The Budget Scrutiny Inquiry Task and Finish Group of Buckinghamshire Council met on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to discuss the council's draft budget for the upcoming financial years. The group was scheduled to hear from Cabinet Members responsible for Culture and Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, Housing and Regulatory Services, and Planning to understand their priorities and budget strategies.

Draft Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan

The meeting's primary focus was on the council's draft budget for 2026/27 to 2028/29 and the associated Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30. The report pack provided background papers, including the Cabinet Papers from 8th January, which detailed the draft budget and capital programme. Attendees were also provided with the Council Tax Base report for 2026-27.

The draft budget documents outline the council's financial plans for the coming years. These plans are crucial for determining how council services will be funded and delivered. The Capital Programme details planned investments in infrastructure and assets over a longer period.

Culture and Leisure

Councillor Peter Brazier, the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, was scheduled to present his priorities and the overarching strategy for the budget within this portfolio. The inquiry group was expected to question Councillor Brazier on these matters.

Health and Wellbeing

Councillor Isobel Darby, the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, was due to outline her department's priorities and the budget strategy. The inquiry group was to engage in questioning following her introduction.

Housing and Regulatory Services

Councillor Mark Winn, the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, was scheduled to present his priorities and the budget strategy for his area. The inquiry group was to conduct questioning after his presentation.

Planning

Councillor Peter Strachan, the Cabinet Member for Planning, was expected to present his priorities and the budget strategy for planning services. The inquiry group was to follow this with a period of questioning.

Supporting Documents

The meeting's agenda referenced several key documents that provided context for the discussions:

• Draft Medium Term Financial Plan 2026/27 to 2028/29 and Capital Programme 2026/27 to 2029/30: This report details the council's financial projections and investment plans.
• Budget Consultation Results: This appendix summarises the outcomes of public consultation on the draft budget.
• Proposed Fees and Charges: This appendix outlines any proposed changes to fees and charges for council services.
• Equalities Impact Assessment: This assessment details the potential impact of the budget proposals on different groups within the community.
• Council Tax Base and Surplus 2026-27: This report provides information on the basis for calculating Council Tax.

The Budget Scrutiny Inquiry Task and Finish Group is a committee of councillors tasked with examining the council's financial plans. The group's chairman for this meeting was Councillor J Chilver, with Councillor D Dhillon serving as Vice-Chairman. Other members of the group included Councillors C Adali, M Ayub, A Crabtree, A Huxley, N Mehta, C Poll, T Snaith, M Tett, and S Wilson.