The Chairman welcomed everyone to the AGM on 21 March and after introducing the guest speakers held the election of officers and committee.
Chairman: Syd Howarth, Vice Chairman: Father Michael Campion, Treasurer: Barry Hutchinson and Secretary Arun Chandran., Derek Atkinson, Cllr Bill Curtis, Cllr Bob Fleming, Don Fraser, Chris Wheeler, Plus new members Elaine Gallagher and Paul Kjenstad. (elected unopposed).Affiliated Members: Ken Robson ACORN Residents’ Association, Margaret Robson Friends of Senior Citizens (Neville Community Centre), and 2 Representatives of Great Aycliffe Town Council’s Youth Council.
Phil Wilson MP was unable to attend due to parliamentary duties. Roger Goodes from the County Council and Kathy Slater and Joanne Dunn from Livin were present to give a presentation followed by a question and answer session on Wefare Reforms.
The Chairman in his opening remarks said GARA had been quite successful and matters, including some imposed without consultation, have been reconsidered and acceptable outcomes achieved. Said Syd: “Most times all is needed is the right word in the right ear and a problem is solved. “We have always found people in authority to be reasonable and willing to talk, and we act as a watchdog to safeguard the public over matters which may have been overlooked. Our Councillors and MP are always at our disposal and able to act immediately on behalf of residents”.
The Police & Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg explained his decision to increase the Police Precept by 2% which raised £480,000. He faced Government cuts of £10 million over the next 4 years. Ron has protected frontline policing, 60 posts will be filled by police support staff rather than police officers. He explained that Newton Aycliffe Police Station costing £500,000 is a Modular building sited in the Town Centre and would be in place by spring next year when the Police would move out of Parsons Court.
Ron wants the public to have a say in the design and choice of the new station and circulated three examples. He viewed Public satisfaction and Public confidence as the highest importance and listed seven priorities: Community Engagement, Public scrutiny, Prisoner visiting, Victims journey from reporting a crime to its conclusion, Digital engagement through social media, Hate Crime, Domestic Abuse, Anti Social Behaviour, Harm reduction re drugs and alcohol, and Speeding.
Rev. Michael Campion thanked Ron Hogg on the new Police Station, and gave a case of a victim of domestic abuse and a 3 hour wait at the Parson Court station, Ron Hogg said it was totally unsatisfactory and stated if you don’t get the response you want to inform him.
Margaret Robson asked if there will there be a police presence in Town Centre pending the rebuild and Ron said he was still looking at that. Cllr Kate Hopper mentioned the delay when having dialled 101 with its unnecessary chief constable’s message and menu system. Ron suggested users just press 3 to get straight through.
Ken Robson said he was pleased with the New Police Station as it will give confidence, but we don’t see enough police walking about the streets, Ron said Neighbourhood Officers are being maintained and police presence was always an issue. Someone raised the issue of cars badly parked and how we should reclaim pavements for pedestrians. Ron said it was a real problem as lots of streets are not designed for cars and it was just inconsiderate parking,
Roger Goodes gave a detailed presentation on the benefit reforms being introduced in stages, aimed at simplifying the system, giving incentives to get people into work, protect most vulnerable in society, and give fairness to claimants and the Taxpayer.
It is the biggest change in 60 years totalling 40 in all, affecting working age claimants, Universal Credit, Council Tax benefit localized, Under occupancy tax, Social Fund DLA replaced with PIP, Benefit Cap, ESA limited to 365 days, housing benefit paid direct to tenant.
Cathy Slater and Joanne Dunn from Livin dealt with many queries from the floor.
Great Aycliffe Residents Association was formed to provide a forum for citizens to voice their concerns and where possible to instigate action on their behalf. The aim is to work with councils and other organisations through talks and if necessary, public meetings, to carry the views of the general public towards righting wrongs and/or suggesting improvements to amenities, services and the general environment.
