The Buckinghamshire Shareholder and Trust Committee was scheduled to consider a range of financial and governance matters relating to the council's various subsidiary companies and charitable trusts. Key discussions were scheduled to include a review of company governance best practices, appointments to subsidiary boards, and the financial performance of several trusts and companies.

Best Practice Self-Assessment – Company Governance

The committee was scheduled to consider a report on company governance, which was an annual self-assessment against a government-developed checklist. This assessment was intended to highlight compliance with best practices and identify areas for further action. The report was expected to use a RAG rating (Red, Amber, Green) to indicate compliance levels. Several Amber actions were identified, including the annual review of articles/agreements for companies, scheduling mandatory training for late 2026, reviewing the delegation policy for Aylesbury Vale Estates (AVE), and incorporating expected loan repayments and dividend amounts from AVE into the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP). The report also noted that entities would be asked to share their financial policies and procedures for review by the s151 Officer.

Appointment of Board Member to Aylesbury Vale Estates Limited Liability Partnership

The committee was scheduled to consider the appointment of a new Board Member to Aylesbury Vale Estates LLP (AVE). This followed the resignation of Mark Preston from his role as a Board Member for both AVE and London Road Business Park Management Ltd. Iain Watters was proposed for appointment to the AVE Board. The report indicated that Iain Watters, as Assistant Chief Finance Officer, Revenues, Assessments and Payments, possessed significant experience and expertise to support AVE's ambitions while maintaining strong governance oversight. The appointment of a replacement director for London Road Business Park Management Ltd was scheduled to be handled under delegated authority due to timing sensitivities.

Mid-Year Performance Review/Update for the Farnham Park Sports Fields Charitable Trust

A mid-year performance review for the Farnham Park Sports Fields charitable trust was scheduled to be noted. The report was expected to detail adjustments to the draft budget following the completion of new lease arrangements with Wycombe Wanderers FC on 24 August 2026. Tenant payments owed to the Trust had been received. Operational updates were scheduled to include the transfer of day-to-day management and operation of the South Buckinghamshire Golf Course and Farnham Park Playing Fields to Wycombe Wanderers FC, with the club reportedly investing in the sites. Public engagement activity regarding Wycombe Wanderers FC's proposals for a new community sports hub and football training centre was also scheduled to be noted, with a planning application having been submitted.

Mid-Year Performance Review/Update for the Higginson Park Charitable Trust

The committee was scheduled to note a mid-year performance review for the Higginson Park charitable trust. The financial update was expected to show a small favourable variance against the 2026/27 operating budget, primarily due to higher-than-expected income from car parking charges. Operational updates were scheduled to cover the progress of repairs and upgrades to park infrastructure, including the replacement of bins and installation of new benches. The report was also to mention the continued strength of the swimming programme at Court Garden Leisure Centre and the hosting of various events, including a community celebration for the Higginson Park Centenary.

Charity Trust Accounts for the Financial Year Ended 31 March 2026

The committee was scheduled to note the financial statements for the Higginson Park Charity and the Farnham Park Sports Fields Charity for the financial year ended 31 March 2026. Buckinghamshire Council acts as the sole corporate trustee for both charities. The Audit & Governance Committee had approved these financial accounts at its meeting on 29 September 2026. The accounts were independently audited by Azets Audit Services.

Buckinghamshire Advantage - Draft 2025/26 Financial Statements

The committee was scheduled to review the draft financial statements for Buckinghamshire Advantage for the financial year ended 31 March 2026. Buckinghamshire Advantage is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, with Buckinghamshire Council as the sole owner. The report was expected to detail the company's objects, which are to promote economic development in Buckinghamshire. A significant development noted was the signing of a condition precedent contract with a major housebuilder on 10 April 2026, with anticipated completion towards the end of the 2027/28 financial year, subject to the successful meeting of conditions precedent. The accounts were independently audited by Richardsons Chartered Accountants.

Aylesbury Vale Estates - 2025/26 Financial Statements

The committee was scheduled to note the financial statements for Aylesbury Vale Estates LLP for the financial year ended 31 March 2026. Aylesbury Vale Estates LLP is a 50:50 joint venture partnership between Buckinghamshire Council and the private sector, established in October 2009. The accounts reported a profit of £4.6 million for 2025/26, with total members' interests increasing to £55.8 million. The audit of the accounts was completed by Buzzacott Audit LLP, who issued a clean opinion. The final accounts were to be filed at Companies House.

Dormant Trust Funds Update

An update on dormant trust funds was scheduled to be considered. This item followed a previous discussion in July concerning the future of these funds, for which the council is the sole trustee.

Consilio Business Plan and Draft Financial Statements 2025/26

The committee was scheduled to receive the Consilio Business Plan for 2026/27 and review its draft financial statements for 2025/26. The business plan had been deferred from the March 2026 meeting. An update on the Tatling End Task & Finish Group's resource requirements was also expected.

Forward Plan

The committee was scheduled to comment on and note the Buckinghamshire Shareholder Committee's forward plan. This plan outlined future topics and their descriptions, including reviews of Key Performance Indicators, risk registers, budgets, business plans, and the appointment of directors.

Date of the next meeting

The date of the next meeting was scheduled to be Wednesday 27 January 2027 at 2 p.m.

Exclusion of the public

A resolution was scheduled to be considered for the exclusion of the public from the meeting on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of particular persons.