The Cabinet of Buckinghamshire Council met on Tuesday 10 March 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including updates on the Local Development Scheme, the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, and the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan. The meeting also covered financial matters, including the Medium-Term Financial Plan and Capital Programme, as well as specific site developments such as the Easton Street Multistorey Car Park and the Woodlands Development Site.

Ofsted ILACS Recommendations Improvement Plan Update

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive an update on the improvement plan following an Ofsted inspection of Children's Social Care services. The report detailed significant progress made in areas such as management oversight, neglect strategy, family network engagement, and care leaver support. It highlighted improvements in the supervision framework and the embedding of reflective practice, though acknowledged that further work is needed to ensure consistently good practice across all service areas. The report also outlined progress in the quality and effectiveness of services for children at risk of neglect, including a revised multi-agency neglect strategy and the development of a neglect assessment tool. Plans for improving the consistency and timeliness of engaging a child's wider family network were also discussed, including the establishment of the Families First for Children Partnership Board and the increased use of Family Group Conferences. Furthermore, the report addressed the efficacy of transition planning for older children in care and disabled young people leaving care, detailing a redesign of the operating model to ensure integrated support and the potential extension of the Independent Review Officer's remit. Finally, updates were provided on the quality and effectiveness of pathway plans for care leavers and the service offer for care leavers aged 21+, with a focus on needs-based support and improved communication. The engagement and participation of care-experienced children and young people in the Corporate Parenting Board was also noted as being firmly embedded.

Local Government Social Care Ombudsman Report

A report was scheduled to be presented concerning a Public Interest Report from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) regarding therapy provision for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The Ombudsman's investigation found fault with Buckinghamshire Council for failing to provide specified speech and language therapy (SLT) and occupational therapy (OT) for one child, and for delays in EHCP reviews and complaint handling. The report highlighted systemic issues within the therapy service, which is jointly commissioned by the Council and the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB) and delivered by Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (BHT). The Council was expected to consider the Ombudsman's findings and recommendations, which included issuing an apology, making a symbolic payment, and implementing service improvements such as developing a plan to address shortfalls in therapy provision, creating a protocol for unmet therapy needs, and briefing staff on the Council's approach to remedying service failings.

LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan

The Cabinet was due to consider the action plan developed in response to the Local Government Association's (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC). The CPC, which took place in autumn 2025, provided positive feedback, calling Buckinghamshire Council one of the best run councils the peer reviewers had ever visited. The report highlighted strengths in political and officer leadership, digital innovation, financial management, and partnership working. However, it also identified areas for improvement, including aligning the corporate plan with the medium-term financial plan, revisiting regeneration plans, and addressing SEND and temporary accommodation pressures. The action plan aimed to translate these recommendations into a structured programme of activity with clear actions, responsibilities, and timescales.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Update

A report was scheduled to provide an update on the implementation of the Council's Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy (2022-25). The report noted the significant work undertaken to date and recommended extending the existing strategy's end date to 2027 to align with new Government guidance published in December 2025. It also proposed the development of a new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy with a five-year horizon, intended for adoption in April 2027. The report detailed progress made in preventing homelessness, delivering affordable housing, and reducing temporary accommodation costs. It also outlined the requirements of the Government's new homelessness strategy, A National Plan to End Homelessness, which emphasizes a shift towards prevention and requires a comprehensive assessment of local homelessness data and future demand. The Corporate Peer Challenge feedback regarding partnership working was also noted, highlighting the need for more proactive engagement with partners to increase housing stock access.

Local Development Scheme Update

The Cabinet was to receive an update on the Local Development Scheme (LDS), which outlines the timetable for producing Local Development Documents, including the Local Plan. This update was prompted by a letter from the Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP, directing the Council to revise and publish its LDS by 11 March 2026, specifying key milestones for Regulation 19 consultation and plan submission for examination. The updated LDS recommits to the existing timetable, aiming for Regulation 19 consultation by 23 July 2026 and submission for examination by 31 December 2026. The report also provided an updated position on Neighbourhood Development Plans across the county.

Easton Street Multistorey Car Park High Wycombe

A report was scheduled to recommend the permanent closure and demolition of the Easton Street Multistorey Car Park (ESMCP) in High Wycombe. The car park is described as dated, with structural, health and safety, and anti-social behaviour issues, operating at a financial loss and requiring substantial capital investment. With alternative parking available, the site is considered surplus to requirements. The closure and demolition are seen as an opportunity to unlock transformational regeneration in line with the High Wycombe Regeneration Strategy and the Easton Quarter Vision. The report recommended approving the permanent closure and demolition, with demolition costs estimated at £1.750m to be funded from future disposal proceeds and added to the Capital Programme. Delegated authority was sought for relevant Service Directors to procure demolition works and enter into necessary agreements.

Woodlands Development Site

The Cabinet was to consider the progress regarding the negotiated condition precedent contract between Buckinghamshire Advantage and The Developer for the Woodlands development site in Aylesbury. The report indicated that both parties had agreed a finalised version of the contract, which covers land assembly, infrastructure delivery, and housing and employment site delivery. The contract includes conditions precedent such as reserved matters applications, land assembly, and Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) and Local Government Funding agreements. The Council was in negotiations with Homes England to secure an extension to the HIF funding agreement. The recommendations included approving Buckinghamshire Advantage entering the Condition Precedent Contract, completing the contract upon satisfaction of conditions, and agreeing to release £3.4m of funding for project management. Delegated authority was also sought for capped further loans to Buckinghamshire Advantage.

Easton Street Multistorey Car Park High Wycombe (Confidential Appendices)

Woodlands Development Site (Confidential Appendices)

Date of next meeting

The date of the next meeting was scheduled for 21 April 2026 at 10 am.