw up as per plans or to refurbish what we have. It was agreed to go with existing plans but with option that “cosmetic changes” be made once tendered. Bluebells would like to have at least one lower basin for handwashing but its need was not agreed. BB has been in dialogue with three designers and is nearing obtaining quotes for this work. BB

8.

Storage Units
Measurements of the storage units have been done and concluded that there is not enough storage.  Various options to increase storage in the future were proposed, when funding is available. One being building another garage onto the existing two garages towards the football club.  Two, where the CSH bin is located to have a unit to house the rubbish, salt, equipment needed for the handyman, etc.  MH suggested racking out the current garages to optimise the space would help.  MH to speak with the Orpen Players, BYG and Bluebells who currently rent them and come up with drawings and costings for next meeting for the Committee to consider. MH

9.

Terms of Reference
BB forwarded to CS – this item can now be taken of the Agenda.

10.

Budget for next year
2016/2017 fees were approved at the Parish Council meeting. VBC to advise regular hirers of increases. VBC

11.

AOB
BB listed out various light bulbs not working and VBC will get these replaced VBC

12.

Date of next meeting

7th March 2016 – 7.30pm John Lampon Hall
(Brian Butcher offered apologies in advance)
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Environment & Highways – 12th November 2015

The Environment & Highways  Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 12th November 2015 and discussed a range of issues including traffic safety, handyman work, grass & hedge cutting, Poors Land, Allotments, Fireworks, Playground & budget.

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 12th November 2015 in Main Hall

Councillors present John Gili Ross, Harry Stone, Jenny Church, Murray Harlow, Rosemary James
Apologies None

In attendance: –  Phil Spencer, David Short.

1

New drain on Heath
ECC has put in a new water feed leading from the school to entrance at New Church Road. There is concern that the infilled area might be affected by sinkage in the future. We need to be aware that ECC would be responsible if this occurs. Parish Clerk

2

Matters arising from last meeting
a)   Traffic Safety Plan – resurfacing of New Church Road and School Road completed and yellow lines reinstated. Notices for proposal for 20mph   in New Church Road and School Road are posted.  
b)  Plinth for beacon to be built by Ivor when he returns from holiday. JGR
c)  Copy of Environment Terms of Reference to this sub-committee members. JGR
d)  The agreed Handyman work schedule is working well. A contract for  David Hewitt has been drawn up and is with the Finances Committee.

It has been agreed that we need another part time Handyman. An Advertisement needs to be put out locally when details of job and pay are agreed.

 Agenda Item

LW
e)  All grass and hedge cutting to Parish Council Land has been completed.

The area of scrub at the bottom end of the Lorkin Daniell field needs  learing back to tree line. Quotes needed for this.

 MH
f)   Purchase of wheelie bin for use at practice goal area is with Marcus Harrington. JC
g)  Pond clearing by TCV is in progress. They have completed their work on Hall Road and Lexden Road ponds. Hall Road Pond still looks rather neglected and there is a fallen tree laying over from the back of the Pond. Norhurst to remove the waste. The work on Queens Road pond will be carried out by TCV on November 19th.  JC
h)  It was suggested that we review alternative approaches to treating the ponds as there are new technics being implemented and used on golf courses and farm land.  Phil Spencer has expertise in this area. All

3

Poors Land
Finger posts on Poors Land have been repaired by Handyman.

4

Highway Rangers
Request to Highway Rangers to be sent regarding hedges overhanging footways. LW

5

Allotments
Harry reported from Allotment Committee. Decision taken to increase fees by £1 for all plot holders. Discussion will take place in the future regarding fees to full plot holders and concessions to consider ways to charge more fairly for the rents HS

6

Firework Display
The Fireworks were successful and the area of Poors Land has been tidied and cleared.

7

Chitts Hill
Hedges along this narrow road need attention. Suggest letters need to be sent to hedge owners reminding them of their responsibilities. LW

8

Playground equipment
Roundabout problems have been rectified as far as possible. Repairs are needed to post areas of climbing frame. Village handyman to purchase filler and carry out necessary work. Repairs to other areas have been completed.

Black surface requires attention. Playequip are fully booked at the moment, plan to make repairs in the New Year. Laura will remind them.

 JGR,

LW

8

Budget for next year
Andrew attended the meeting for this item. He presented a proposed budget for next year. The figures need to be with the Finance committee in November. Much discussion took place.  It was agreed to review the proposed budget and circulate to members and AS.  AS to place the revised budget into the main budget format for approval by the PC in due course JGR
Date of next meeting – Thursday 14th January 2016 at 5pm in JL Hall.
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Premises & Recreation – 9th November 2015

The Premises & Recreation Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 9th November when, among other items, they discussed Health & Safety, cleaning contract, football, refurbishment of toilets and financial matters.

Premises & Recreation Minutes

Sub-committee meeting held on Monday 9th November 2015 in the John Lampon Hall

Councillors present Brian Butcher (Chair), Murray Harlow (Vice chair), Rosemary James, Harry Stone, Jenny Church, Bob Tyrrell.
Apologies Victoria Beckwith-Cole & Phil Cook

Andrew Savage (RFO), Laura Walkingshaw (Parish Clerk), David Short, Phil Spencer and Mark Pollitt also in attendance

1.

Matters from Last Meeting
1.1 Orpen Hall Signage

BT was concerned the sign was a little large, has now reduced it to the size of a door. Committee all agreed to basic principle and size. BT to now obtain some formal quotes. Once committee content with price, will confirm placement and wording.

  

BT
1.2 Health and Safety Questionnaire

BB has received no negative response. Health & Safety checklist for village and community halls. Will review and bring back to next meeting.

  

BB
1.3 Mowing of Scout Hut Grass

Completed – item moved to Environment.

2.

Clerks & Administrator’s Report

As attached (Appendix 1)

3.

Cleaning

Cleaning contract has been re-written – Contract agreed, with a couple of small amendments for LW to make, to be approved at Finance, then Parish Council meetings. LW

Agenda

Item

4.

West Bergholt Football Club – grass cutting Lorkin Daniell Field
Football club have requested a back-payment of grass cutting money – April to November, 8 months @ £40/month = £320. All agreed, however WBFC must sign agreement first. LW & WBFC

Agenda
 

5.

Bergholt Heath Youth Football Club – Saturday morning training proposal
After training on the Lorkin Daniell Field at short notice on Sat 7th November, the BHYFC have been asked to refrain from training there, until a decision has been made. The Parish Clerk awaits a response to this email. A meeting is to be arranged by LW with the club and BB, CS + two other members of the Premises committee to discuss the proposal in full. BB to report back at the next meeting. LW & BB

6.

Refurbishment of Orpen Hall Toilets
It was agreed by all that if undertaken in the next 3 months an article will be placed in the Village Bulletin & on the westbergholt.net website looking for “local builders who must have the skills, knowledge and experience and the organisational capability necessary to undertake such or similar work and a working knowledge of CDM 2015” from which a short list of local contractors can be put together, from whom tenders could be sought for any works between £500 and £25,000.

It was also agreed to seek a fee quote from a local designer to act as Designer and Principal Designer for the WCs. The budget needs to take said fee into account and may also be needed to cover an asbestos refurbishment survey, for the WCs.

CIF panel meeting very soon, there is a lot of interest in this funding and the committee await an answer.

 BB

7.

Storage Units
Lack of usable storage is becoming a problem; a rationalisation or extension of the garages is needed. The Orpen Players need to review the contents of their garage after the Panto has finished. VB-C to instruct Orpen Players. BB requires a plan of the Hall, LW will provide. HS to measure size of storage units and produce a rough plan. Will discuss again at January meeting. VB-C, LW, HS

8.

Terms of Reference
Changes made with Environment sub-committee – Premises incorporates the Halls & their storage units, the maintenance of such and the hiring out of the Halls & other areas. It no longer includes the maintenance of anything other than the Halls and the storage units.

BB will obtain a copy of the Terms of Reference and will circulate it for member’s approval.

 BB

9.

Budget for next year
Attendance by RFO to discuss budget requirements. Attached (Appendix 2) is the proposed budget produced by the RFO. The committee sought guidance from the RFO on paying for some of the following improvement ideas:

  • refurbishing the Orpen Hall toilets, including fees & survey
  • extending the garage storage areas
  • improving the servery
  • upgrading the upstairs meeting room
  • improving the rubbish area (new store)
  • paying for the sign (see item 2.1)

AS advised that the Hall account always tends to underspend by £7000 and that the General account has a donations/projects fund. One way to achieve these improvements would be to reduce costs or increase letting/hire charges. After analysing of the figures provided by AS, it was agreed in principle to increase the hire charges by 5%, raising an extra £2000. VB-C to bring the current hire charges to the next meeting. VB-C to also provide any data she has on Hall usage. Perhaps a bar chart highlighting times when the Halls are often free?

 VB-C

10.

AOB

Overflowing Rubbish

At present the rubbish is collected weekly by Colchester Skip Hire on a Thursday, however the skip is frequently full and overflowing. MH proposed a twice weekly collection, seconded by JC. All agreed. Mondays were requested, LW to phone Colchester Skip Hire.

 LW

Agenda

Item

11.

 Date of next meeting – No meeting in December. LW to advise date of January meeting, following meeting with VB-C. LW

Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Clerks Report – West Bergholt Parish Council – Premises Committee
Meeting Date Agenda Number Minute Reference Information and decision made Action taken and outcome Date note closed
21/10/2015 Oct-15 2a WBFC – grass cutting Lorkin Daniell Field – The agreement awaits signing by both parties. Awaiting signing – have asked for back payment see item 5 on Nov Agenda
21/10/2015 Oct-15 2b WBFC – to contact developer of 45-47 Lexden Road re: mesh net. Clerk to be copied into email Clerk gave details of developer to WBFC, but has not heard anything yet
21/10/2015 Oct-15 7 Cleaning – BB & the Clerk to update the current contract to include the need to seek quotes on an annual basis. Updated contract – to be agreed
21/10/2015 Oct-15 11 Terms of Reference – BB requested that the Clerk highlight the changes that have been suggested so he can make an informed decision. Terms of Reference for Environment & Premises highlighted and sent to Chair 06/11/2015
21/10/2015 Oct-15 13a Documents – BB requested the following documents from the Clerk/Hall Administrator:
• Hall Insurance
• Health & Safety Plan
• Risk Assessments
• Asbestos Management Plan		 Clerk has Hall Insurance & Risk Assessment documents – sent to Chair. Checking with Hall Administrator re: H&S and Asbestos Plans
21/10/2015 Oct-15 13c Indian Ceremony – fire pit outside. Fire extinguisher required on hand and isolated in car park. Administrator has relayed information to users 05/11/15
21/10/2015 Oct-15 13d Trainer – The committee were concerned with CRB implications and requested the Clerk seek advice from the EALC. Trainer should have a DBS check (Declaring & Barring Service – replaced CRB). However, PT has contacted Administrator saying not able to start as planned – hoping for New Year. Awaiting info we requested from him.
21/10/2015 Oct-15 13e New Tap – Administrator to order new tap Plumber has been informed and will complete the work within the next two weeks
21/10/2015 Oct-15 13f Safe – Administrator to task Ivor Ivor to move week commencing 09/11/15
21/10/2015 Oct-15 13g Boiler – Administrator to send BB details of current boiler and to seek advice from local repairer. Admin. has sent BB information. Until receive new error code cannot contact repairer – will keep an eye on it.
21/10/2015 Oct-15 13h Firework Display – VB-C and the Clerk to create the signage. Signage created and cars parked to block left side of Hall 07/11/2015
21/10/2015 Oct-15 13i Orpen Players asked for reduction in bill – agreed to reduce bill by £200 Orpen Players would like to thank the Premises committee for their generosity. 05/11/2015
03/11/2015 Asbestos Survey received from Scouts (David Kay) re: Scout Hut Clerk has aknowledged receipt of survey and requested copy of Asbestos Management Plan.
04/11/15 Bollards on Lorkin Daniell Field – Cannot find keys to 3 bollards and those by MUGA area are not even padlocked. Also tractor able to drive over ramp onto field. Clerk will obtain copies of two left-hand bollard keys from WBFC. Clerk has contacted Steve Cook about right-hand bollard – now received. Committee need to discuss MUGA bollards.
04/11/15 Colchester Skip Hire – Christmas collection times. Clerk unaware should charge Social Club half of waste disposal costs. Collection day Thursday, therefore Hall not affected. Times forwarded to Administrator. Clerk will bill Social Club for waste.

Appendix 2

Appendix 2 9th November 2015

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Environment & Highways – 8th October 2015

The Environment & Highways  Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 8th October 2015 when they discussed a range of issues including handymen, traffic safety, beacon, playgrounds, grass & hedge cutting, litter, pond clearing, allotments & budget.

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 8th October 2015 in Main Hall

Councillors present John Gili Ross, Harry Stone, Jenny Church, Murray Harlow
Apologies  Rosemary James

In attendance:- Phil Cook, Phil Spencer, David Short.

1

Welcome
John welcomed all to the meeting.

2

Matters arising from last meeting
a)   Traffic Safety Plan – awaiting resurfacing of New Church Road and Chapel Road prior to yellow lines being reinstated. 20mph signs will be needed in New Church Road and School Road. Harry and Chris Stevenson met with Jeremy Hallam, school head teacher, to discuss parking problems by parents and other ways in which the school could assist in road safety for the school children. HS
b)   Plaque for beacon – this is now in situ.  Plinth for beacon to be built by Ivor. JGR
c)    St Mary’s Church – work on French drain has been completed by Ivor.

3

Terms of reference
The Environment sub-committee is mainly responsible for maintenance activities in the village. A new list of terms of reference was proposed and agreed by this committee. This to go to the Finance and General Purposes Committee to be ratified. LW
Agenda item

4

Handyman work schedule
John has discussed the work schedule with David and Ivor. The schedule has been agreed at this committee. JGR
Proposed that David Hewitt should now be given a contract. Agreed by this committee.
Also proposed that the hourly rate for David and Ivor should be the same, agreed by this committee.
Proposed to take on another handyman on a temporary contract for 8 hours work. Agreed by this committee. LW
These items to go to the Finance and General Purposes committee. Agenda Items
It was suggested by Phil Cook that the Co Op could be approached to see if they could offer to help in certain village projects/activities.

5

Grass cutting and Hedge cutting
Quotes for grass cutting and hedge cutting of LD Field Heath, Poors land and Allotments are being sought. CBC needs to be contacted to book a sweeper to clear footways following hedge cutting. JGR & MH & LW
The budget is for £750. All this work is necessary.
This needs to go to the Finance and General purposes committee. Agenda item

6

Litter by Practice goal area.
This continues to be a problem.
It was proposed to purchase a wheelie bin to place in the area to encourage clearing of litter. This bin could also be used for other litter picking by handyman. JC
The goal post has been damaged and will need repairing. JGR

5

Pond Clearing
The Colchester Volunteers have assessed the needs and will spend 2 days clearing part of Hall Road Pond, 1 day clearing edges and trimming back trees at Queens Road pond and during that time spend 2 hours cutting back shrubbery at Lexden Road pond. The total charge for this will be £600. We will need to organise and pay for all the trimmings to be removed. This usually costs £100 for each load to be removed. This will need to be organised. JC

6

Allotments
Harry reported from the Allotment Committee. They are considering ways to charge more fairly for the rents. HS

7

Playground equipment
The play area has been assessed for meeting Health and Safety requirements and the resulting areas that need repairs will be carried out by Ivor and David. Ivor will add a third cradle swing when parts are delivered. JGR

8

Budget for next year
John had sent out proposed budgets which were agreed by this committee in general, but some elements still need clarity. Comments to be fed back by the end of October ready for the figures to be sent to the Finance and General Purposes Committee for consideration in November. JGR

Date of next meeting – Thursday 12th November 2015 at 5pm in JL Hall.

 

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Environment & Highways – 10th September 2015

The Environment & Highways  Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 10th September 2015 when they discussed a range of issues including handymen, traffic safety, playgrounds, grass & hedge cutting, litter, ponds & budget.

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 10th September 2015 in Orpen Hall

Councillors present John Gili Ross, Harry Stone, Jenny Church, Phil Walby, Murray Harlow, Rosemary James
Apologies

In attendance:- Laura Walkingshaw, Parish Clerk; David Hewitt, Village handyman.

1.

Welcome
John welcomed all to the meeting and introduced David to those who haven’t yet met him.

2.

Matters arising from last meeting
a) Traffic Safety Plan – New Church road will need resurfacing prior to yellow lines being reinstated. Poor parking has been less of a problem recently but it will be important for members to monitor this. 20mph signs will be needed in New Church Road and School Road. Harry and Chris Stevenson will meet with school head teacher to discuss parking problems for parents. HS
b) Plaque for beacon – needs measuring and ordering. Plinth for beacon to be built by Ivor. Expense approved. JGR
c) St Mary’s Church – it is agreed that David will sort out the French drain. The cost of labour will be a donation to the church from the PC. The church will supply the materials. David will carry out the work next week. DH
d) Cleaning “no dog signs” at Orpen Hall to be carried out by David. DH

3.

Handyman work schedule
John has discussed the work schedule with David and Ivor. JGR

4.

Grass cutting and Hedge cutting
a) Cutting of the Lorkin Daniell field will be discussed at next Finance meeting. Phil and Football club to be represented. PW
b) LD hedge project will be carried out by handyman. JGR
c) Hedges on Heath and Poors Land will need cutting during half-term. Laura will find out who we used last year and liaise with Murray regarding sweeper. LW & MH

5.

Litter by Practice goal area.
This continues to be a problem. After much discussion it was agreed to purchase a rubbish bin to be placed nearby to encourage litter clearing. Jenny to investigate ordering a bin. JC

6.

Pond Clearing
Need to arrange with Colchester Volunteers to carry out clearing of all three ponds in the Autumn. Jenny to arrange JC

7.

Playground equipment
Repairs have been made by Ivor to bring the Safety measure up to scratch following the last Health and Safety assessment. Next inspection due currently. The “baby” swings have a space for a third swing to be installed in the middle proposed to order one and arrange for Ivor to install JGR

8.

Budget for next year
Needs consideration. Laura will send out budget statements for information LW

Date of next meeting – Thursday 8th October 2015 at 4.45pm in JL Hall.
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Premises & Recreation – 13th November 2014

The Premises & Recreation Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 13th November to consider a range of issues and decisions affecting the Premises and Recreational facilities under their jurisdiction.  Updates on Play equipment, Practice Goal, Orpen Hall & Annual Fireworks display.  The formal report to the Parish Council is as follows:

Premises & Recreation Report

Sub-committee meeting held on Thursday 13th November 2014 at the John Lampon Hall

Councillors present Phil Walby, Jenny Church, Murray Harlow, Rosemary James, Andrew Savage
Apologies  Rachel Howard

Victoria Beckwith Cole in attendance.

1. Budget for next year
Andrew in attendance to discuss preparation for next year’s budget for Orpen Hall. He will forward the agreed budget to sub-committee. AS
2 Orpen Hall
a.   Letting for New Year’s Eve agreed. Vicky is able to unlock and lock up after the event. Hirer is responsible person, it is a charitable function. Agreed to levy increased deposit of £200 to cover risk of damage. VBC
b.   Cleaning problem appears to be resolved. Mike has now taken on a new cleaner. To be monitored for the next month to assess improvement or need to still have a meeting with Mike.  PW
c.   The problem with the locking chairs has been caused by the wrong clips being supplied. The company will attend and rectify the problem. VBC
d.   “Snagging” problems following decoration of halls have been satisfactorily rectified by decorators.
e.   PAT testing has been completed.
3 Practice goal area on field
Ivor has prepared the goal area and laid foundation work. The artificial turf will be laid when Ivor returns from Jury service. PW
4 Film night
To be put on hold until the New Year. Discussions to be arranged with Bernard. PW
5 Play Equipment
Inspection report has been read.  Await talking to Ivor about what is required to make fully safe all equipment. The areas of concern are all low risk. The area is underused at this present time because of the weather. PW
6 Heathlands Firework display
The event went very smoothly, good liaison with PTA. Posts at entrance were removed to avoid damage on entry. Reinstated on Monday following display and are now secure. All rubbish was picked up and skip removed. Minimal damage to grass, replaced with new turf.
Date of next meeting to be notified.

 

 

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Personal Health Budgets

NE Essex CCG issue news of personal health budgetsNHS North East EssexCCG introduces personal health budgets for local people

People in Colchester and Tendring who get funding from the NHS for their continuing healthcare will now have a greater say in how that money is spent.

From 1 April 2014 everyone eligible for on-going treatment and support for a complex medical condition has the right to ask for a personal health budget. That includes the option of asking for direct payments to be made to them, or to someone who looks after them.  Then, with the help of local NHS professionals in putting together an individual care plan, each person can choose how to use their allocated budget for a tailored package of health services.

Each patient will be able to get a range of help that is appropriate to them and their condition – such as clinical treatments, therapies, personal care and equipment – from NHS, private and voluntary sector providers.  Or the personal healthcare budget can carry on funding the healthcare and support that is already working well for them, if they don’t want to make changes.

Personal budgets are not entirely new. Some people already have the benefit of direct payments for social care, and continuing healthcare is the right place to start with personal health budgets. It is one of the few areas where the NHS commissions healthcare person-by-person,” said Lisa Llewellyn, Director of Nursing and Clinical Quality at NE Essex CCG. “We have learned from pilots across theUK that personal health budgets give patients greater involvement in planning their care, and greater choice, flexibility and control. So they can then buy services they know will best improve their health and wellbeing, and that are right for them and their families.

NHS organisations in Essex are working in partnership with ecdp, an organisation run by and for disabled people, to help introduce the new approach. edcp has a pioneering track record in supporting disabled people at local, regional and national levels and has worked with a number of local authorities to help people to manage direct payments.

Mike Adams, chief executive of ecdp, said:

Along with the NHS, we recognise that the individual is the expert in how a health condition affects his or her life. Personal health budgets offer the opportunity for people to work in partnership with the NHS on how their health needs can best be met. Many people have said that being fully involved in discussions and decisions with their healthcare professionals is the right thing and will make them more positive about the care and support they receive, and better in control of their quality of life. The benefits seemed to be felt more strongly by people with the highest health needs.

Mike added:

You can manage the care and support you choose in different ways, ranging from doing this yourself through to getting help from another person, or from an organisation like ecdp to implement what’s in your care plan on your behalf.  You can review and update your choices with your local NHS team when you need to, for example if your health changes or something in your plan isn’t working for you. You can also continue to receive the support in the same way as now if that is your preference.

People who want to consider whether a personal health budget might be right for them should speak to their healthcare professionals – GP or practice nurse, district nurse or a member of their Continuing Care Team. There is also more information about personal health budgets on the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/personalhealthbudgets.

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Your Colchester – Your Budget

As balancing the budget becomes increasingly difficult, Colchester Borough Council needs to make some tough decisions that will impact on you as local residents.

Residents’ views are critical in helping the Council to shape the future of its services and Colchester Borough Council would like you to share your priorities with them. Simply tell them which services are most, and least, important to you.

Say what you think. Complete the quick questionnaire by visiting www.colchester.gov.uk/yourcolchester or share your ideas on Twitter at www.twitter.com/yourcolchester.

The questionnaire asks you to state the 3 most- and 3 least-important services to you from the folowing list:
  • Activity Centres
  • Arts and Culture
  • Benefits
  • Building Control
  • Business and Economic Development
  • Car Parks
  • CCTV
  • Cemetery and Crematorium
  • Community Support
  • Council Tax
  • Customer Service Centre
  • Housing and Homelessness
  • Licensing
  • Mayoral and Civic Duties
  • Museums and Heritage
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Planning
  • Planning and Transportation Policy
  • Regeneration
  • Sport and Leisure
  • Street Cleaning
  • Street Wardens
  • Support Services
  • Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour
  • Tourism
  • Waste and Recycling Collection

It also invites you to contribute any ideas you might have to save money or increase income.

The questionnaire will be available to complete until 4 October 2010. The Council will then collate and consider your responses as part of the first stage of its budget consultation.

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net
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