The Council meeting on Wednesday 16 September 2026 saw the appointment of a new Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer, Zina Etheridge, and the confirmation of Glenn Watson as Interim Monitoring Officer. Members also endorsed mandatory legislative changes to planning application decisions, adopted the Local Transport Plan 5, and approved the Buckinghamshire Youth Justice Plan for 2026-2029.

Appointment of Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer

The Council appointed Zina Etheridge as the new Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer with immediate effect. This appointment is a statutory requirement following the departure of Lisa Marie Williams.

Appointment of Interim Monitoring Officer

Following the resignation of Lisa Marie Williams, Glenn Watson was appointed as the Interim Monitoring Officer. This interim appointment will remain in place until a permanent Service Director of Legal, Electoral and Democratic Services is recruited, who will then assume the statutory Monitoring Officer responsibilities.

Constitution Amendments - Planning Legislative Changes

Members endorsed proposed amendments to the Council's Constitution to comply with new national legislation affecting planning application decisions, which come into effect on 31 October 2026. Councillor Peter Strachan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning, explained that these changes, mandated by central government, introduce a new sequence of gateway tests before an application can be heard at a planning committee. This will significantly alter the current call-in process, reducing the number of applications that reach committees. Councillors expressed concerns that these changes would diminish the role of elected members in planning decisions and reduce local democratic participation. Assurance was given that the Area Planning Committees would endeavour to hear as many currently called-in applications as possible before the deadline.

Local Transport Plan 5 Adoption

The Council adopted the Local Transport Plan 5 (LTP5) and the associated Freight and Logistics Strategy. Councillor Thomas Broom, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, highlighted that the plan aims to make travel easier, safer, and more accessible for residents and businesses across the county, while enhancing travel choices. The plan aligns with the Council's corporate priorities and provides a framework for future transport infrastructure improvements. Concerns were raised regarding the accessibility provisions within the plan, particularly for disabled residents, and the reliance on future grants and developer contributions for many of the plan's ambitions.

Buckinghamshire Youth Justice Plan 2026-2029

The Buckinghamshire Youth Justice Plan for 2026-2029 was adopted. Councillor Carl Jackson, Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services, presented the plan, which details progress in reducing first-time entrants into the youth justice system, re-offending rates, and the use of custody. The plan also outlines priorities for the next three years, including supporting victims, providing opportunities for positive change for young people, and ensuring children remain in suitable education. The disproportionate number of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) within the youth justice system was highlighted, underscoring the importance of providing effective support. His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation rated Buckinghamshire's Youth Justice Service as good in a recent inspection.

Buckinghamshire Council Pay Policy Statement 2026/27

The Buckinghamshire Council Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 was approved. Councillor Steven Broadbent, Leader of the Council, explained that this statutory document outlines the Council's approach to pay and remuneration, including for Chief Officers and the lowest-paid employees, and the relationship between senior and wider workforce pay. The statement has been updated to reflect current pay levels and organisational arrangements. A clarification was provided regarding a discrepancy in figures, which was attributed to some staff remaining on legacy contract terms.

Scrutiny Annual Report 2025-2026

The Annual Report of the Select Committees for 2025-26 was noted. Councillor Shade Adoh, Chairman of the Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee, presented the report, highlighting the work undertaken by the Council's five select committees in challenging decision-makers and improving outcomes for residents. Members acknowledged the valuable work of the committees in providing robust challenge. However, concerns were raised that the report did not acknowledge the political changes made to select committee chairmanships during the year, nor did it include contributions from the chairs who had led scrutiny for the majority of the reporting period.

Reports from Cabinet Members

Members received and discussed reports from Cabinet Members on their respective portfolios.

• Leader of the Council, Councillor Steven Broadbent: Provided an update on the Local Government Association's follow-up Corporate Peer Challenge, which found Buckingham