The Transport, Environment, Communities & Climate Change Select Committee of Buckinghamshire Council met on Tuesday 23 June 2026 to discuss the progress of the Local Transport Plan 5 (LTP5) and review performance monitoring for the Transport, Environment, Climate Change & Waste, and Communities portfolios. Key discussions included the ambitious nature of LTP5, funding challenges, road maintenance, public transport provision, and environmental initiatives.

Local Transport Plan 5 (LTP5)

Councillor Thomas Broom, Cabinet Member for Transport, provided an update on the Local Transport Plan 5 (LTP5), Buckinghamshire's strategic document outlining transport improvements until 2040. The plan has undergone public consultation, receiving 347 responses. While overall support for the policy approach was strong, feedback highlighted concerns about deliverability, funding, and the need for more detailed implementation plans. Key proposed changes include the addition of an accessibility theme and an integrated ticketing policy, alongside clarifications on the role of LTP5 and delivery processes. The plan is set to be adopted by Full Council in September 2026.

During the discussion, Councillor Andy Huxley raised concerns about the LTP5's lack of reference to the significant housing growth planned for the north of the county and the absence of any mention of improvements to the highway network in that region. He also questioned potential links with Milton Keynes Council's Rapid Transit System. Councillor Broom acknowledged the imposition of 90,000 new homes without commensurate infrastructure funding from the government, stating that LTP5 is a framework and not a solution to this problem.

Councillor Clive Harriss highlighted the poor state of the county's road infrastructure and the challenges of school transport, particularly the use of large coaches for few children. He advocated for greater integration between the education and transport departments. Councillor Wendy Matthews inquired about innovative solutions for rural public transport, such as demand-responsive travel, and support for community transport initiatives. Councillor Broom explained that while demand-responsive travel has been piloted, its cost-effectiveness is a challenge, and he welcomed ideas for community transport support.

Councillor Justine Fulford questioned the deliverability of LTP5, noting a focus on reasons why things cannot be done. Councillor Broom defended the plan, highlighting significant investment in highways maintenance and the council's proactive approach to rural transport trials. He stressed that LTP5 is a long-term strategic vision designed to attract funding.

Performance Monitoring Q4 2025 to 2026

The committee reviewed the performance monitoring report for the fourth quarter of 2025-2026 across the Transport, Environment, Climate Change & Waste, and Communities portfolios.

Transport Portfolio:

Councillor Thomas Broom, Cabinet Member for Transport, presented the performance data. A key concern was the Percentage of Category 1 defects repaired in 5 working days, which fell to 85% against a target of 95%. This was attributed to unprecedentedly bad weather, leading to a 52% increase in road defects. The council has increased repair capacity to address this. The Percentage of gullies cleaned against the cyclical gully programme was at 88%, below the 95% target, due to parked vehicles obstructing access and stuck gully lids. A plan is in place to address these issues.

Public satisfaction with road surfaces increased to 21%, exceeding the target of 19% and the cohort average. The Percentage of completion of highways capital schemes against agreed programme was 95%, above the 90% target, with various schemes delivered. Public satisfaction with rights of way was also positive, at 55%, above the target of 54%. The Average daily cycling count per active cycle counter per day was 77.8, above the target of 66, indicating growth in cycling. However, the Percentage of eligible special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) students of statutory school age with transport in place for the start of the academic year was 85%, below the 95% target.

Councillor Munger questioned the methodology behind the Average daily cycling count metric, finding it opaque. Councillor Broom explained it is a measure of cyclists passing electronic counters, averaged over a quarter, and is used to track trends. Councillor Cornell raised concerns about logged gullies, citing examples of blocked drains that had been tarmacked over. Councillor Broom clarified the process for identifying and addressing drain issues, noting the vast scale of the network and the challenges of ensuring access. Councillor Fulford expressed pleasure at the reopening of a subway in Chesham following gully cleaning but questioned the methodology for repairing Category 1 defects, noting instances where only some defects were addressed.

Environment, Climate Change & Waste Portfolio:

Councillor Jaspal Chhokar, Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change & Waste, presented the performance. The Percentage of household waste recycling rate was 49.1%, below the target of 50.9%, though an improvement on the previous quarter. Efforts are underway to improve food waste diversion and reduce contamination. The Number of tonnes of carbon dioxide saved per annum through the 'Energy Doctor' scheme was 87.3, exceeding the target of 70.4. Percentage of fly-tipping reports cleared within agreed timescales was 99.4%, well above the 90% target. Percentage of missed bin collections was 0.08%, significantly below the 0.20% target. Residual household waste (kg per household) was 508kg, below the target of 510kg, continuing a downward trend.

Councillor Munger questioned the recycling statistic, asking if it represented waste collected or waste actually recycled, and if any was sent abroad. It was clarified that the statistic represents the percentage of all waste produced that is recycled, and it is not believed that any is sent abroad. Councillor Cornell inquired about the location and opening date of a new Household Recycling Centre (HRC) for North Buckinghamshire, but the exact location was not yet finalised. Councillor Dixon commented on the Energy Doctor scheme, noting the CO2 savings but questioning how this aligns with net-zero obligations. The Deputy Cabinet Member mentioned ongoing work on the Warm Home Energies Grant.

Communities Portfolio:

Councillor Ashley Waite, Deputy Cabinet Member for Communities, presented the performance. The Household Support Fund (Helping Hand): Direct support average spend per person supported was £748, above the target range, attributed to inflationary increases in the cost of essential items. The Number of new Domestic Abuse Champions recruited and trained was 68, below the target of 85, with plans to improve communication and oversubscribe sessions to mitigate non-attendance. The Percentage of invalid Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) was 1%, well below the 3% target.

Councillor Collingwood asked if the PCN figures were pre or post the new contract switchover, and what the new benchmark would be. It was confirmed the figures were pre-new contract, with the target remaining at 3% for the first six months of the new contract. Councillor Dixon raised concerns about the high percentage of complaints upheld at Stage 1 or Stage 2, asking what was being done to address the root causes. The Cabinet Member stated they would need to come back with an answer on this.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed the upcoming work programme, noting topics such as the Heathrow Expansion Programme, Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Home to School Transport, Bus Service Improvement Programme, and the East West Rail Train Maintenance Depot. Councillor Fulford proposed adding anti-social behaviour leading to crime to the work programme, which was agreed to be considered.