The Budget Scrutiny Inquiry Task and Finish Group was scheduled to meet on Thursday 9 January 2025 to discuss the council's draft budget and medium-term financial plan. The group was set to hear from portfolio holders regarding their priorities and overarching budget strategies. The meeting agenda also included a review of background papers, including the draft budget report, medium-term financial plan, budget consultation results, schedule of fees and charges, equalities impact assessment, and the council tax base report.

Climate Change & Environment

The group was scheduled to hear from Councillor Thomas Broom, Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Environment, and their Deputy Cabinet Member. The discussion was intended to cover Councillor Broom's priorities and the overarching strategy for the budget in relation to climate change and environmental matters. The inquiry group was expected to question the Cabinet Member on these points.

Education & Children's Services

Councillor Anita Cranmer, Cabinet Member for Education & Children's Services, and their Deputy Cabinet Member were scheduled to present their priorities and the overarching budget strategy for their department. The inquiry group was to engage in questioning following this introduction.

Leader's Input

Councillor Martin Tett CBE, the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, was scheduled to address the group, accompanied by the Chief Executive. This session was intended to include closing comments from Councillor Tett regarding priorities and the overarching budget strategy. The inquiry group was also slated to conduct closing questioning of the Leader, following the evidence gathered throughout the week.

Next Steps

Following the individual sessions with portfolio holders, the Chairman, Councillor Dev Dhillon, was scheduled to outline the next steps for the Budget Scrutiny Inquiry Task and Finish Group.

The meeting was scheduled to take place at The Oculus, Buckinghamshire Council, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury HP19 8FF. Background papers for the meeting, including the Draft Budget Report, Medium Term Financial Plan and Capital Programme, and the Council Tax Base Report, were made available to attendees. The meeting was also subject to a webcasting notice, indicating it may be filmed for broadcast.