This week in Buckinghamshire:

Children's Services Under Scrutiny: SEND Inspections and School Standards Highlight Areas for Improvement

The Children’s & Education Select Committee met on Thursday 26 March 2026 to review critical reports on school standards and the outcomes of a recent Local Area SEND inspection. While overall pupil attainment in Buckinghamshire is above national averages, the inspection revealed that children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are experiencing inconsistent support and outcomes. This is a significant concern, as it directly impacts the educational journey and future prospects of some of our most vulnerable young residents. Read the agenda here.

The Local Area SEND Inspection, which covered Buckinghamshire Council and the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB), found that while progress has been made in areas like leadership and governance, there are still significant challenges. Inspectors highlighted long waiting times for neurodevelopmental pathways and mental health support, as well as inconsistencies in Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans. For families navigating these systems, this can mean prolonged uncertainty and delays in accessing vital support.

In parallel, the committee reviewed the annual report on school standards for 2024/2025. While attainment for disadvantaged pupils is narrowing the gap with national averages, it remains below national levels. The report also detailed Ofsted inspection outcomes, with 83% of schools achieving good or outstanding gradings. However, the committee also examined the Q3 performance monitoring report for Education & Children's Services, which flagged several areas of concern. Notably, the percentage of looked-after children placed within the local authority boundary remains at 47%, below the target of 57%, due to capacity constraints for children with complex needs. Furthermore, the issuance of new EHCPs within 20 weeks is significantly below target at 6.2%, a direct consequence of high demand for assessments. These figures underscore the ongoing pressures on children's services and the need for accelerated improvement to ensure all children receive the support they deserve.

Active Travel Plans Advance, But Road Maintenance and SEND Transport Face Challenges

The Transport, Environment, Communities & Climate Change Select Committee met on Tuesday 24 March 2026 to discuss progress on the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and the Local Transport Plan 5 (LTP5). Buckinghamshire Council has maintained a Level 2 'capability rating' from Active Travel England, which is expected to secure multi-year funding of over £9 million for active travel infrastructure. This is positive news for promoting sustainable transport and encouraging more residents to cycle and walk. Read the agenda here.

However, the committee's review of Q3 performance monitoring for 2025-2026 revealed ongoing challenges. While the percentage of highways capital schemes completed is above target, and cycling counts are increasing, the percentage of eligible SEND students with transport in place remains below target. This could mean difficulties for some students with special educational needs in accessing education.

Furthermore, the committee noted that the percentage of gullies cleaned against the cyclical programme was below target, with obstructed gullies cited as a reason. This, coupled with public dissatisfaction with road surfaces in previous surveys, highlights the persistent issue of road maintenance. The council's proposed response to the LTP5 consultation, which aims to shape transport improvements for the next 20 years, will need to carefully balance ambitious goals with the practical realities of budget constraints and service delivery.

Schools Face Funding Pressures as High Needs Deficit Grows

The Schools Forum met on Tuesday 24 March 2026 to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and the High Needs Budget, revealing significant financial pressures that could impact local schools and support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The overall budgeted in-year deficit for the DSG for 2025-26 is £22.9 million, with a projected cumulative deficit of £47.4 million by March 2026. Read the agenda here.

The majority of this deficit stems from the High Needs Block, which funds support for pupils with SEND. Pressures include increased unit costs for special school top-ups and a rise in pupils attending out-of-borough special schools. For parents of children with SEND, this growing deficit raises concerns about the continued availability and quality of essential support services.

The High Needs Budget for 2026-27 is projected to face a deficit of £30.3 million, alongside a new £4 million savings target. While the Department for Education (DfE) will fund 90% of the projected deficit up to March 2026, the remaining amount and the ongoing pressures highlight the critical need for sustainable funding solutions. The DfE's proposed reforms to the SEND system, including a three-layer support system, are also on the agenda, with the potential to reshape how SEND needs are met. The forum also discussed the Early Years Block funding, with a statutory requirement for local authorities to announce funding rates to childcare providers by 28 February 2026 already met by Buckinghamshire.

Audit Committee Reviews Financial Health and Governance

The Audit and Governance Committee met on Thursday 26 March 2026 to review the external auditor's final reports for the 2024/25 financial year and consider the Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26. The committee received the final reports from KPMG LLP, which cover financial sustainability, governance, and the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of the council's service delivery. Read the agenda here.

A draft of the Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2025/26 was presented for approval. The AGS is a statutory document that comments on the effectiveness of the council's governance arrangements throughout the year. It is intended to be public-facing and written in an open and readable style. The draft AGS was noted to be consistent with the findings of various reports, including those from the Chief Finance Officer and Scrutiny Select Committees. This oversight is crucial for ensuring public trust and accountability in the council's operations.

Other Matters

• The West Chilterns Community Board met on Thursday 26 March 2026 to discuss priorities and projects for the area, as well as an update on the Proud of Bucks initiative. Read the agenda here.
• The East Bucks Community Board met on Tuesday 24 March 2026 to discuss youth programmes, a pop-up café, and priority updates. Read the agenda here.
• The High Wycombe Town Committee met on Tuesday 24 March 2026 to discuss financial updates, community projects, and strategic consultations. Read the agenda here.

This week in Buckinghamshire:

Council Grapples with Housing Development and Local Plan Impact

The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee met on Wednesday 18 March 2026 to consider a significant planning application for the demolition of a dwelling and the erection of 19 apartments at 22 Marlow Hill, High Wycombe HP11 1QL. The application, number 24/08021/OUT, sought outline permission, with details of landscaping to be reserved for future consideration. Read the agenda here.

This proposal has sparked considerable debate, with local councillors and residents raising concerns about parking provision, traffic, and existing sewer capacity issues. Councillors Hussain, Alam, and Clarke called in the application for committee consideration due to these worries. The development, proposed by Barar Homes, does not include any affordable housing, despite the Wycombe District Local Plan's Policy DM24 requiring developments of 10 or more dwellings to provide at least 35% affordable housing. While the applicant submitted viability evidence arguing against this requirement, the council's independent assessor ultimately agreed that the scheme could not viably support any affordable housing contribution. This decision highlights the tension between development needs and the provision of affordable homes, a critical issue for many residents, especially younger families struggling to get onto the property ladder.

The report indicated that the proposed parking provision complies with the Buckinghamshire Countywide Parking Guidance for Zone A, with 19 unallocated spaces considered sufficient. However, concerns were also raised by the Crime Prevention Design Advisor regarding potential vulnerabilities in the basement parking and overall security. Environmental health concerns included potential noise ingress/egress and road noise, with a condition recommended for a noise mitigation scheme. The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to a comprehensive list of conditions.

Spade Oak Quarry Faces Scrutiny Over Restoration and Greenspace Plans

The Strategic Sites Committee met on Thursday 19 March 2026 to discuss applications related to Spade Oak Quarry, a site with a long history of mineral extraction. Two key applications were considered: variations to conditions for mineral extraction and restoration, and the creation of infrastructure for a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). Read the agenda here.

Application CM/0010/25 sought to vary conditions of a previous planning permission, including extending the time limit for cessation of extraction to 31st July 2027 and updating restoration plans. It also proposed the deletion of a condition requiring the top metre of material to be free of solid objects larger than 100mm x 100mm, citing impracticality and potential negative ecological impacts. These proposed variations faced objections from Little Marlow Parish Council, Wooburn and Bourne End Parish Council, and Wild Marlow, who expressed concerns about diluted restoration plans, reduced biodiversity commitments, and risks to soil quality and habitats.

Application CM/0011/25 focused on the creation of infrastructure for a SANG at Spade Oak Lake, intended to mitigate the impact of proposed housing developments on the Burnham Beeches Special Area of Conservation. This included plans for a car park, footpaths, signage, and a bird hide. While the report indicated the development would provide a 10% increase in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), concerns were raised by Little Marlow Parish Council regarding inadequate security, waste management, and traffic impacts. Wild Marlow and Buckinghamshire Bird Club also objected, citing potential damage to sensitive bird habitats. The recommendation was for the application to be delegated for approval, subject to a Memorandum of Understanding securing long-term management. These decisions are crucial for balancing the need for development with the protection of our natural environment and ensuring that new housing does not negatively impact protected habitats.

Fire Authority Considers On-Call Firefighter Programme

The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority held an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday 18 March 2026 to discuss the On-Call Improvement Programme. Read the agenda here. This programme is vital for ensuring the operational capacity of the Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, as it addresses how the service utilises its on-call firefighters who provide essential cover alongside their primary employment. The detailed report, spanning 131 pages, provided the Authority with the necessary information to make informed decisions about this critical aspect of service delivery. For residents, this means ensuring the continued availability of emergency response services across the county.

Other Matters

• The Buckinghamshire Shareholder and Trust Committee met on Wednesday 18 March 2026 to review its annual report and consider the budget for Higginson Park Charity. Discussions also included business plans for associated companies like Aylesbury Vale Estates and Consilio Property Limited. Read the agenda here.
• The Growth, Infrastructure & Housing Select Committee met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to discuss the progress of the Buckinghamshire Local Plan, evaluate the Library Flex project, and review Q3 performance indicators. Read the agenda here.
• The Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to consider an application to vary the premises licence for The Griffin public house in Amersham. Read the agenda here.
• The Pension Fund Committee met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to discuss external audit findings, governance and compliance updates, and the Treasury Management Service Level Agreement. Read the agenda here.
• The Rural Forum met on Thursday 19 March 2026 to receive updates from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and discuss the implications of the Buckinghamshire Local Plan for food and farming. Read the agenda here.
• The BMKFA Executive Committee met on Wednesday 18 March 2026 to review the budget monitoring report, the gender and ethnicity pay gap report, and the Prudential Code indicators. Read the agenda here.
• The Licensing (Premises) Committee met on Thursday 19 March 2026 to consider proposed fees for gambling premises licences for the upcoming financial year. Read the agenda here.
• The Licensing (Public Protection) Committee met on Thursday 19 March 2026 to review its Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and proposed taxi licensing fees for the upcoming financial year. Read the agenda here.
• The North Bucks Community Board met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to focus on community cohesion, ageing well, and community transport. Read the agenda here.

This week in Buckinghamshire:

Police and Crime Panel Tackles Road Safety and National Policing Reforms

The Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel met on Friday 13 March 2026 to discuss a range of critical policing matters. A significant focus was placed on the Road Safety Partnership Strategy and Operation Spotlight, aiming to curb road-related criminality and serious injuries. This initiative involves targeted enforcement and public education, with efforts like Community Speedwatch and Operation Torchlight, which targets vehicles used for criminal gain. For residents, this means a renewed focus on making our roads safer for everyone.

The panel also received an update on the OPCC/TVP Complaints and Misconduct Data Report. This report provides assurance on the oversight of police standards and compliance with legislation. It details processes for handling complaints and misconduct, including data on reviews and hearings. This is vital for maintaining public trust and ensuring accountability within Thames Valley Police.

A particularly impactful discussion centred on the Government's White Paper, From local to national: a new model for policing. This paper proposes significant reforms, including the potential creation of a National Police Service and changes to the current 43-force model. The implications for Thames Valley Police and local policing are substantial, with potential workforce reforms and a review of the role of Police and Crime Commissioners. The report also noted the earlier announcement regarding the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners by 2028, a move that could fundamentally alter local accountability for policing.

The panel also reviewed the Annual Assurance Report 2025 from the Joint Independent Audit Committee, which found governance and financial controls within the Police and Crime Commissioner's office and Thames Valley Police to be operating efficiently. However, the report highlighted increasing pressure on reserves and the need for clearer measurement frameworks.

Finally, under Topical Issues, the panel noted reports detailing Thames Valley Police's need for improvement in tackling corruption, as identified by HMICFRS, and the force being short changed for providing security during Donald Trump's state visit. A concerning statistic also emerged: a record high in children being tasered by Thames Valley Police. These issues underscore the complex challenges facing policing and the importance of robust oversight.

Read the agenda and meeting details here.

Council Cabinet Addresses Housing, Homelessness, and Infrastructure

The Cabinet met on Tuesday 10 March 2026 to make decisions on several key areas impacting residents' lives. A significant update was provided on the Ofsted ILACS Recommendations Improvement Plan, detailing progress in strengthening children's social care services. Efforts are focused on improving support for children at risk of neglect, enhancing family network engagement, and ensuring better transition planning for older children and young people leaving care. These improvements are crucial for the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable young people in our community.

The Cabinet also reviewed an action plan in response to the Local Government Association's Corporate Peer Challenge. While acknowledging strengths in leadership and financial management, the plan addresses areas for improvement, including aligning corporate and financial plans and managing demand in SEND and temporary accommodation. This focus on continuous improvement is essential for delivering effective services.

A crucial update on the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy was presented. The current strategy, adopted in 2022, is recommended for extension to 2027, with a new five-year strategy to be developed. Progress in preventing homelessness and reducing the cost of temporary accommodation was noted. This work is vital for ensuring that residents have access to safe and stable housing.

In planning news, the Cabinet was asked to approve an updated Local Development Scheme (LDS), setting out the timetable for producing the Local Plan. This update ensures the council meets government deadlines for planning policy, which will shape future development across the county.

Two significant infrastructure decisions were also on the agenda: the permanent closure and demolition of the Easton Street Multistorey Car Park in High Wycombe to make way for regeneration, and the approval of next steps for the Woodlands development site in Aylesbury. These projects aim to improve local amenities and drive economic growth.

The Q3 Budget Management Report indicated a balanced revenue outturn, but highlighted significant financial pressures in Children's Social Care and Temporary Accommodation, underscoring the ongoing demand for essential support services.

Read the agenda and meeting details here.

Other Matters

• The Aylesbury Community Board met on Tuesday 10 March 2026 to receive updates on the Opportunity Bucks Programme and discuss local priorities. Read the agenda here.
• The South East Bucks Community Board met on Wednesday 11 March 2026 to discuss local priorities and how the board can better serve residents. Read the agenda here.
• The West Bucks Community Board met on Wednesday 11 March 2026 to discuss community priorities, the establishment of Street Associations, and receive a project update on The Friday Club in Haddenham. Read the agenda here.
• The BMKFA Overview & Audit Committee met on Wednesday 11 March 2026 to review internal audit reports, corporate risk management, and treasury management performance. Read the agenda here.
• The Senior Appointments and Pay Committee met on Wednesday 11 March 2026 to discuss pay awards for schools and senior resourcing. Read the agenda here.

This week in Buckinghamshire:

Council Grapples with Budget Pressures: Services and Tax Hikes Loom

Buckinghamshire Council's Finance & Resources Select Committee met on Thursday 26 February 2026 to review the council's financial health, with a particular focus on the third quarter performance of the 2025/26 financial year. The committee examined the progress of the 2025 Budget Scrutiny Inquiry recommendations, performance monitoring, and the council's budget management. Read the agenda here.

The performance monitoring report revealed that at the end of Quarter 3, 23% of key performance indicators were flagged as 'Red', meaning they were significantly off target. This included critical areas such as Strategic infrastructure projects and Average call wait time. For residents, this could translate into delays in essential infrastructure development and longer waits for council services.

Financially, while the overall forecast revenue outturn is balanced, significant pressures are evident within Children's Social Care and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for High Needs budgets. These are areas that directly impact the most vulnerable in our community, and any strain here can lead to reduced support or increased waiting times for those who need it most.

The committee also reviewed the progress of the Customer First programme, which aims to embed a customer-centric culture. While the migration to a single CRM platform and the introduction of AI contact channels are positive steps, the report stressed the importance of maintaining accessible telephone and face-to-face support for digitally excluded residents. This is a crucial point, as it ensures that those who are less comfortable with digital services are not left behind.

Council Meeting Addresses Committee Balance and Road Maintenance Funding

The Council met on Wednesday 25 February 2026 to discuss several important matters, including adjustments to committee proportionality, amendments to the financial plan, and the appointment of a new Chief Executive. Read the agenda here.

Following a shift in political group membership, the council reviewed its committee proportionality to ensure it accurately reflected the current political balance. This is a standard procedure governed by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, which aims to ensure fair representation on committees.

A significant proposal was the amendment to the Medium Term Financial Plan and Capital Programme. Councillor Stuart Wilson and Councillor Penny Drayton put forward a motion to release £5 million from reserves to fund highway road maintenance. This is a direct response to the deteriorating condition of roads, exacerbated by recent weather. For residents, this could mean much-needed repairs and smoother journeys, though the funding source and its impact on other council priorities will be a key consideration.

The council also considered the appointment of a permanent Chief Executive Officer and Head of Paid Service. This is a crucial role responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the council. The recommendation was for Zina Etheridge, whose extensive experience in local government and the NHS was highlighted. A stable and experienced leadership team is vital for effective service delivery.

Health Committee Explores Ambulance Service Changes and Women's Health

The Health & Adult Social Care Select Committee met on Thursday 26 February 2026 to discuss critical health service developments, including proposed changes to the ambulance service and an overview of women's health provision. Read the agenda here.

A key item was the proposed move towards a Group model for the South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) and South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb). This regional restructuring aims to improve efficiency and service delivery. For residents, this could impact response times and the way emergency services are coordinated.

The committee also received an overview of women's health services in Buckinghamshire. The report highlighted the FedBucks' Community Intermediate Gynaecology Service, which aims to provide specialist care closer to home. This initiative is crucial for improving access to timely and appropriate healthcare for women, potentially reducing the need for hospital visits and improving patient outcomes.

Furthermore, the committee began scoping a rapid review into emergency care provision across the county. This review is prompted by concerns about access inequality and aims to evaluate current services and future needs. This is a vital step in ensuring that all residents have reliable access to emergency care when they need it.

Other Matters

• The Finance & Resources Select Committee also reviewed the progress of the Customer First programme, which aims to improve customer service across the council. Read the agenda here.