The Cabinet of Buckinghamshire Council met on Wednesday 14 October 2026, endorsing the Safer Buckinghamshire Partnership Strategy 2026-2031 and agreeing to submit a proposed Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule and Instalment Policy for the North and Central areas for public examination. The meeting also noted annual reports on Adult Social Care and Children's Services, and agreed to market part of the former Sports & Social Club site in Stoke Mandeville for community use.

Safer Buckinghamshire Partnership Strategy 2026-2031

The Cabinet endorsed the Safer Buckinghamshire Partnership Strategy 2026-2031, which outlines a five-year commitment from partners to enhance community safety across Buckinghamshire. The strategy, developed through extensive consultation and data analysis, identifies six key priorities: Neighbourhood Crime and Shoplifting, Anti-Social Behaviour, Fraud and Scams, Preventing Harm and Exploitation, Community Cohesion, and Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Councillor Steve Bowles, Cabinet Member for Communities, presented the strategy, highlighting its focus on prevention, early intervention, and coordinated multi-agency responses to address local needs and emerging risks. The strategy aims to reduce crime, protect vulnerable people, and build stronger, safer communities, fulfilling the Council's statutory duty to publish a community safety strategy.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Proposed Charging Schedule and Instalment Policy for North and Central (N&C) areas

The Cabinet agreed to submit the proposed Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule and Instalment Policy for the North and Central (N&C) areas of Buckinghamshire for public examination. This decision follows a public consultation on the draft schedule and policy. Councillor Peter Strachan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning, explained that the CIL aims to increase funding for infrastructure to support development, while balancing this with economic viability. The proposed schedule includes varying rates based on development type, location, and scale, with amendments made following consultation, such as nil-rating agricultural buildings and residential developments that do not create new dwellings. The Cabinet also endorsed the Council's responses and amendments to the proposed CIL, including a revised instalment policy to support developer cash flow. The Growth, Infrastructure and Housing (GIH) Select Committee, represented by Councillor David Moore, Vice-Chairman, provided feedback, including concerns about CIL rates for data centres, the need for a more uniform approach across the county, and a recommendation to lobby central government regarding the exemption of wind, solar farms, and battery storage facilities from CIL. The Cabinet also agreed to provide CIL training for council members and town and parish councillors.

Stoke Mandeville – Community Marketing

Cabinet agreed to the marketing of part of the former Sports & Social Club site in Stoke Mandeville for community use, following a Judicial Review that upheld concerns regarding Policy I3 of the Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan. Councillor Robert Carington, Cabinet Member for Resources, presented the report, explaining that the site would be divided into three parcels: the Northern Field for disposal through sale, the Southern Field to be retained as education land for the expansion of Booker Park School, and an access road for the school. The Northern Field will be marketed for community use for up to 12 months, with a minimum of 12 weeks for community bids. This approach aims to address the JR requirements, support the expansion of Booker Park School to provide much-needed SEND places, and demonstrate best value in compliance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972. The decision also allows for the possibility of the site being considered for residential development if no viable community use offers are received.

Adult Social Care Annual Report

Cabinet noted the Adult Social Care Annual Report, which provided an overview of local progress, achievements, and areas of focus, alongside national developments. Councillor Isobel Darby, Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing, highlighted the service's Good rating from the Care Quality Commission, its continued focus on prevention and independence, and the challenges of rising demand and financial pressures. The report detailed the service's performance against the Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework, its work with Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, and the financial position, including a forecast overspend for 2026/27 due to inflationary pressures and increased client complexity.

Children's Services Annual Report

Cabinet noted the Children's Services Annual Report for 2025/26. Councillor Julie Jordan, Deputy Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services, presented the report, highlighting the significant national reforms impacting the sector, alongside rising demand and financial pressures. Despite an adverse variance of £5.2 million in 2025/26, the service made progress in safeguarding, improving EHCP timeliness through a £3 million recovery programme, expanding local specialist education and in-house children's homes, and launching the first Best Start Family Hub in Aylesbury. The report also detailed positive feedback from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission on SEND inspections and praise for youth justice services. Councillor Thomas Broom, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, raised concerns about the national government's funding shortfall for SEND services, which he argued was being unfairly passed on to local taxpayers.

The meeting also included Hot Topics where Cabinet members provided updates on various council activities, including progress on the new local plan, road maintenance, the relocation of Buckinghamshire Archives, public health initiatives like Stoptober and flu vaccinations, the Box Tree Mission's winter tree planting programme, Flood Action Week, and the Council's zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping. Updates were also given on the first BCSE Leaders Exchange event, investment through the Financial Wellbeing and Community Fund, and congratulations were extended to newly appointed Deputy Lieutenants of Buckinghamshire. A question time session addressed concerns about proposed off-street parking charges, with clarification provided that emails regarding these proposals were sent in error and any future changes would undergo public consultation. The Forward Plan and Select Committee Work Programme were also noted.