The Cabinet of Buckinghamshire Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026, noting the progress made on the Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan and formally designating four country parks. The council also approved the acquisition of a long leasehold interest in a property at Lincoln Road, Cressex Business Park, Wycombe.

Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review

Cabinet noted the outcome of the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review undertaken on 3 July 2026. The review recognised significant progress made in responding to the original Corporate Peer Challenge and delivering the Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan, which had been approved by Cabinet in March 2026. It was also noted that the action plan had been delivered, with any remaining activity continuing through established business planning, governance, transformation, and performance management arrangements. The original Corporate Peer Challenge took place between 30 September and 3 October 2025, identifying opportunities for improvement. The LGA's revisit confirmed the council's positive response and progress.

Country Parks Designation

The council formally adopted four sites as Country Parks under the Countryside Act 1968. These include Denham Country Park, Thorney Country Park, Little Marlow Lakes Country Park (Council-owned land at Spade Oak Lake), and the new Country Park at Stoke Poges, which is currently under construction. This designation standardises the legal status of all existing Country Parks in the council's ownership, aligning with the existing management practices of Black Park and Langley Park, which are already formally designated. The designation is expected to protect and enhance natural habitats, wildlife, and landscapes, while supporting managed public access. The parks operate on a self-financing model, with income from parking and other charges reinvested into maintenance and enhancement. The formal designation also offers a minor financial benefit by exempting car parking income from VAT and is anticipated to be helpful when applying for external funding opportunities. Councillor Jilly Jordan, Deputy Cabinet Member for Education & Children's Services (Skills), raised a query regarding Thorney Park, noting the lack of parking facilities and the park being primarily for walkers. Councillor Peter Brazier, Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure, stated there were no immediate plans to change Thorney Park but that the issue could be reviewed as part of the budget setting process.

Estate Strategy – Lincoln Road, Cressex Business Park, Wycombe HP12 3RH

Cabinet approved the acquisition of the long leasehold interest in the Arriva Depot at Lincoln Road, Cressex Business Park. The council currently owns the freehold of the 1.8-acre site, which is let on a 125-year lease with a peppercorn rent, granting the council minimal control. The occupational tenant wishes to dispose of their interest, presenting an opportunity for the council to acquire control of the site. This acquisition is intended to bring the site into occupational use, either as part of the council's corporate estate or for onward disposal, with the aim of generating savings, income, or capital receipts. Authority has been delegated to the Service Director of Special Projects, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources and the S151 Officer, to finalise terms, contract, and complete the transaction. Earmarked reserves will be used to fund the acquisition and any subsequent revenue building costs. Furthermore, authority has been delegated to the Service Director of Special Projects and the Service Director for Corporate Property and Assets to let the property on short-term lettings pending further due diligence and legal work on disposal or operational use options. Councillor Anna Crabtree, representing Marlow Ward, questioned the assurances that this acquisition would not expose the council to viability, delivery risk, and market dependency issues, referencing previous disposal decisions. Councillor Robert Carington, Cabinet Member for Resources, stated that the recommendations were underpinned by significant pre-contract due diligence, market intelligence, and interest, and that the acquisition would provide future options for Cabinet consideration.

Strategic Risk Update

Cabinet noted the Strategic Risk update for September 2026, which provides member oversight on strategic risks as part of the council's Risk Management Framework.