May 2024

5 Buckden Roundabout May 2024 From your District Councillor Dear Residents, Many of you are aware that the Joint Administration took over from an administration that had previously been Conservative led for circa 47 years. Changing administration after so many years was a milestone in our local politics. Taking over from the old administration has been a challenge and as reported last month the new administration has taken big strides by produc- ing a stable budget and finances. That said, after 47 years of rule by a single party, changing the culture of the organisation was always going to be a bigger challenge. Good governance is part of an organisation ’ s culture and is crucial in local government because it ensures that: • Public Resources are Managed Well: Good governance means managing public funds and resources responsibly and transparently, which helps to maintain trust in the govern- ment. • Decisions are Fair and Informed: It involves making deci- sions based on thorough analysis and public input, which leads to more effective and equitable outcomes. • Services are Delivered Effectively: It helps to ensure that services meet the needs of the community and are delivered efficiently. • Accountability is Maintained: Good governance holds leaders accountable for their actions, which is essential for maintaining public confidence and ensuring that power is used properly. • Legal and Ethical Standards are Upheld: It ensures that all actions and policies are in line with laws and ethical standards, protecting the rights of all residents. In essence, good governance is the foundation of a well - functioning local government that serves its community effec- tively and maintains the public ’ s trust. I ’ m happy to announce that the Local Government Association (LGA) has released the results of a recent review of Huntingdon District Council ’ s governance. This comes after a similar review in March 2023. I ’ ve had a major role in making sure these re- views happened, and there ’ s another one planned for May 2024 to ensure that key actions are completed. Although things have moved slower than I had hoped, govern- ance improvements are now receiving cross - party support and I believe that the council ’ s governance is heading in the right direction. As I observe, from my new position outside of Cabi- net, I hope that key actions are closed quickly and we get out- comes that ensure good governance irrespective of who is in administration. Riparian Maintenance Did you know that if you have a ditch or stream within your property boundary, or alongside the edge of your boundary, you are probably responsible for keeping it clear of blockages or overgrown vegetation? This includes those that flow under- ground in pipes (culverts) and it can even be the case if it is behind your fence. If you are responsible for the ditch or stream you are called the riparian owner. I have been able to use local knowledge of Riparian Rights to ensure that HDC dredged the culvert that has been the cause of flooding in Taylors Lane in Buckden. The issue with Taylors Lane is complicated, but clearing the culvert will help to pre- vent further flooding. With over 8,000 miles of watercourses in Cambridgeshire, streams, ditches and culverts play a huge part in managing flood risk so it ’ s really important they are kept clear and able to flow freely. Over the winter is a great time to carry out mainte- nance such as clearing excess vegetation, cutting grass or re- pairing any damage. Please note if you are repairing any damage on or near a main river, an Environment Agency Flood Risk Activity Permit may be required. Free Business Support Programme for Huntingdonshire busi- nesses A new business accelerator to support entrepreneurs and early - stage businesses has been launched by Huntingdonshire Dis- trict Council (HDC) via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). This funding has enabled a collaboration between HDC and Deyton Bell, who have been commissioned to deliver a 12 - month programme for new and existing businesses. The scheme is now open to entrepreneurs who have an idea to start a business and to those who have already started and are looking to develop and grow. The programme offers free busi- ness support, helping people to develop their ideas, increase business survivability, access experts and peer group support in addition to a range of workshops from understanding financ- es, operations to marketing skills and more. Delivered by one to one and specialist workshops, this is a comprehensive initia- tive designed to empower businesses and entrepreneurs. The project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is now open. For more information about the programme, in- cluding eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit: https:// hba.deytonbell.com/ Wishing you well, Martin Martin Hassall District Councillor for Buckden, Diddington and Southoe Phone: 07480 798 342 Email: martin.hassall@huntingdonshire.gov.uk