The Budget Scrutiny Inquiry Task and Finish Group of Buckinghamshire Council met on Thursday 15 January 2026 to discuss the council's draft budget for 2026/27 to 2028/29. The meeting focused on the priorities and overarching strategies for the budget within key service areas, including Environment, Climate Change and Waste, and Education and Children's Services. The group also heard from the Leader of the Council regarding the budget strategy.

Environment, Climate Change and Waste

The group was scheduled to hear from Councillor Ade Osibogun, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Waste. This session was intended to allow the inquiry group to question Councillor Osibogun on his priorities and the overarching strategy for the budget within his portfolio.

Education and Children's Services

Councillor Carl Jackson, Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services, was also scheduled to present his priorities and the overarching budget strategy for his department. The inquiry group would have had the opportunity to question him on these matters.

Leader's Budget Strategy

Councillor Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, was due to address the group, alongside the Chief Executive. This session was planned as a closing discussion, focusing on the Leader's priorities and the overarching strategy for the council's budget. The inquiry group was scheduled to conduct closing questioning of the Leader following the evidence gathered throughout the week.

Background Information

The meeting's discussions were informed by several background papers, including the Cabinet Papers from 8 January, which detailed the council's draft budget. These included a report on the Draft Medium Term Financial Plan 2026/27 to 2028/29 and Capital Programme 2026/27 to 2029.^[1] Additionally, a Council Tax Base report for 2026-27 was provided, along with appendices detailing budget consultation results, proposed fees and charges, and an Equalities Impact Assessment.^[2]