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Community Noticeboard

Electoral Registration – are your details up to date?
Buckinghamshire residents are being urged to ensure their electoral registration details are up to date through the annual canvass.

All residents will be contacted during July and August, and will receive an email or a letter from Buckinghamshire Council asking to confirm that the names of people listed as eligible to vote in their household are correct.

Being on the electoral register means that you can have your say and vote in future elections – plus it can also help with your credit rating. All you need to do is to read the email or letter carefully and follow the instructions on how to respond, if necessary. It’s very quick and easy!

If you’re not currently registered, your name will not appear on the messages we send. If you want to register this can be done as part of the canvass (a follow-up step is required).

The easiest way to register is online at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Nick Graham, Buckinghamshire Council’s Returning Officer and Director of Legal & Democratic Services, said:

“We will begin emailing residents from Monday 3 July. Please be assured that emails coming from ‘elections@canvass.buckinghamshire.gov.uk’ with a subject line of ‘Electoral Registration – Response Required’ are legitimate, and not part of a scam, which we know was a concern for some residents last year.

“We strongly encourage residents to respond to their email or letter promptly, and preferably online if possible. This will reduce the amount of printing, postage, and transport usage, all which impact negatively on the environment, which the council is striving to protect as part of the Bucks Climate Challenge.

“Finally, please note that as a result of the Elections Act 2022, voters now need to provide an accepted form of photo identification to be able to vote in person. This includes voting on behalf of someone else as a proxy vote.”

Further information on registering to vote can be found on the election pages of the council’s website.

Any residents who have any questions can contact the council’s Electoral Registration team at elections@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or 01296 798 141.

Council launches £1.8m grant scheme for rural businesses

Council launches £1.8m grant scheme for rural businesses

Buckinghamshire Council has announced the launch of the Bucks Rural Business Grant fund, which will provide crucial support to small rural businesses in the county. This initiative, made possible through the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund, will deliver £1.8 million in capital grants over two financial years.

The Bucks Rural Business Grant fund focuses on small-scale investment in micro and small enterprises in rural areas. Its primary objectives are to create jobs, support business growth, and drive economic prosperity within Buckinghamshire.

Eligible businesses can apply for grants ranging from £2,500 to £300,000, with a requirement to match-fund a portion of the grant amount.

The application process involves an Expression of Interest followed by a Full Application, which will be assessed and then go to a funding panel. Successful applicants will enter into a Grant Agreement and will be closely monitored on their outputs and outcomes. This will include due diligence checks and site visits to ensure the effective use of the grant funds.

Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, stated:

“Small and medium-sized businesses are the bedrock of our local economy, so it’s great news that the launch of our Bucks Rural Business Grant fund will help foster the growth and prosperity of small rural businesses across the county.

“By providing targeted support and resources, the new fund will help empower local entrepreneurs, create employment opportunities, and stimulate sustainable economic growth.”

To reach as many local rural businesses as possible, the council is working closely with Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Buckinghamshire Business First. In addition, the grant application process will be communicated through the council’s website and detailed guidance will be provided to all applicants.

The Bucks Rural Business Grant fund received £1.8 million from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.