Leader’s Forum with parish and community councils hear about planned EV changes and the local plan

This quarterly initiative, launched by the Leader Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst after his election last May, is one of the ways in which the district council is working collaboratively with parishes to ensure they are fully informed.

The subjects discussed at the meeting last week ranged from new EV charging points, sustainability plans for the area including grants available to public and businesses, to progress on the local plan to the council’s forthcoming budget.

On the local plan Cllr Giles-Medhurst talked about the approach on housing numbers and the need to balance what the government will accept with the district council’s desire to protect the greenbelt.

The meeting was the fourth (a separate one was held with the local Police Chief Inspector) hosted by Cllr Giles-Medhurst in offering parish and community councils the opportunity to raise any topics directly with him.

Cllr Giles-Medhurst said: “This new liaison is already proving a vital link between the parishes and the district council and gives us all an opportunity to discuss, and, where possible, take action on matters raised.

“For me collaboration is a great way to get things done and to work together for a better solution on whatever issue. I am delighted that so many representatives from other councils are finding these meetings worthwhile and I look forward to our next opportunity to get together.

The parish liaison meetings will take place four times per year hosted at Three Rivers House, the district council’s head office, in Rickmansworth.

PHOTO CAPTION: Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst (centre), Leader of Three Rivers District Council, with parish and community councillors following a recent parish liaison meeting at Three Rivers House.