Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet met on Tuesday 9 June 2026, endorsing the revised Skills and Employment Strategy 2026-2029 and noting the Q4 Corporate Performance Report. The Cabinet also approved the provisional outturn for the 2025/26 budget, which showed a significant revenue surplus of £4.4 million.

Revised Skills and Employment Strategy 2026-2029

The Cabinet endorsed the revised Buckinghamshire Skills and Employment Strategy for 2026-2029. This strategy outlines a place-based approach to skills and employment across the county, developed collaboratively with employers, education providers, and other stakeholders. It aligns with the Buckinghamshire Economic Growth Plan and national policies, aiming to ensure that skills investment directly addresses local economic needs and community priorities. The strategy provides a framework for commissioning, investment, and delivery decisions, ensuring that activities are evidence-led and employer-informed. Councillor Carl Jackson, Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services, highlighted that the strategy is tailored to local needs and focuses on high-quality, relevant training to help residents find good jobs in growth industries such as engineering, construction, and digital technologies. Councillor Steven Broadbent, Leader of the Council, emphasised the importance of skills and education in providing opportunities for residents to thrive and contribute to the county's prosperity.

Q4 Corporate Performance Report

The Cabinet noted the Q4 Corporate Performance Report for 2025/26, which detailed key performance measures. Councillor Robert Carington, Cabinet Member for Resources, presented the report, indicating that out of 67 performance indicators with reported outturns, 47 were Green (70%), 4 were Amber (6%), and 16 were Red (24%). This represented a slight improvement in Green indicators compared to Q3. Several red indicators were discussed, including those related to the Household Support Fund, domestic abuse champion recruitment, looked-after children placements, and the timeliness of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). Improvement actions were detailed for each red indicator, with Cabinet members expressing a need for continued focus and accountability.

Budget Management - Outturn 2025-26

The Cabinet noted and approved the provisional outturn for the 2025/26 revenue and capital budgets. A significant revenue surplus of £4.4 million was achieved, which Councillor Robert Carington described as a significant success given the financial challenges faced by the Council. This surplus was attributed to prudent budget management, particularly in Adult Social Care, Home to School Transport, and Temporary Accommodation, as well as early delivery of savings and effective service reviews. The report highlighted that overall portfolio budgets achieved a favourable variance of £13.8 million. However, challenges remain with growth in demand and economic volatility expected to make the coming year more difficult. The Cabinet approved transfers to reserves, including £13.8 million to fund the Council's future liability on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit. The capital outturn position was noted at £155.8 million, representing 90% delivery of the programme, which was a significant improvement on the previous year. Key capital investments included highways maintenance, the South-East Aylesbury Link Road (SEALR), and school places.

Q4 Strategic Risk Register

The Cabinet noted the Q4 Strategic Risk Register. This item was discussed in a confidential session, with the public excluded from the meeting.

Hot Topics

During the Hot Topics session, various Cabinet members provided updates on their portfolios:

• Councillor Thomas Broom, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, reported on the ramp-up of the capital road repair programme, noting that 270 roads are scheduled for resurfacing this year as part of a £120 million investment.
• Councillor Peter Brazier, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, highlighted recent path repairs in Muddy Meadowcroft and ongoing major works at Ryan Wickham, expected to be completed by mid-July. He also mentioned the success of the first library conference since 2013, acknowledging the vital work of the 700 volunteers supporting the 28 libraries.
• Councillor Steve Bowles, Cabinet Member for Communities, confirmed the successful launch of the new parking enforcement contract and the Community Connections initiative, designed to support council services in engaging directly with local communities.
• Councillor Robert Carington, Cabinet Member for Resources, announced that the White Hart Street regeneration project in High Wycombe had been shortlisted for two industry awards. He also reported on the official opening of the County Apartments in Aylesbury, transforming former council offices into 46 homes.
• Councillor Isobel Darby, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, highlighted National Carers Week and the Care Fest 2026 programme. She also announced that Mobilize would be the new provider for the all-age Buckinghamshire carers support service from July 1st. A supervised toothbrushing service for children was also mentioned as a public health initiative.
• Councillor Carl Jackson, Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services, visited Stoke Mandeville School and expressed concern over the government's cancellation of a promised special school, which leaves a gap in provision. He stated the council is working to expand special school places within existing settings.
• Councillor Adekunle Osibogun, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Waste, provided updates on the Buckinghamshire landowner tree planting survey and the upcoming strategic flood management group meeting.
• Councillor Mark Winn, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, reported on progress in using Section 106 funds for affordable housing, with over £5 million committed, unlocking more than 160 new affordable homes.

Question Time

• Councillor Greg Smith asked about the council's plans to issue a statement regarding the Wild Fish v Buckinghamshire Council appeal court decision, specifically concerning pre-commencement conditions for sewage treatment. Councillor Michael Bracken, Deputy Cabinet Member for Planning, responded that the judgment was case-specific and had no wider implications for developments in Buckinghamshire, as the council was resisting a further judicial review.
• Councillor Robin Stuchbury inquired about plans to review the approach to publishing public comments on planning applications to ensure transparency while meeting data protection requirements. Councillor Michael Bracken explained that discontinuing the publication of public comments was the only approach that fully mitigated the risk of non-compliance with GDPR, and that while alternative options were considered, none were deemed sufficiently robust. He added that comments from statutory consultees, including local members and town/parish councils, are still published.

Forward Plan

The Cabinet noted the Forward Plan, which provides a snapshot of upcoming business. The Litter Enforcement Strategy Review was noted as being moved to the Cabinet meeting on 1 July.

The meeting concluded with the Cabinet moving into a confidential session to discuss the Q4 Strategic Risk Register.