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Cabinet - Tuesday, 18th June, 2024 10.00 am

June 18, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting
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Summary

The Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet meeting on 18 June 2024 covered a range of significant topics, including grass cutting, fostering services, budget management, library service transformation, highways contract performance, and the adoption of a local heritage list. Key decisions were made on the budget management outturn and the library service transformation.

Grass Cutting

Councillor Stephen Broadbent, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, addressed the issue of grass cutting, which has generated numerous queries from residents. He explained that the council's teams are actively working on both rural and urban grass cuts, with additional gangs being deployed to accelerate the process. He acknowledged the rapid growth due to favourable weather conditions and assured that safety concerns at junctions would be addressed through reactive cuts.

Fostering Services

Councillor Anita Cranmer, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills, provided an update on fostering services. She reported that as of May 2024, there were 309 children in foster care, with 155 in-house foster carers and 154 with independent fostering agencies. The council has launched new perks for in-house foster carers, including a 100% council tax refund, free parking, and leisure activities. This initiative has received positive feedback and increased interest in fostering.

Budget Management Outturn

Councillor John Chilver, Cabinet Member for Accessible Housing and Resources, presented the budget management outturn for the financial year 2023-24. The council faced significant budget pressures due to increased demand in key services, resulting in an adverse variance of £12.8 million. However, one-off income from Treasury investments and prudent financial management allowed the council to achieve a balanced position overall. The council also allocated funds for specific needs, such as gully and ditch clearing and public realm improvements.

Library Service Transformation

Councillor Clive Harris, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, introduced the Library Flex initiative aimed at transforming the library service to create savings of over £500,000. The plan includes granting membership card access to library buildings outside of staffed hours, increasing access by 50% while reducing staffing times. Concerns about safety, particularly for lone females, were addressed with assurances of CCTV coverage and panic buttons.

Highways Contract Performance

Councillor Stephen Broadbent reported on the performance of the Buckinghamshire Highways contract with Balfour Beatty Living Places. The council fixed over 34,000 potholes and delivered the largest capital programme to date. Challenges included a backlog in streetlight column replacements and increased abuse towards road gangs. The council continues to focus on quality and safety, achieving a zero-harm contract in the first year.

Adoption of Local Heritage List

The Cabinet agreed to adopt phase 2 of the local heritage list, which includes 1,466 sites. This initiative, supported by a government grant, aims to recognise and protect Buckinghamshire's heritage assets. The list does not affect permitted development rights or require listed building consent for works. The council will communicate with property owners to ensure they understand the implications and benefits of being on the list.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet, Question Time Supplement, Decisions, and the Public reports pack.

Attendees

Profile image for Councillor Martin Tett
Councillor Martin Tett  Leader •  Conservative •  Little Chalfont & Amersham Common
Profile image for CouncillorSteve Broadbent
Councillor Steve Broadbent  Conservative •  Ridgeway East
Profile image for Councillor Angela Macpherson
Councillor Angela Macpherson  Conservative •  Grendon Underwood
Profile image for CouncillorThomas Broom
Councillor Thomas Broom  Conservative •  Gerrards Cross & Denham
Profile image for Councillor John Chilver
Councillor John Chilver  Conservative •  Horwood
Profile image for CouncillorAnita Cranmer
Councillor Anita Cranmer  Conservative •  Beaconsfield
Profile image for Councillor Clive Harriss
Councillor Clive Harriss  Conservative •  Ridgeway East
Profile image for CouncillorArif Hussain
Councillor Arif Hussain  Conservative •  Terriers & Amersham Hill
Profile image for Councillor Peter Strachan
Councillor Peter Strachan  Conservative •  Wendover, Halton & Stoke Mandeville
Profile image for CouncillorMark Winn
Councillor Mark Winn  Conservative •  Aylesbury East
Profile image for Councillor Peter Brazier
Councillor Peter Brazier  Conservative •  Ivinghoe
Profile image for Councillor Carl Jackson
Councillor Carl Jackson  Conservative •  Chalfont St Giles
Profile image for CouncillorJilly Jordan
Councillor Jilly Jordan  Conservative •  Great Brickhill
Profile image for Councillor Robin Stuchbury
Councillor Robin Stuchbury  Labour Party •  Buckingham West
Profile image for Councillor Jonathan Waters
Councillor Jonathan Waters  Liberal Democrats •  Penn Wood & Old Amersham
Profile image for Councillor Stuart Wilson
Councillor Stuart Wilson  Independent •  The Wooburns, Bourne End & Hedsor
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