The Overview and Audit Committee of the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority convened on Wednesday 22 July 2026 to review a range of governance, risk, and financial management reports. Key discussions were scheduled to focus on the Authority's corporate risk management, the annual governance statement for 2025/26, and various internal and external audit reports. The committee was also set to receive updates on treasury management performance, HMICFRS findings, and the Local Pensions Board.

Corporate Risk Management

The committee was scheduled to consider the Corporate Risk Register, which outlines the key risks facing the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority. The report detailed changes to risk scores and proposed splitting the Devolution risk into two separate risks. The Climate Change risk was to be closed, with its elements incorporated into Major Incident Readiness and Sustainability risks. This approach aims to provide a clearer and more accurate picture of risks by allowing for more focused management of each area. The report highlighted that the Authority participates in the Thames Valley Local Resilience Forum, which contributes to the identification of potential risks.

Annual Governance Statement 2025/26

A significant item on the agenda was the consideration and approval of the Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for 2025/26. This statement, prepared in accordance with the CIPFA/SOLACE Delivering Good Governance in Local Government Framework, outlines how the Authority has complied with its Local Code of Corporate Governance and the requirements of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015. The statement was to detail progress on implementing recommendations from the previous year's AGS and set out priorities for 2026/27. The review of the Authority's governance effectiveness was informed by various assurance sources, including internal and external audit reports, HMICFRS findings, and the work of the Overview and Audit Committee itself. The overall governance opinion was expected to confirm that arrangements remained broadly fit for purpose during the financial year.

Internal Audit Reports

The committee was to receive several reports from the Internal Audit service, provided by Buckinghamshire Council. These included the Annual Internal Audit Report, which provides an opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Authority's governance, risk management, and internal control framework. The Chief Auditor's opinion was expected to offer reasonable assurance. Updates were also scheduled on the progress of the 2025/26 Internal Audit Plan, detailing completed engagements such as the Fleet Management and Risk Management audits, both of which received a reasonable assurance opinion. The committee was also to note the finalisation of the 2025/26 Internal Audit Plan and review the proposed Internal Audit Plan for 2026/27, which aligns with the Authority's strategic objectives and risk profile. A report on the progress of implementing management actions to address audit findings was also to be presented, indicating that all identified actions were either implemented or in progress, with none overdue.

External Audit Plan 2025-26

KPMG, the Authority's external auditors, were scheduled to present their audit plan and strategy for the year ending 31 March 2026. The report outlined the planned audit approach, scope, and materiality levels. Key areas of focus included significant risks such as management override of controls and the valuation of post-retirement benefit obligations for the Firefighters Pension Scheme. The report also detailed the audit team, timeline, fees, and confirmed KPMG's independence. The committee was to note the plan, which is a statutory requirement and forms a crucial part of the Authority's governance arrangements.

Treasury Management Performance 2025/26

The committee was to review the treasury management performance for the financial year 2025/26. The report indicated that accrued interest earned significantly exceeded the budget, primarily due to higher-than-anticipated cash balances resulting from delays in capital expenditure and the receipt of pension grant funding. The report detailed the security and liquidity of investments, the Authority's borrowing position, and investment yield performance against benchmarks. It also highlighted the impact of inflation on borrowing and investments.

Local Pensions Board Update

An update from the Local Pensions Board was scheduled, detailing its activities during 2025-26. The Board assists the Authority in its role as Scheme Manager for the Firefighters' Pension Scheme, ensuring compliance with regulations and legislation. The report was expected to cover the Board's meetings, updates from the scheme manager and administrator (West Yorkshire Pension Fund), and address the complexities arising from the McCloud/Sargeant and Matthews legal challenges. The report also noted the absence of Internal Dispute Resolution Process (IDRP) cases, indicating effective communication and support for scheme members.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) Update

The committee was to receive an update on the Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service's (BFRS) progress following the HMICFRS inspection report published in October 2023. The report detailed the closure of all causes of concern and the Service's removal from enhanced monitoring. It also provided an update on the status of Areas for Improvement (AFIs), with only one remaining open concerning the demounting of Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs). Furthermore, the committee was to be informed about the HMICFRS inspection conducted in Q4 2025/26, with the final report anticipated in mid-Q2 2026/27.

2025/26 Compliments, Concerns and Complaints

A report was to be presented comparing compliments, concerns, and complaints data over the past three years (2023/24 to 2025/26). The report aimed to identify corrective actions taken to address issues leading to complaints and opportunities to improve public satisfaction. It was noted that the number of complaints received was low, and no investigations were undertaken by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman in 2025/26. The report also detailed a significant increase in compliments received over the period.

Forward Plan

Finally, the committee was to note the Forward Plan, which outlines future agenda items for upcoming meetings.