This week in Buckinghamshire:

Budget Scrutiny Continues: How Will Council Spending Decisions Impact Your Services?

Buckinghamshire Council's Budget Scrutiny Inquiry Task and Finish Group has been deeply engaged in reviewing the council's draft budget for the upcoming years (2026/27 to 2028/29). This crucial process involves scrutinising the Medium Term Financial Plan and Capital Programme, with a particular focus on how proposed spending will affect key service areas. Read the agenda for Monday's meeting here.

The group has been hearing from Cabinet Members responsible for portfolios including Communities, Transport, Resources, and the Leader's own portfolio. This is where the real-world impact of council decisions becomes clear. For example, decisions made about the transport budget could directly affect the frequency and reliability of bus services, impacting those who rely on them for work, appointments, and daily life, particularly older residents and those with mobility issues. Similarly, the resources budget underpins everything from waste collection to the maintenance of public spaces, affecting the cleanliness and usability of our neighbourhoods.

Councillor Steven Broadbent, the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, has been presenting the overall financial strategy. The group's questioning aims to ensure that the council's spending plans are not only financially sound but also aligned with the needs of all residents, especially the most vulnerable. The discussions are informed by detailed reports, including the Draft Budget Report, Budget Consultation Results, and an Equalities Impact Assessment, which aims to identify any potential negative consequences for different groups within the community.

The scrutiny process is vital because it provides a check and balance on the executive decisions made by the Cabinet. It allows for a deeper dive into the rationale behind spending proposals and provides an opportunity for councillors to challenge assumptions and seek greater clarity on the potential outcomes for residents. The group's findings and recommendations will ultimately feed into the final budget decisions, shaping the services we all rely on.

Read the agenda for Tuesday's meeting here. Read the agenda for Thursday's meeting here.

Planning Committee Considers Beaconsfield Development: Balancing Housing Needs with Local Impact

The East & South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee met to consider a significant planning application for a property in Beaconsfield. The proposal at 40 Woodside Avenue involved the demolition of an existing dwelling and the erection of a new detached house, alongside extensions to the original property. Read the agenda here.

This application highlights the complex balancing act faced by planning committees. On one hand, there's a need to ensure a supply of new housing, especially as the council currently cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of housing in the South Bucks Area. On the other hand, the committee must consider the impact on existing residents and the local environment.

Concerns raised by Ward Members, including Councillor Jackson Ng, centred on potential overdevelopment, the impact on neighbouring amenities, and highway safety. The report pack also addressed ecological considerations, noting a net loss in habitat units and the need for offsite mitigation to achieve biodiversity net gain. A significant point of discussion was the impact on the Burnham Beeches Special Area of Conservation (SAC), requiring a financial contribution towards its protection.

The committee's decision-making process involves weighing these competing factors, guided by national planning policy and local development plans. The outcome of such decisions can have a lasting effect on the character of our neighbourhoods, the availability of green spaces, and the quality of life for residents.

Schools Forum Tackles Budget Pressures and Funding for 2026-27

The Schools Forum convened to address the critical issue of school funding for the upcoming academic year, 2026-27. This meeting is vital for ensuring that schools have the resources they need to provide quality education, particularly in light of increasing pressures. Read the agenda here.

A major focus was the proposed budget for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), projected to be £752.4m. While this represents an increase, the report highlighted that the National Funding Formula (NFF) would need to be scaled back to balance the budget, meaning schools might receive slightly less than the full NFF allocation. This could have a direct impact on school budgets, potentially affecting staffing levels, resources, and extracurricular activities.

The High Needs Block budget, allocated for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), was also a significant concern. A projected shortfall of £27.3m was identified, leading to a substantial cumulative deficit. This situation could mean increased pressure on already stretched SEND services, potentially impacting the support available for vulnerable children and their families.

The forum also discussed proposals for de-delegating funds for services like contingency funds for schools in deficit, trade union facilities, and school improvement activities. Decisions here determine how much control schools have over their own budgets versus how much is managed centrally by the council. The funding for teacher unions and the Early Years Block were also on the agenda, impacting the wider educational landscape.

Other Matters

• The High Wycombe Community Board met to discuss community board priorities. Read the agenda here.
• The West Chilterns Community Board also met to discuss community board priorities. Read the agenda here.

Upcoming Meetings

• Licensing (Public Protection) Committee: Monday 19 January 2026. The committee will review the budget and fees for taxi and private hire licensing, and discuss proposed amendments to the licensing policy. Read the agenda here.
• High Wycombe Town Committee: Tuesday 20 January 2026. Discussions will focus on the draft budget for Special Expenses and priorities for Special Expenses Reserves. Read the agenda here.
• East Bucks Community Board: Thursday 22 January 2026. An update on the board's priorities will be provided. Read the agenda here.
• West Bucks Community Board: Thursday 22 January 2026. An update on the board's priorities is scheduled. Read the agenda here.
• North Bucks Community Board: Tuesday 27 January 2026. An update on the Community Board's priorities will be provided. Read the agenda here.
• Growth, Infrastructure & Housing Select Committee: Tuesday 27 January 2026. Read the agenda here.
• Audit and Governance Committee: Wednesday 28 January 2026. Read the agenda here.
• Buckinghamshire Shareholder Committee: Wednesday 28 January 2026. Read the agenda here.
• East Chilterns Community Board: Wednesday 28 January 2026. An update on the board's priorities is scheduled. Read the agenda here.
• Aylesbury Community Board: Wednesday 28 January 2026. An update on the board's priorities will be provided. Read the agenda here.
• Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee: Wednesday 28 January 2026. Read the agenda here.
• Strategic Sites Committee: Thursday 29 January 2026. Read the agenda here.
• Children’s & Education Select Committee: Thursday 29 January 2026. Read the agenda here.
• South East Bucks Community Board: Thursday 29 January 2026. An update on the board's priorities will be provided. Read the agenda here.

This week in Buckinghamshire:

Council Tax Reduction Scheme Consultation Launched: Will Changes Hit Vulnerable Households?

Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet has approved a six-week public consultation on proposed changes to the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme. The aim is to make the scheme more efficient and better target support to those most in need, but the changes could see a reduction in support for some low-income households. Read the agenda here.

The proposed amendments include introducing a banded CTR scheme, which would simplify calculations and aim to reduce volatility in awards. The council estimates these changes could increase its council tax income by £1.5 million by 2028/29.

What this means for residents:

• Potential Reductions: While the council states that 75% of current CTR recipients would see their award maintained or increased, 25% could face a reduction.
• Transitional Protection: To soften the blow for those experiencing significant reductions, transitional protection will be offered. This would limit weekly reductions to £12.50 in the first year for households with savings under £6,000.
• Exceptional Hardship Fund: An exceptional hardship fund will remain in place to help individuals whose circumstances aren't fully covered by the new banding system.

Councillor Robert Carington, Cabinet Member for Resources, highlighted the efficiency gains, stating that claim processing times could be slashed from 29 to 10 days. However, Councillor Stuart Wilson raised concerns about the consultation period, questioning if it adequately allowed for resident feedback given its overlap with the Christmas and New Year holidays. The council has assured that proactive engagement with partner organisations will ensure residents have ample opportunity to respond.

Skills Bootcamps Show Strong Performance, Offering Pathways to Employment

Buckinghamshire's Skills Bootcamps are proving successful in equipping residents with in-demand skills, according to a recent cabinet update. These free, flexible training programmes are part of the government's Lifetime Skills Guarantee, designed to help people find jobs, advance their careers, or start their own businesses.

Since July 2023, Buckinghamshire Council has been delivering these bootcamps, funded by a £7.5 million grant. The programmes focus on vocational skills at levels 2-5, and crucially, participants are guaranteed an interview with an employer upon completion.

The Leader, Councillor Steven Broadbent, emphasised the importance of these initiatives in the current economic climate, noting a recent visit to a construction skills bootcamp in Iver. Performance data from the latest wave of the programme exceeded targets, with 98% enrolment, 86% completion, and 72% job outcomes. Cabinet members praised the scheme's role in fostering independence and resilience, particularly for veterans and care leavers.

Grounds Maintenance to be Consolidated into a Single Contract

Buckinghamshire Council is set to consolidate all its grounds maintenance activities into a single, countywide outsourced contract. This move aims to streamline services, improve consistency, and achieve better value for money across council-managed sites.

Currently, grounds maintenance is handled through a mix of in-house services and contracts with external providers. The new, output-based contract, expected to be procured by the end of December 2026, will cover everything from grass cutting in parks and verges to maintaining cemeteries and allotments.

Councillor Peter Brazier, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, assured that staff terms and conditions would be protected under TUPE regulations during the transfer. The council anticipates a competitive market for the contract, with a good level of interest expected from providers.

Conservation Covenants to Aid Biodiversity Net Gain on Cross-Boundary Sites

The council has approved the use of Conservation Covenants (CCs) to secure offsite Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on sites that straddle the border with neighbouring authorities. Conservation Covenants, introduced by the Environment Act 2021, are legal agreements designed to protect natural and heritage features.

Councillor Adekunle Osibogun, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Waste, explained that CCs will simplify the process of achieving nature-related outcomes on these cross-boundary sites, potentially reducing costs and facilitating larger-scale nature recovery projects. This measure supports the council's environmental objectives and ensures that biodiversity is enhanced, even when projects span multiple local authority areas.

Other Business

• Forward Plan and Select Committee Work Programme: The cabinet reviewed upcoming discussions and the work programme for select committees.
• Strategic Risk Register: The council's approach to managing strategic risks was noted.
• Questions from Councillors: Councillors raised questions on the Council Tax Reduction scheme, the Infrastructure Levy, flood risk reduction, and the possibility of a four-weekly council tax payment option.

Upcoming Meetings

• Budget Scrutiny Inquiry Task and Finish Group: Thursday 15 January 2026. The group will question Cabinet Members on budget priorities for Environment, Climate Change and Waste, Education and Children's Services, and hear from the Leader on the overall budget strategy. Read the agenda here.
• Schools Forum: Tuesday 13 January 2026. Discussions will focus on school budget proposals for 2026/27, including the Dedicated Schools Grant, de-delegation of funds, and facilities funding for teacher unions. Read the agenda here.
• East & South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee: Tuesday 13 January 2026. The committee will consider a planning application for a property in Beaconsfield, including potential impacts on the Burnham Beeches Special Area of Conservation. Read the agenda here.
• Budget Scrutiny Inquiry Task and Finish Group: Tuesday 13 January 2026. This group will review draft budgets for Culture and Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, Housing and Regulatory Services, and Planning. Read the agenda here.
• High Wycombe Community Board: Wednesday 14 January 2026. An update on the board's priorities will be provided. Read the agenda here.
• West Chilterns Community Board: Thursday 15 January 2026. An update on the board's priorities is scheduled. Read the agenda here.
• Licensing (Public Protection) Committee: Monday 19 January 2026. The committee will review the budget and fees for taxi and private hire licensing, and discuss proposed amendments to the licensing policy. Read the agenda here.
• East Bucks Community Board: Thursday 22 January 2026. An update on the board's priorities will be provided. Read the agenda here.
• West Bucks Community Board: Thursday 22 January 2026. An update on the board's priorities is scheduled. Read the agenda here.

This week in Buckinghamshire:

Council Tax Reduction Scheme Faces Overhaul: Savings vs. Support for Vulnerable Residents

Buckinghamshire Council is proposing significant changes to its Council Tax Reduction (CTR) Scheme, sparking debate about balancing financial savings with support for vulnerable residents. The Cabinet discussed launching a six-week consultation on the proposed amendments, set to begin December 17, 2025. Read the agenda here.

• Banded Scheme: The council aims to transition to a banded scheme, basing CTR awards on household composition and weekly income levels. Households with savings exceeding £6,000 would be ineligible for support.
• Projected Savings: The report pack states that the proposals, if adopted, could secure an additional £1.5 million of council tax income by 2028/29.
• Transitional Protection: To mitigate the impact on vulnerable households, transitional protection would be provided to those experiencing larger reductions (more than £10 per week) in their CTR awards. Modelling suggests this would affect 1,720 households, costing £800,000 in 2026/27.

The council argues that the changes will simplify assessments, reduce reliance on DWP data, and cut processing times for new claims from 29 to 10 days, delivering £200,000 in administrative savings. However, critics are concerned about the potential impact on low-income households and the adequacy of the proposed transitional protection. This proposal echoes previous discussions around balancing budget constraints with the needs of vulnerable populations, as seen in earlier debates on social care funding.

Grounds Maintenance Set for Countywide Consolidation: Efficiency vs. Local Control

The Cabinet also considered a proposal to consolidate all grounds maintenance activities into a single, countywide outsourced contract, replacing the current mix of in-house and external arrangements. Read the agenda here.

• Cost Savings: The new contract aims to deliver a £200,000 saving in relation to the current budget of £2.3 million per year.
• Scope of Work: The contract will cover a wide range of operational areas, including adopted verges and green spaces, allotments, cemeteries and crematoria, and parks and green spaces. Activities include grass cutting, grave digging, landscaping, litter picking, and play area inspections.
• TUPE Transfer: The new contract will require the TUPE transfer of affected staff.

The council argues that this consolidation will achieve greater consistency, efficiency, and value for money across council-operated sites. However, concerns may arise regarding the potential loss of local control and the impact on the quality of services provided.

Princes Risborough School Expansion Faces Scrutiny Over Traffic and Lighting

The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee discussed planning application 24/06542/FUL for Princes Risborough School, focusing on the construction of a new synthetic pitch and Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). Read the agenda here.

• Local Concerns: Councillor Walsh, Councillor A Turner and Councillor Hall called in the application due to concerns about the impact of floodlighting and activity levels on neighbouring properties, surface water drainage, access, parking, and biodiversity net gain.
• Floodlight Impact: Councillor Walsh stated that The proposed hours of operation could have a detrimental effect on local residents in particular Clifford Road and some properties on Merton Road. The proposed height of the floodlights is very significant.
• Recommendation for Approval: Despite these concerns, the report pack recommended that the application be permitted, subject to conditions.

This application highlights the ongoing tension between the need for improved sports facilities and the potential impact on local residents and the environment.

Other Matters

• The Senior Appointments and Pay Committee discussed the pay approach for 2026 and reviewed trade union pay submissions. The public and press were excluded from part of the meeting. Read the agenda here.
• The Strategic Sites Committee considered planning application PL/25/2353/FA for Gomm Valley, Cock Lane, High Wycombe. Read the agenda here.
• The Buckinghamshire Council Pension Fund Board discussed a range of topics, including updates on the McCloud judgement and the Pensions Dashboards Programme, as well as a discussion of the government consultation on scheme improvements. Read the agenda here.

This week in Buckinghamshire:

Fire Authority to Consider Procurement Act Changes and Safety Report

The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority met to discuss several key issues, including updates to contract procedure rules in light of the Procurement Act 2023, health and safety, and an update from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS). You can read the agenda here.

• Procurement Act Compliance: The Fire Authority considered updated Standing Orders Relating to Contracts, incorporating Contract Procedure Rules, to align with the Procurement Act 2023. This act, which came into force on 24 February 2025, aims to regulate procurement in the UK. The report pack stated that the proposed amendments incorporated detailed procedural guidance and enhanced compliance and transparency measures, aiming to improve the efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness of the Authority's procurement activities.
• Health and Safety: The Health and Safety Annual Report for 2024-25 was noted, covering the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The report pack noted that the safety event statistics for the year 2024/25 identified a 21.9% increase in the number of accident/injuries, but a 25.5% decrease in the number of vehicle damage incidents.
• HMICFRS Update: The Fire Authority received an update on the HMICFRS BFRS 2023-2025 report, which was published on 19 October 2023. The report detailed the HMICFRS's inspection findings following their visit in May and June 2023, which led to three causes of concern and 26 areas for improvement. The report pack also noted that HMICFRS had shared the initial Fire and Rescue Services Inspection Programme for 2025–2027, with Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service scheduled to be among the first fourteen services inspected.

Senior Appointments Committee Discusses Top Jobs Behind Closed Doors

The Senior Appointments and Pay Committee of Buckinghamshire Council met to discuss the appointment of an Interim Director of Children's Services and a proposal for a permanent Chief Executive Officer recruitment process. You can read the agenda here. The public and press were excluded from the meeting during these discussions.

• CEO Recruitment: The committee was scheduled to discuss a proposal for the recruitment process for a permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• Interim Director of Children's Services: The committee was scheduled to discuss the appointment of an Interim Director of Children's Services.

The exclusion of the public and press from these discussions raises questions about transparency and accountability in the appointment of key leadership positions within the council.

Planning Committee Considers New Homes in Gerrards Cross and New Denham

The East & South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee met to discuss planning applications for New Denham and Gerrards Cross. You can read the agenda here.

Gerrards Cross Development

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for the demolition of an existing dwelling at The White House, Lower Road, and the erection of four detached dwellings.

• Previous Refusal: This application followed a previously refused application for six dwellings, which was refused due to concerns about the density of the development and a lack of contribution towards the Burnham Beeches Special Area of Conservation (SAC) mitigation strategy¹.
• Officer Recommendation: The planning officer's report recommended that the committee defer and delegate the application to the Director of Planning and Environment to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and the satisfactory completion of a planning obligation to secure financial contributions towards the Burnham Beeches mitigation strategy.
• Local Objections: Gerrards Cross Town Council had objected to the application, citing overdevelopment, safety concerns regarding access from Lower Road, and the impact on properties on South Park Drive.

New Denham Conversion

The committee was scheduled to consider a planning application concerning Xcard Ltd, located at 2 Oxford Road, for a change of use from a restaurant to two residential flats within a Grade II* listed building².

• Vacant Commercial Unit: The report noted that a detailed marketing statement had been submitted stating that the ground floor commercial unit has been vacant since 2020.
• Heritage Officer Support: The Council's Heritage Officer had reviewed the submitted information and acknowledged that the proposal would result in a change of use, but also that the proposal would bring the ground floor into a residential use which would provide an incentive to ensure the ground floor of the listed building is maintained and conserved in the long run, by being a more suitable viable use in this location.
• Officer Recommendation: The planning officer's report recommended conditional permission, noting that the application aligned with the local development plan and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) by making effective use of the land.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Buckinghamshire Council cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 16 December 2025 to discuss a range of topics, including proposals for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, Skills Bootcamps, and the consolidation of grounds maintenance. Read the agenda here.
• The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee are scheduled to meet to note the minutes of their last meeting and to discuss a planning application for Princes Risborough School on Wednesday 17 December 2025. Read the agenda here.
• The Senior Appointments and Pay Committee are scheduled to meet to discuss the approach to pay reviews for 2026, and to review the minutes of previous meetings on Wednesday 17 December 2025. Read the agenda here.
• The Buckinghamshire Council Pension Fund Board is scheduled to meet on Thursday 18 December 2025 to discuss a review of the internal dispute resolution procedure, an update on the McCloud remedy, and a discussion of the Pensions Dashboards Programme. Read the agenda here.
• A meeting of an unknown committee is scheduled for Thursday 18 December 2025. Read the agenda here. No further information is available about this meeting.