The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority held its annual meeting on Wednesday 10 June 2026. The meeting's agenda included the election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman, committee appointments, and a review of the calendar of meetings. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the On-Call Improvement Programme, which involved proposals for the removal of several on-call fire engines and the closure of two fire stations.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

The meeting was scheduled to begin with the election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the upcoming year. The Vice-Chairman's responsibilities were noted to include supporting the Chairman, deputising where necessary, and leading on matters relating to Climate Change and HMICFRS¹ responses.

Committee Matters and Membership

The Authority was set to review the allocation of seats amongst political groups on its committees, adhering to the principles of proportionality based on group membership. Recommendations were to be made for the allocation of seats on the Executive Committee and the Overview and Audit Committee. The report indicated that the Conservative Group would be recommended for 7 seats on the Authority, the Liberal Democrat Group for 5, the Labour Group for 2, the Buckinghamshire Independent group for 1, IMPACT Alliance for 1, and Reform UK for 1.

Appointment of Representatives to Outside Bodies

The Authority was scheduled to appoint representatives to various external bodies, including the Local Government Association Annual Conference, the Local Government Association Fire Commission, and the Local Government Association Annual Fire Conference. Additionally, appointments were to be made for representatives and substitute members to the Thames Valley Fire Control Service Joint Committee.

Lead Member Responsibilities

The meeting was to consider the allocation of Lead Member Responsibilities, with specific portfolios outlined for Service Delivery, Protection and Collaboration; People, Equality and Diversity and Assurance; Finance and Assets, Information Security and IT; and Health and Safety and Corporate Risk.

Annual Review and Delivery Plan Updates

The Authority was scheduled to consider the Annual Review for 2025-2026, which summarises performance and progress against strategic objectives. This report highlighted strong delivery in prevention, protection, and response, with successes in Home Fire Safety Visits and safeguarding measures. It also provided an update on the 2026-2027 Annual Delivery Plan, detailing progress on major projects such as the On-Call Improvement Programme and the High Wycombe Station Redevelopment.

On-Call Improvement Programme

A significant item on the agenda was the discussion of the On-Call Improvement Programme. This programme, which had undergone public consultation, included recommendations for the removal of on-call fire engines from Amersham, Beaconsfield, Great Missenden, High Wycombe, and Stokenchurch, as well as the second on-call fire engine at West Ashland. Furthermore, the closure and decommissioning of Great Missenden Fire Station and Stokenchurch Fire Station were proposed. The report noted that the on-call capability at Buckingham would be retained and enhanced with a dual-purpose 4x4 lightweight fire engine. The Chief Fire Officer was to be delegated the timing and phased implementation of these changes.

Operational Activity and Communications Update

A presentation was scheduled to provide an overview of recent operational activity and communications during significant incidents. This included details of fires at a nightclub in Bletchley, a barn fire in Little Brickhill, a commercial premises fire in Desborough Road, High Wycombe, and a fire at Lynx Gymnastics in Aylesbury. The presentation aimed to demonstrate the coordination of operational response, public communication, and community reassurance during periods of heightened demand.

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Improvement Agenda

An update on the Fire Brigades Union Improvement Agenda for 2025/26 was to be presented. This report, co-authored by officers and the FBU Brigade Secretary, detailed progress on issues impacting operational effectiveness and workforce wellbeing. Key achievements highlighted included enhanced maternity and parental entitlements, progress on training facilities, and a review of the employee benefits package.

Exclusion of Public and Press

A report was to be considered regarding the exclusion of the public and press from a portion of the meeting. This was proposed on the grounds that the report contained information relating to individuals and the financial or business affairs of the Authority, and that the need to keep this information exempt outweighed the public interest in its disclosure.

People Directorate Restructure

The meeting was also scheduled to consider a restructure of the People Directorate.