The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority's Executive Committee meeting scheduled for 9 September 2026 was set to review the authority's financial performance, operational delivery plan, and human resources procedures. Key discussions were anticipated around budget monitoring, financial stability, and the progress of the 2026-2027 Annual Delivery Plan. Additionally, the committee was scheduled to consider disciplinary and grievance procedures for the Executive Leadership Team.

Budget Monitoring Report April - July 2026

The committee was scheduled to consider the authority's financial position for the period of April to July 2026. The report indicated a projected expenditure underspend of £0.233m, primarily due to additional treasury income and underspends in support and on-call staffing budgets. This was partially offset by overspends in the wholetime establishment. The overall net position was forecasting an underspend of £0.109m for the 2026/27 financial year. The report also detailed capital expenditure, noting significant slippage on projects such as the Westcott and High Wycombe developments.

Financial Stability Risk Update

This item was scheduled to provide an update on the authority's financial stability risk score. Following a discussion by the Overview and Audit Committee, the financial sustainability risk had been elevated from a high impact, possible probability to high impact, likely probability due to concerns about future pay awards and inflation. The report highlighted that approximately 75% of the service's costs are pay-related, meaning small changes in pay awards could significantly impact future budgets.

Performance Management - Q1 2026/27

The committee was set to review the Service's performance for the first quarter of 2026/27 against 56 key performance measures. These measures are categorised under the six objectives of the 2025-2030 Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), covering risk reduction, protection, response, workforce, finances, and technology. The report indicated that 13 measures were rated 'Blue' (exceeding target), 21 'Green' (within target), 10 'Amber' (slightly below target), and 9 'Red' (significantly below target). Specific areas of concern included an increase in deliberate primary fires and higher-than-expected accidental non-domestic property fires.

2026-2027 Annual Delivery Plan Update

This report was intended to provide an update on the progress of the 2026-2027 Annual Delivery Plan. Out of 24 projects within the plan, 19 were reported as On Track, 2 as Risk to Progress, and 3 as Not due to be started. The On-Call Improvement Programme was noted as being in the delivery phase and on track, while the Local Training Facility remained an area of focus due to challenges with planning and timelines. Collaborative projects, such as the PPE renewal, were also highlighted, with the PPE renewal status being Amber due to delays in the national framework.

Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures for Executive Leadership Team

The committee was scheduled to consider the approval of specific disciplinary and grievance procedures for the Executive Leadership Team, including the Chief Fire Officer, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Assistant Chief Fire Officers, and Directors. These procedures were developed to address a gap in the existing governance framework, ensuring that matters involving senior officers are managed fairly, independently, and with appropriate oversight from the Fire Authority. The proposed procedures aim to formalise investigation, hearing, decision-making, and appeal processes, with provisions for independent external investigators and advisors where necessary.

Application for Flexible Retirement

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for flexible retirement.

Establishment of an Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) / Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Role

The committee was set to discuss the establishment of a new role for an Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) or Assistant Chief Officer (ACO).