Community Travel

Published on February 12, 2024

Local Transport Scheme – Final Call for Volunteers

The recently announced local transport scheme is in urgent need of volunteers, without whom the scheme will be cancelled. The organiser – Stuart Coffey – has sent this message calling for help:

Dear Communities of Bourton, Longcot Shrivenham and Watchfield,

I am the Shrivenham Parish Council’s lead councillor for transport and I am writing in a last-ditch attempt to find volunteers willing to support a prospective local mobility transport scheme to support those in need in our villages.

I have made 2 attempts at holding meetings to attract some volunteers thus far and have secured the services of 2 committee members (thank you to Ian and Steve for that) and promises of support from 2 other drivers (Bob and Chris, thank you, too).

Unfortunately, this is not enough to run a viable management committee for a resilient transport service for our villages. I need a committee of 8, including members representing each of the villages to be supported. I will also, ideally, need a bank of volunteer drivers in double figures. Whilst we can start the scheme with less than this with the expectation that we will grow over the coming months, it is a requirement that we have a working, viable committee before I ask Oxfordshire County Council to release the full funding to us. If I can’t generate enough support, this funding will go to other deserving causes elsewhere in the County.

I will be holding one more open meeting for all interested volunteers. Shrivenham Bowls Club (thank you to Brian and the committee) have answered this community call by hosting this last-chance meeting on Thursday 22nd February between 7 and 9pm.

Please contact me at stuart.coffey@shrivenham.orgif you want to help turn this potential transport scheme for those who need it in our community into a reality. I believe in the community spirit of our communities. Please help me bring this scheme into existence.

I hope to see you on Thursday 22nd February.

Best regards

Stu Coffey

07825703836

Stuart.coffey@shrivenham.org

Annual Statutory Documents

The Parish Council (PC) is required to prepare and publish these documents following the end of each financial year. They comprise five main sections:

Certificate of Exemption

Small parish councils are exempt from a detailed annual audit by an external auditor. The definition of a ‘small’ council is annual gross income of less than £25,000; Bourton PC’s annual income falls well within this threshold. This form confirms the PC’s annual income and its exemption from an external audit.

Annual Internal Audit Report

Although exempt from an external audit, the PC’s affairs are still subject to an internal audit by a qualified individual independent of the PC. This is the auditor’s summary report.

Annual Governance Statement

This form deals with the standard of internal controls and general governance standards within the PC throughout the year.

Accounting Statements

This is the summary financial report for the PC for the financial year. It also includes commentary on any significant variances from the previous year’s financial results and a balance sheet reconciliation with bank accounts.

Notice of Public Rights

This notice sets out the rights of local electors to review and query the PC’s statutory returns, including the contact details of the internal auditor.