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Weekly updates

Pension Pool Future Uncertain, Wycombe Vision Set

This week in Buckinghamshire:

Brunel Pension Pool Faces Uncertainty After Government Rejection

The Buckinghamshire Council Pension Fund Committee met this week to discuss significant changes impacting the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), particularly the government's response to the LGPS pooling consultation. You can find the full details of the meeting here. The future of the Brunel Pension Pool1 is now uncertain after the government rejected its business case.

  • Government's Decision: The government rejected Brunel's business case, citing a perceived lack of ambition to merge pools.
  • Alternative Pool: Buckinghamshire Council and the other nine Administering Authorities were told to identify an alternative Pool to join and get the agreement of the destination pool by the end of September 2025.
  • Business Case: Brunel Partner Funds are working on a business case to explore options, including moving en masse to another pool or individual funds moving separately.
  • KPMG Involvement: KPMG has been engaged to assist in preparing the business case.
  • Strategic Asset Allocation: Decision-making on strategic asset allocation will remain with Pension Fund Committees, but the implementation of the investment strategy will be fully delegated to the pools.
  • Local Investments: Pension Funds will be required to set a target range for local investments, with the Pool carrying out due diligence.
  • Senior LGPS Officer: Requirement to appoint a senior LGPS Officer with overall delegated responsibility for the management and administration of the Fund.
  • Independent Advisor: Pension Fund Committees to have a non-voting independent advisor.

This decision could have significant implications for how Buckinghamshire Council manages its pension fund, potentially affecting investment strategies and returns for current and future pensioners.

Transport, Environment, Communities & Climate Change Select Committee Discusses Key Issues

The Transport, Environment, Communities & Climate Change Select Committee convened to address a wide range of issues impacting Buckinghamshire residents. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Transport

  • Road Maintenance: Councillor Thomas Broom, Cabinet Member for Transport, highlighted key responsibilities such as road maintenance, active travel, and home to school transport.
  • HS2 Mitigation: Councillor Broom addressed the ongoing impact of HS2 on the county, emphasising the need for mitigation.
  • FixMyStreet: Councillor David Carroll praised the FixMyStreet service, with Councillor Broom responding that FixMyStreet is the swiftest way to get a response, as reports are immediately logged for inspection.
  • Potholes: Councillor Ed Gemmell compared Buckinghamshire's approach to that of the Netherlands, with Councillor Broom responding that he would look into the matter, but suggested that differences in funding, weather, and traffic volume may be contributing factors.
  • HGV Traffic: Councillor Gregory Smith raised the issue of through HGV traffic in small communities, with Councillor Broom responding that the study has been completed and is currently being analysed.
  • Cycle Route: Councillor Smith also asked for an update on the cycle route between Hadlam and Thame, with Councillor Broom responding that Buckinghamshire Council is working closely with Oxfordshire County Council on the project, but that there are challenges due to the need to negotiate routes across private land.

Environment, Waste and Climate Change

  • Carbon Neutral Target: Councillor Jaspal Chhokar, Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Waste, highlighted the council's commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
  • Litter Enforcement: Councillor Penny Drayton asked for more detail on the litter enforcement scheme, with Councillor Chhokar confirming that the scheme has been publicised through various channels, including town and parish councils, signs, and media interviews.
  • New Waste and Recycling Plant: Councillor Caroline Cornell asked when North Buckinghamshire will be getting a new waste and recycling plant, with Richard Barker responding that the Buckingham Household Recycling Centre (HRC) is in the capital programme and that the council is hoping to identify a suitable site this financial year.
  • Greatmoor Incinerator: Councillor Cornell also asked why the Greatmoor incinerator cannot be expanded to get rid of more rubbish and produce more electricity, with Richard Barker responding that the current facility has plenty of headroom for Buckinghamshire waste and that there would not be a credible business case to build another one.
  • External Partnership Funding: Councillor Justine Fulford asked about the forecast impact on the environment of cuts to external partnership funding, including the Natural Environment Partnership (the Net) and Colne Valley Regional Park, with Councillor Chhokar responding that he and Councillor Carl Jackson have meetings planned to discuss the matter.

Communities

  • Community Boards: Councillor Anja Schaefer asked how the community boards will function going forward, given their reduced budget and changed role, with Richard Barker responding that the focus of the boards is now much more on community engagement and bringing people together to identify local priorities.
  • Energy Doctor Scheme: Councillor Smith asked about the funding for the energy doctor scheme, with Councillor Ashley Waite responding that he would need to come back with a written response on the longer-term funding arrangements for the scheme.
  • CCTV: Councillor Drayton asked why 12 areas are being consulted on for CCTV and what the opportunity is for others, with Councillor Waite responding that the 12 areas were chosen based on crime stats, population density, and other metrics.

High Wycombe Town Committee Sets Vision for the Future

The High Wycombe Town Committee met to discuss a vision for the town, community engagement, and the 2024/25 special expenses. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

  • Vision for High Wycombe: Councillor Ed Gemmell, Chairman of the High Wycombe Town Committee, presented his vision for High Wycombe, emphasising the need to build on the town's existing strengths and address areas for improvement.
  • Key Areas for Focus: Councillor Gemmell highlighted key areas for focus, including economy, environment, infrastructure, health and education, and culture.
  • Community Engagement: Councillor Gemmell suggested initiatives such as a town meeting to gather public input, an away day for councillors and officers to foster teamwork, and the creation of working groups to develop specific plans for each focus area.
  • Special Expenses and Outturn 2024/25: Fiorella Mugari, Head of Finance for Communities, presented an overview of the special expenses and outturn for the 2024/25 financial year, detailing an underspend of £74,301 against a budget of £523,628.
  • Market Infrastructure and Town Centre Development: The committee received written updates on market infrastructure and town centre development, following up from the minutes of the meeting on 17 March 2025.

The committee agreed to form working groups to develop ideas and direction based on the vision, with an email to be sent to councillors to determine their areas of interest.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

  • The Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 1 July 2025 to discuss Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) revenue monitoring, receive a verbal update on a government announcement regarding the High Needs Block, and agree the minutes from the previous meeting. Read the agenda here.
  • The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 02 July 2025 to discuss several planning applications, including a proposal to convert a pub into a house in multiple occupation, and a plan to build six new homes in Hazlemere. Read the agenda here.
  • The Health & Adult Social Care Select Committee are scheduled to meet on Thursday 03 July 2025 to discuss the priorities and challenges facing Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust and Adult Social Care, as well as receiving an update on Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. Read the agenda here.
  • The Strategic Sites Committee of Buckinghamshire Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 3 July 2025 to discuss planning applications relating to Wilton Park in Beaconsfield. Read the agenda here.
  • The Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee of Buckinghamshire Council is scheduled to convene via video conference to discuss procedural rules and a licensing application. Read the agenda here.
  • Meetings for the Cabinet, Audit and Governance Committee, Transport, Environment & Climate Change Select Committee, Communities & Localism Forum and Culture, Sports & Leisure Select Committee are scheduled for the week commencing Monday 7 July 2025. No further information is available about these meetings, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72553], [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72542], [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72545], [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72536], [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72549].

  1. The Brunel Pension Partnership brings together the investment assets of 10 local government pension funds to create economies of scale and reduce costs. 

Shoplifting Surge, Policing Concerns, and Clare's Law Data

This week in Buckinghamshire:

Shoplifting Surge: Panel Hears How Police Are Tackling Retail Crime

The Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel met this week, with shoplifting high on the agenda. You can find the full details of the meeting here. Members heard about the challenges facing local businesses and the police's strategies for tackling this growing problem.

  • Better Reporting or More Crime? Councillor Paul Trendall questioned whether the reported increase in shoplifting stemmed from improved reporting or a genuine rise in crime.
  • The DISC App: Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber explained that the increase was likely due to better reporting, facilitated by the introduction of the DISC app, which allows businesses to report crimes and share CCTV footage more easily.
  • Causes of Shoplifting: Councillor Susan Morgan asked about the underlying causes of shoplifting. Mr Barber cited drug use and organised crime as major factors.
  • Retailer Responsibility: Councillor Morgan also inquired about the responsibilities of retailers in preventing shoplifting. Mr Barber emphasised the need for retailers to take proactive steps, such as improving store layouts and training staff to challenge shoplifters.
  • Hot People: Mr Barber noted that police should be putting officers in hotspot areas, going after what logically you would then refer to as hot people, but you get in trouble if you Google that, so we need to call them something else, prolific offenders, perhaps rather than hot people.

The discussion highlighted the complex nature of shoplifting, requiring a multi-faceted approach involving law enforcement, retailers, and community support services.

Abandoned? Hungerford Residents' Policing Concerns Addressed

The Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel also addressed concerns about policing in Hungerford, following changes to local policing area structures. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

  • No Loss of Sergeant: Councillor Stephanie Steevenson raised concerns about Hungerford reeling under the loss of their sergeant.
  • Geography Change: Mr Barber clarified that there was no loss of a local sergeant, but that the sergeant now covers a wider geographical area, including Hungerford, surrounding villages, and Thatcham.
  • No Reduction in Frontline Officers: Mr Barber emphasised that the changes were implemented to save £20 million without reducing the number of officers on the front line.
  • Review in October: Mr Barber stated that he had met with local officials and agreed to review the situation in October.
  • Abandoned? Mr Barber expressed frustration that people have left the good people of Hungerford feeling they've been abandoned. They really haven't.

The discussion aimed to reassure residents that policing services remain in place despite structural changes, with a focus on maintaining frontline presence and addressing local concerns.

Clare's Law Data Inconsistent

The Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel discussed the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as Clare's Law, and its current performance and progress towards improvement. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

  • Data Concerns: Councillor Pamela Mackenzie-Reilly raised concerns about the consistency of the data provided, requesting a more concise report with clear indicators of improvement.
  • Non-Disclosure: Councillor Georgina Heritage asked for clarification on the meaning of non-disclosure in the context of Clare's Law.
  • No Failure: Mr Barber explained that non-disclosure did not necessarily indicate a failure, but rather that there was no information to disclose in some cases.

The discussion highlighted the importance of accurate and transparent data in assessing the effectiveness of domestic violence prevention programs.

Other Matters

  • The Buckinghamshire Council Licensing (Premises) Committee appointed Councillor Chris Chilton as Vice Chairman for the next year. You can read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel discussed the Police and Crime Commissioner's response to the Anti-Social Behaviour Task & Finish Group Report and Recommendations. You can find the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Buckinghamshire Council cabinet discussed the annual report, budget management, and quarterly performance, deciding to approve transfers to reserves and note the performance and budget reports. You can read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Buckinghamshire Council Licensing (Public Protection) Committee met to discuss mobile home site licensing fees and receive an update on taxi enforcement. The committee approved a draft mobile home site licensing fee policy for public consultation. You can read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Buckinghamshire Council Children's & Education Select Committee met to discuss several key issues, including an update on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the outcome of a recent Ofsted inspection, and national reforms to children's services. You can read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Buckinghamshire Council Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee convened to consider an application for a new premises licence for The Garibaldi pub, located at 11-17 High Street, Burnham. After hearing arguments from all parties, the committee agreed to grant the licence with amended conditions. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings

  • The Senior Appointments and Pay Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 June 2025. The meeting will include an orientation paper on pay, and a review of the annual pay timeline. Read the agenda here.
  • The Transport, Environment, Communities & Climate Change Select Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 24 June 2025. The agenda includes overviews of transport, environment, waste and climate change, and communities, detailing key priorities, challenges, risks and financial information. Read the agenda here.
  • The Pension Fund Committee will meet on 24 June 2025. The agenda includes an update on the 'Fit for the Future' consultation, a review of the committee's training policy, and discussion of the external audit plan. Read the agenda here.
  • The High Wycombe Town Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 24 June 2025. The agenda includes discussion of a vision for High Wycombe, updates on the market infrastructure and town centre development, and an overview of special expenses and outturn for 2024/25. Read the agenda here.

Subject: Bucks Council rejects misleading plans, backs rural enterprise

This week in Buckinghamshire:

Stoke Poges Planning Dispute: Committee Refuses Alterations, Citing Misleading Plans

The East and South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee convened this week to address a contentious planning application concerning alterations to a property on Gerrards Cross Road, Stoke Poges. You can find the full details of the meeting here. The committee ultimately voted to refuse the application, highlighting concerns over discrepancies between approved plans and the as-built development.

  • The application sought a variation to a previous planning permission for extensions and alterations to a dwelling, aiming to align the plans with the current state of the property.
  • However, the committee heard that the building was 1.5 metres further north and 1.75 metres further east than the original permission.
  • Objectors argued that the scheme was incorrectly placed on the site, and that the ridge height was misrepresented in the approved application.
  • Trevor Eagleton, representing Stoke Poges Parish Council, argued that the application should have been a full reapplication rather than a variation of condition, stating, It is just beyond me why we have to have so many alterations to a set of drawings that are ignored once the original planning permission has been granted.
  • Councillor Wendy Matthews stated that the plans were a fundamental part of the approval, and that it was not possible to vary the location of the building.
  • Councillor Mark Roberts countered that the building hadn't moved, but that the drawing that was approved in the last planning application incorrectly showed it in the wrong place.
  • The committee ultimately refused the application, citing material harm to policy EP3 of the local plan1, and policies SP6 and SP7 of the Stoke Poges Neighbourhood Plan2.

The decision underscores the importance of accurate planning submissions and the potential consequences of deviations from approved plans, particularly in areas with established design codes.

Taplow Green Belt: Committee Approves Retrospective Application for Agricultural Buildings

In contrast to the Stoke Poges decision, the East and South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee approved a retrospective application for the retention of two agricultural buildings on land at Oakmead, Ye Meads, Taplow, SL6 0DH. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

  • The application site is located within the green belt, but the committee agreed that the development met the exception for buildings for agriculture and forestry.
  • Matthew Grant, the applicant, explained that his family had owned the land for 75 years, and that the new buildings provided a safe and dry space to store tools and work on his traditional green woodworking products.
  • Councillor Jonathan Waters stated that the buildings had a clear purpose and fit pretty well within the countryside.
  • Councillor Wendy Matthews stated that it was important to support this sort of enterprise within Buckinghamshire.
  • The committee found that the application aligned with the relevant policies and would provide for a sustainable form of development.

This decision highlights the council's willingness to support rural enterprise and sustainable development within the green belt, provided that applications meet specific criteria and demonstrate a clear agricultural or forestry purpose.

Trading Standards Targets Illegal Vapes and Underage Sales

The Buckinghamshire Council and Surrey County Council Joint Trading Standards Service Committee convened this week to discuss a range of issues, including efforts to combat the sale of illegal vapes and vaping products to underage individuals. The meeting was scheduled to take place at the Council Chamber, Woodhatch Place, Reigate.

  • The committee received an update on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which was making its way through Parliament, and The Environmental Protection (Single use Vapes) (England) Regulations 2024, which came into force on 1 June 2025, banning the sale of single-use vapes.
  • From April 2024 to the end of March 2025, the service had received 205 complaints about illegal vapes and alleged underage sales of vapes.
  • The service conducted 139 test purchases of vapes in 2024/25, issuing 13 warnings to premises that had sold vapes to under-18s.
  • Three premises had been shut down by court order following the repeated supply of illegal tobacco and vapes.
  • The service is supporting schools in Surrey by providing information through the Healthy Schools initiative, and is working with public health colleagues in Buckinghamshire on a pilot scheme to work with businesses near schools to support them in not supplying illegal vapes, tobacco, and alcohol.

These efforts are crucial to protecting the health and well-being of young people and ensuring that businesses comply with regulations regarding the sale of age-restricted products.

Other Matters

  • The Standards and General Purposes Committee appointed Councillor Kelly Thornton as Vice-Chairman and reviewed the annual report on the Member Code of Conduct complaints for 2024/25. You can read the full report pack here.
  • The Buckinghamshire Shareholder Committee discussed options for Consilio Property Ltd. and reviewed the annual report, forward plan, and risk registers of its subsidiary companies. You can read the full report pack here.
  • The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority received an update on the HMICFRS findings for Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and discussed performance management. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

  • Licensing (Premises) Committee on Tuesday 17 June 2025 will consider the appointment of a vice-chairman, and review the minutes of the previous meeting. Read the agenda here.
  • Cabinet on Tuesday 17 June 2025 will discuss the annual report, budget management, and performance. Read the agenda here.
  • Licensing (Public Protection) Committee on Tuesday 17 June 2025, to discuss mobile home fees and taxi enforcement in Buckinghamshire. Read the agenda here.
  • Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel on Friday 20 June 2025, will discuss the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner's Annual Report 2024/25, and a review of the Panel's rules and procedures. Read the agenda here.
  • Children's & Education Select Committee on Thursday 19 June 2025 will discuss the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) landscape, the outcome of an Ofsted inspection, and national reforms to children's services. Read the agenda here.
  • Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee on Thursday 19 June 2025 will consider an application for a new premises licence for The Garibaldi in Burnham. Read the agenda here.
  • Meetings for the Strategic Sites Committee, Growth, Infrastructure and Housing Select Committee, Audit and Governance Committee, Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee and Communities and Localism Forum are scheduled for the week commencing Monday 23 June 2025. No further information is available about these meetings, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70623], [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70605], [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70610], [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/70614].

  1. Policy EP3 relates to the use, design and layout of development. 

  2. Policies SP6 and SP7 relate to design codes and local heritage assets. 

Winslow Bar Licence Sparks Debate, Council News & Upcoming Meetings

This week in Buckinghamshire:

New Licence for Winslow Bar Sparks Debate Over Noise and Safety

The Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee of Buckinghamshire Council met this week to discuss a new premises licence application for Legends, a bar located at 48-50 High Street, Winslow. You can read the full report pack here.

  • The application, submitted by Ray Conrad Marzec, seeks permission to sell alcohol from 6 PM to 11 PM, Monday to Sunday, and to open the premises to the public from 7:30 AM to 11 PM.
  • While the Chief Officer of Police and the Fire and Rescue Authority raised no objections, concerns were voiced by local residents and the Winslow Town Council.
  • Objections centered on the potential for increased crime and disorder, public safety risks, and public nuisance due to noise, particularly from the use of the garden area in the evening.
  • To address these concerns, the applicant agreed to submit a noise management plan, leading the Local Environmental Health Authority to withdraw its initial objection.
  • Proposed conditions for the licence include staff training, adherence to the Challenge 25 policy, an incident log, and a 10 PM curfew for the outdoor garden.
  • The council's Licensing Policy, published in February 2022, emphasizes the importance of high management standards in licensed premises.
  • The Home Office's guidance under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 prioritizes the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The decision on whether to grant the licence will have a direct impact on the Winslow community, potentially affecting the quality of life for residents living near the High Street.

Upcoming Meetings

  • Buckinghamshire Council and Surrey County Council Joint Trading Standards Service Committee on Monday 09 June 2025 will discuss vapes enforcement, the joint service budget, the Official Food Standards and Feed Controls Service Plan, 2024/25 performance, and the Trading Standards Enforcement Policy. Read the agenda here.
  • Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority on Wednesday 11 June 2025 will elect a chair and vice-chair, appoint members to committees, discuss the HMICFRS report, and review performance management. Read the agenda here.
  • Buckinghamshire Shareholder Committee on Wednesday 11 June 2025 will discuss options for Consilio Property Ltd, risk registers and KPI updates, and the forward plan. Read the agenda here.
  • Standards and General Purposes Committee on Thursday 12 June 2025 will discuss the annual review of member code of conduct complaints and review the work programme for the coming year. Read the agenda here.
  • East & South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee on Tuesday 10 June 2025 will discuss planning applications relating to Rotherfield in Stoke Poges, and Land at Oakmead in Taplow. Read the agenda here.

Bucks Council elects new leader and cabinet for 2025-26

This week in Buckinghamshire:

Buckinghamshire Council - Wednesday 21 May 2025

Buckinghamshire Council held its first meeting since the local elections, marking a transition in leadership and setting the stage for the new council term. Councillor Sarfaraz Khan Raja was elected Chairman, Councillor John Chilver was elected Vice-Chairman, and Councillor Steve Broadbent was elected Leader of the council. Councillor Broadbent then announced his cabinet appointments for 2025-26.

Councillor Mimi Harker OBE, the outgoing Chairman of the Council, reflected on her term, highlighting the importance of community engagement and exemplary behaviour for councillors. She noted the changes in society and technology during her 30 years of service.

Councillor Broadbent was nominated for the position of Leader by Councillor Peter Strachan, who highlighted his skills, competencies, and experience. Councillor Martin Tett, the outgoing Leader, reflected on his 14 years in the role, highlighting key achievements such as the fight against HS2, support for the business community, the creation of Buckinghamshire Council, and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Councillor Broadbent then announced his cabinet appointments for 2025-26:

  • Councillor Peter Strachan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning
  • Councillor Thomas Broom, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport
  • Councillor Ade Osibogun, Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services
  • Councillor Steve Bowles, Cabinet Member for Communities
  • Councillor Isobel Darby, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing
  • Councillor Peter Brazier, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure
  • Councillor Carl Jackson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment
  • Councillor Mark Winn, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services
  • Councillor Robert Carington, Cabinet Member for Resources

He also announced the following deputy cabinet members:

  • Councillor Peter Martin, Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport (East West Rail, HS2 and Public Transport)
  • Councillor Michael Bracken, Deputy Cabinet Member for Planning (Planning Enforcement)
  • Councillor Jaspal Chhokar, Deputy Cabinet Member for Climate Change Environment and Waste Services (Flooding)
  • Councillor Jilly Jordan, Deputy Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education (Skills)
  • Councillor Gary Hall, Deputy Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services
  • Councillor Catherine Oliver, Deputy Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure
  • Councillor Ashley Waite, Deputy Cabinet Member for Communities
  • Councillor Carol Heap, Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing
  • Councillor Julie Ward, Deputy Cabinet Member for Resources (Town Centre Regeneration)

The council agreed to appoint five Select Committees to discharge the council’s statutory overview and scrutiny functions: Children’s and Education Select Committee, Finance and Resources Select Committee, Growth, Infrastructure and Housing Select Committee, Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee, and Transport, Environment, Communities and Climate Change Select Committee.

The council approved the allocation of seats on council committees to political groups, in accordance with proportionality rules. The Monitoring Officer was delegated the authority to vary nominations and agree on lists of proposed substitute nominations, upon written confirmation from a Group Leader. The membership of the High Wycombe Town Committee was noted, and the appointment of councillors to partnerships and outside bodies for 2025/26 was approved.

The council approved the proposed calendar of meetings for Buckinghamshire Council from May 2025. The calendar will be available on the council's website.

High Wycombe Town Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025

At the High Wycombe Town Committee meeting, Councillor Ed Gemmell was elected Chairman of the Committee for the ensuing year. Councillor Darren Hayday proposed Councillor Ed Gemmell for the role, and Councillor Chris Chilton seconded the proposal.

Licensing (Premises) Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025

At the Licensing (Premises) Committee meeting, Councillor Heather Wallace was elected as Chairman of the Committee for the ensuing year. Councillor Shade Adoh nominated Councillor Heather Wallace for the position, and Councillor Mazamal Hussain seconded the nomination.

Growth, Infrastructure & Housing Select Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025

At the Growth, Infrastructure & Housing Select Committee meeting, Councillor Jonathan Waters was elected Chairman of the Committee. Councillor Susan Morgan proposed Councillor Jonathan Waters for the role, and Councillor Chirag Chotai seconded the proposal.

Transport, Environment, Communities & Climate Change Select Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025

At the Transport, Environment, Communities & Climate Change Select Committee meeting, Councillor Penny Drayton was elected as Chairman of the Committee. Councillor Gregory Smith proposed Councillor Penny Drayton for the position, and Councillor Ed Gemmell seconded the proposal.

Standards and General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025

At the Standards and General Purposes Committee meeting, Councillor Jackson Ng was elected as Chairman of the Committee. Councillor John Chilver proposed Councillor Jackson Ng for the role, and Councillor David Carroll seconded the proposal.

East & South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025

At the East & South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee meeting, Councillor David Moore was elected as Chairman of the Committee. Councillor Jackson Ng nominated Councillor David Moore for the position, and Councillor Wendy Matthews seconded the proposal.

Licensing (Public Protection) Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025

At the Licensing (Public Protection) Committee meeting, Councillor Heather Wallace was elected as Chairman of the Committee. Councillor Shade Adoh proposed Councillor Heather Wallace as Chairman, and Councillor Mazamal Hussain seconded the proposal.

Children’s & Education Select Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025

At the Children’s & Education Select Committee meeting, Councillor Susan Morgan was elected as Chairman of the Committee. Councillor Alan Sherwell proposed Councillor Susan Morgan for the role, and Councillor Niknam Hussain seconded the proposal.

Strategic Sites Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025

At the Strategic Sites Committee meeting, Councillor Alex Collingwood was elected Chairman of the Committee. Councillor Phil Gomm proposed the election, and Councillor Andy Huxley seconded it.

West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025

At the West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee meeting, Councillor Mark Turner was elected Chairman of the Committee. Councillor Larisa Townsend proposed Councillor Mark Turner for the position, and Councillor Imran Hussain seconded the proposal.

Audit and Governance Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025

At the Audit and Governance Committee meeting, Councillor Matthew Walsh was elected Chairman of the Committee. Councillor Dev Dhillon proposed the election, and Councillor Alex Collingwood seconded it.

Central & North Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025

At the Central & North Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee meeting, Councillor Patrick Fealey was elected as Chairman of the Committee. Councillor Frank Mahon put forward the proposal, and Councillor Phil Gomm seconded it.

Health & Adult Social Care Select Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025

At the Health & Adult Social Care Select Committee meeting, Councillor Stuart Wilson was elected as Chairman of the Committee. Councillor Robin Stuchbury proposed Councillor Stuart Wilson for the role, and Councillor Julia Wassell seconded the proposal.

Finance & Resources Select Committee - Wednesday 21 May 2025

At the Finance & Resources Select Committee meeting, Councillor John Chilver was elected as Chairman of the Committee. Councillor Dev Dhillon nominated Councillor John Chilver, and Councillor Martin Tett seconded the nomination.

Recent meetings
Committee

McDonald's, Site of Former Askeys Factory, Stocklake, Aylesbury (Application), Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee - Thursday, 3rd July, 2025 11.00 am

The Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee of Buckinghamshire Council is scheduled to convene via video conference to discuss procedural rules and a licensing application. Councillor Kirsten Ashman, Councillor Phil Gomm, and Councillor Paul Griffin are listed as the members of the sub-committee. The meeting may be filmed for broadcast on the council's website.

July 03, 2025
Committee

Health & Adult Social Care Select Committee - Thursday, 3rd July, 2025 10.00 am

The Health & Adult Social Care Select Committee are scheduled to meet to discuss the priorities and challenges facing Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust and Adult Social Care, as well as receiving an update on Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. The committee will also receive a verbal update from Matthew Tait, BOB Chief Delivery Officer, on the work of the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB). Finally, they will review and discuss items for future meetings.

July 03, 2025
Committee

Strategic Sites Committee - Thursday, 3rd July, 2025 2.00 pm

The Strategic Sites Committee of Buckinghamshire Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 3 July 2025 to discuss planning applications relating to Wilton Park in Beaconsfield. The committee will consider reserved matters for phases 3, 5 and 6 of the Wilton Park development, as well as an outline application for additional dwellings on the site.

July 03, 2025
Committee

West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee - Wednesday, 2nd July, 2025 6.30 pm

The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee met to discuss several planning applications, including a proposal to convert a pub into a house of multiple occupation, a residential development on allocated land, and the replacement of fencing at a sports pitch. The committee approved the sports pitch fencing, approved the Orchard House development, and refused the Happy Union conversion.

July 02, 2025
Committee

Schools Forum - Tuesday, 1st July, 2025 1.30 pm

Buckinghamshire Council's Schools Forum met to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) revenue monitoring for 2024-25, which showed a significant overspend in the high needs block, and to hear a verbal update on the government's announcement regarding the High Needs Block statutory override. The forum noted the revenue budget monitoring position at the end of the financial year. It was also noted that Councillor Andy Gillespie will be standing down from the Schools Forum in the autumn.

July 01, 2025
Committee

Senior Appointments and Pay Committee - Thursday, 26th June, 2025 2.00 pm

The Senior Appointments and Pay Committee were scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 June 2025 to elect a chair and vice-chair, and to discuss pay orientation and the annual pay review timeline. The committee was also scheduled review the minutes of previous meetings. Some of the meeting was scheduled to be held in private.

June 26, 2025
Committee CANCELLED

Central & North Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee - Wednesday, 25th June, 2025 2.30 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

June 25, 2025
Committee

High Wycombe Town Committee - Tuesday, 24th June, 2025 7.00 pm

The High Wycombe Town Committee met to discuss a vision for the town, community engagement, and the 2024/25 special expenses. Councillor Ed Gemmell was formally appointed as Chairman, and members discussed how to improve the town and work together effectively.

June 24, 2025
Committee

Pension Fund Committee - Tuesday, 24th June, 2025 2.00 pm

Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Buckinghamshire Council Pension Fund Committee meeting on 24 June 2025.

June 24, 2025
Committee

Transport, Environment, Communities & Climate Change Select Committee - Tuesday, 24th June, 2025 10.00 am

The Transport, Environment, Communities & Climate Change Select Committee met to discuss transport, environment, and community priorities, as well as to plan their upcoming work programme. Councillor David Carroll was appointed Vice-Chairman of the committee. Discussions included updates on road maintenance, home to school transport, waste management, community boards, and the impact of HS2[^2].

June 24, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Unknown Committee

Cabinet - Tuesday, 8th July, 2025 10.00 am

July 08, 2025
Unknown Committee

Burnham Local, 31 High Street, Burnham, Slough, SL1 7JD (Application), Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee - Tuesday, 8th July, 2025 2.30 pm

July 08, 2025
Unknown Committee

BMKFA Executive Committee - Wednesday, 9th July, 2025 10.00 am

July 09, 2025
Unknown Committee

Buckinghamshire Local Access Forum - Wednesday, 9th July, 2025 10.00 am

July 09, 2025
Unknown Committee

Council - Wednesday, 9th July, 2025 4.00 pm

July 09, 2025
Unknown Committee

Standards and General Purposes Committee - Thursday, 10th July, 2025 2.00 pm

July 10, 2025
Unknown Committee

Pension Fund Board - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 10.00 am

July 15, 2025
Unknown Committee

East & South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 6.30 pm

July 15, 2025
Unknown Committee

BMKFA Overview & Audit Committee - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 10.00 am

July 16, 2025
Unknown Committee

Licensing (Public Protection) Committee - Thursday, 17th July, 2025 6.30 pm

July 17, 2025