The High Wycombe Town Committee met on Tuesday 20 January 2026 to discuss the draft budget for Special Expenses for the 2026/27 financial year. The committee also considered priorities for Special Expenses Reserves, including two funding requests. Additionally, the forward plan for the Cabinet/Leader was presented for information.

High Wycombe Town Committee Special Expenses Draft Budget 2026/27

The committee was scheduled to consider the draft budget for Special Expenses for the 2026/27 financial year. This budget is funded by a precept on the town's residents and interest earned on the fund balance. A Budget Sub-Group had met to discuss and contribute to the budget, considering proposed fees and charges, which were generally recommended for a 5% increase, in line with the Buckinghamshire Council's corporate approach. The report outlined several options for the Band D equivalent charge, with Options 2 and 4 being recommended for consideration. Option 2 proposed a Band D tax of £15.73, covering 93% of net budgeted expenditure, while Option 4 maintained the previous year's Band D charge of £17.99, covering over 100% of expenditure and contributing to reserves. The committee was asked to recommend a chosen option to the Cabinet for setting the 2026/27 precept for the unparished area of High Wycombe Town.

Priorities for Special Expenses Reserves

The committee was scheduled to discuss priorities for expenditure from the Special Expenses Reserves. This included agreeing on the next steps to further inform suggested priorities and considering two funding requests: for administrative support to the High Wycombe Town Committee (HWTC) and for the High Wycombe Life magazine.

The request for administrative support outlined the need for a fixed-term, part-time Business Support Officer to provide administrative and transactional support to the HWTC. This role, costing approximately £27,100 for 12 months, would be based within the Partnerships & Communities team and would not duplicate existing officer support.

The funding request for High Wycombe Life magazine, a glossy publication delivered to all households in High Wycombe, sought £27,000 (plus VAT) for a second year of operation. The magazine aims to promote community identity, engagement, and economic regeneration by showcasing local creativity and opportunity, and disseminating important information to residents, particularly those who are digitally excluded. Previous funding had been provided by the High Wycombe Community Board and HWTC.

Cabinet/Leader Forward Plan

The committee was scheduled to receive the Cabinet/Leader Forward Plan for information. This document outlines upcoming key decisions and reports to be considered by the Cabinet and Leader of Buckinghamshire Council. Items included the Budget Scrutiny 2026 Report, the Capital and Investment Strategy, and updates on various local transport and development projects across the county.

Work Programme

The committee's work programme for the remainder of the 2025/26 period was also scheduled for noting. This included future discussions on updates from Business Improvement Districts, a review of community comments, and further updates on Special Expenses Reserves.