The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority held its Annual Meeting on Wednesday 10 June 2026. The meeting's agenda included the election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman, committee appointments, and a review of the Fire Authority's Annual Delivery Plan. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the On-Call Improvement Programme, which involved proposals for the removal of several on-call fire engines and the closure of two fire stations.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

The meeting was scheduled to begin with the election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the upcoming year. The Vice-Chairman's responsibilities were noted to include supporting the Chairman, deputising where necessary, and leading on matters relating to Climate Change and HMICFRS¹ responses.

Committee Appointments and Membership

A key item on the agenda was the allocation of seats on the Authority's committees, specifically the Executive Committee and the Overview and Audit Committee. The report outlined the proposed allocation of seats based on political group membership, adhering to the principles of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990. It was recommended that authority be delegated to the Monitoring Officer to vary nominations on committees upon written confirmation from a Group Leader. The report also detailed the membership of the Fire Authority for 2026/27, reflecting the electorate figures for Buckinghamshire Council and Milton Keynes City Council.

Calendar of Meetings and Representatives to Outside Bodies

The proposed calendar of meetings for the Fire Authority and its committees for the upcoming year was presented for noting. Additionally, the meeting was scheduled to consider the appointment of representatives to various outside bodies, including the Local Government Association Annual Conference, the Local Government Association Fire Commission, and the Local Government Association Annual Fire Conference. The appointment of representatives and substitute members to the Thames Valley Fire Control Service Joint Committee was also on the agenda.

Lead Member Responsibilities

The Authority was set to consider the allocation of Lead Member Responsibilities. These roles are designed to provide leadership on specific areas such as Service Delivery, Protection and Collaboration; People, Equality and Diversity and Assurance; Finance and Assets, Information Security and IT; and Health and Safety and Corporate Risk. It was recommended that appointments be made to each of these Lead Member roles.

Annual Review and Delivery Plan Updates

The meeting was scheduled to consider the Annual Review for 2025-2026, which summarises performance and progress against the priorities set out in the Annual Delivery Plan and the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP). This report highlighted achievements in areas such as Home Fire Safety Visits, safeguarding, business engagement, and operational readiness. The 2026-2027 Annual Delivery Plan Update was also presented, providing an overview of progress on major projects from a Project Management Office (PMO) assurance perspective. Key projects discussed included the On-Call Improvement Programme, the Local Training Facility, and the High Wycombe Station Redevelopment.

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Improvement Agenda

A significant item on the agenda was the Member Update on the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Improvement Agenda for 2025/26. This report, co-authored by officers and the FBU Brigade Secretary, detailed progress against the FBU's priorities for improving operational effectiveness and workforce wellbeing. Key areas covered included enhanced maternity and parental entitlements, training provision, mental health research, skills payments, day crewing, standard crewing, the CRMP's focus on growth rather than cuts, plans for High Wycombe Fire Station, employee benefits, and incident welfare.

On-Call Improvement Programme and Station Closures

A substantial part of the meeting focused on the On-Call Improvement Programme. The report pack indicated that proposals included the removal of on-call fire engines from Amersham, Beaconsfield, Great Missenden, High Wycombe, Stokenchurch, and West Ashland. Furthermore, the closure and decommissioning of Great Missenden Fire Station and Stokenchurch Fire Station were scheduled for consideration. The report noted that the on-call capability at Buckingham would be retained and enhanced, and special appliances, including rural firefighting vehicles and a crew welfare unit, would be located at Amersham, Beaconsfield, and West Ashland. The Chief Fire Officer was to be delegated the timing and phased implementation of these approved changes, with recommendations for the future of Great Missenden and Stokenchurch sites to be brought to the Executive Committee at a later date.

Operational Activity and Communications Update

The meeting also included a presentation on Operational Activity and Communications. This update provided an overview of recent significant incidents, such as a nightclub fire in Bletchley, a barn fire in Little Brickhill, a fire in High Wycombe, and a fire at Lynx Gymnastics in Aylesbury. The presentation aimed to demonstrate how the Service coordinates operational response, public communication, and community reassurance during periods of heightened demand, highlighting media engagement and organisational learning.