Agenda item

Mayor's Announcements

Minutes:

Mayor’s Opportunity Champion Awards Winners

 

The Mayor explained that this was a new initiative introduced to recognise Bracknell Forest residents who contribute in a selfless way to improve the wellbeing and access to opportunities for their fellow residents and community. Each month a winner will be selected and invited to share details of their work at the next full council meeting.

 

The June award was presented to Monika Taplin for running and cycling in various costumes to raise awareness and money for the charity Youthline.

 

The July award was present to joint opportunity champions, Natalia Vil and Ashleigh Toomey for creating the VSI Razom Community Hub in Princess Square in aid of Ukrainian refugees.

 

The August award was presented to Alison Baker for her volunteering and work with the Parks Community Association.

 

Mayor’s Engagements

 

The Mayor explained that it had been a ‘bittersweet’ civic year starting with the celebrations in honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s platinum Jubilee year and then the activity surrounding her passing, funeral and the proclamation of King Charles III.

 

The Mayor reported that he had attended multiple events on behalf of the borough including the Interfaith Forum with the Chief Executive, Reading Pride, The FA Cup Match at Bracknell Town Football Club and the unveiling of the commemorative Jubilee poppy.

 

The Mayor advised that information about past, present and upcoming engagements is being posted across social media so that the message of opportunity in and around Bracknell Forest continues to be shared.

 

Household Support Fund

 

Councillor Dr Barnard, Executive Member for Child, Young People and Learning, reported that the Household Support Fund was being continued for the financial year covering 2023/24 and stated that the Council had already distributed over half a million pounds from this fund to Bracknell Forest residents since October 2021.

 

Councillor Dr Barnard explained that this scheme was now being widened and that those identified as being eligible would be contacted directly and receive payment before Christmas. Options for next year’s funding was being considered in January to ensure that the grant continues to be used to support the borough’s most vulnerable residents.

 

Councillor Dr Barnard wanted to thank the officers involved in putting this initiative in place and who have helped ensure its effectiveness.

 

Winter Support

 

Councillor Birch, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, explained that there was recognition of the pressures households would face over the coming winter and wanted to highlight some of the initiatives the Council was putting in place to support residents’ health and wellbeing.

 

Councillor Birch explained that seven sites across the borough have been established as Community Winter Hubs. These are warm spaces hosting various community facilities for residents to access should they need to and advised that there were other community spaces like these around the borough being run by community organisations and volunteers. He asked councillors to acquaint themselves with the various options available for their residents in their wards.

 

Councillor Birch also highlighted winter wellness activities that were free and open to residents to access during the winter period including advice around nutrition, mental health support and physical fitness.

 

Councillor Birch explained that the local support made available sits alongside the other packages of help being provided by central government and emphasised that any financial support is being paid directly to residents and people should be alert to any scams that may attempt to solicit bank account details.

 

Councillor Birch wanted to thank council officers for their assistance preparing these initiatives and the community-based volunteers who are assisting with the delivery of these activities.

 

Cost of Living Support

 

Councillor Heydon, Executive Member for Transformation and Finance reported that in association with central government, the Council had administered support to both residents and local businesses in Bracknell Forest. Councillor Heydon advised that so far this year just under £5.5 million had been paid to Bracknell residents as part of the government’s energy rebate scheme and that previously over £25 million had been paid as part of various business grants during the peak periods of the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Councillor Heydon thanked all council staff who had supported the delivery of these initiatives with specific recognition to those in Finance and Revenue Services for their work distributing the funds quickly while ensuring that proper audit procedures were maintained.

 

Contact Information

Democratic services

Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk