The Buckinghamshire Council met to discuss several key issues, including the appointment of a returning officer, cabinet member reports, and motions related to local plans and funding. Councillors approved the appointment of Lisa Marie Williams as the returning officer and electoral registration officer, and also approved a motion to engage with water and sewage providers on capacity investment in the local plan. A motion regarding transparency of member fees was referred to the Standards and General Purpose Committee.

Cabinet Member Reports

The council received reports from various cabinet members, covering topics from culture and leisure to transport and planning.

• HS2 and Road Damage: Councillor Walters raised concerns about the ongoing disruption and damage to the highway network caused by HS2. Councillor Stuart Broadbent, Leader of the Council, acknowledged the significant impact of HS2's heavy goods vehicle (HGV) movements on the roads and stated that the council's position is to be against HS2. He added that the council is actively pursuing claims for recompense from HS2 for the damage caused, but described the process as really long, windy .

• Sunday Market: Councillor Collingwood welcomed the new Sunday market for the two towns and invited the leader to visit the artisan market. Councillor Broadbent affirmed the importance of markets to local places and encouraged people to visit town centres for events.

• Project Gigabit: Councillor Phil Gunn expressed excitement about the Project Gigabit connection, which aims to improve digital infrastructure in hard-to-reach rural areas. Councillor Broadbent explained that Project Gigabit is a government initiative to address the digital divide, with an investment of about £50 million in the county, connecting around 20,000 premises.

• Culture and Leisure in North Buckinghamshire: Councillor Stuxbury invited the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Peter Brasier, to visit North Buckinghamshire, noting its absence in the Culture and Leisure Report. Councillor Stuxbury also raised concerns about the interior of the Swanpool Leisure Centre and offered to discuss tourism in Buckingham.

• Library Flex Safety: Councillor Andy Huxley raised a question regarding the safety of clients during unmanned hours at Library Flex. Councillor Brasier responded that upgraded CCTV, a safety officer monitoring the CCTVs, and one-to-one inductions would ensure safety.

• Transport Issues: Councillor Thomas Broom, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, reported on significant incidents, including a sinkhole on the A413 and the collapse of the Ashford Lane footbridge. He also mentioned the start of work on Marlow Bridge.

• Home to School Transport: Councillor Ania Schauffer inquired about cost savings from the retendering of home to school transport. Councillor Broom explained that the council is ahead of target on savings but is facing pressure from increased volume. Councillor David Moore confirmed that work on Egypt Lane would start in August as part of the £120 million road programme.

• Planning Enforcement: A councillor raised an issue about the unauthorised use of the old brickworks in Presswood for motocross events. Councillor Peter Strachan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning, urged the councillor to write to him directly for a response. Councillor Stuart Wilson noted the review of the Wickham Local Plan policies and asked about consultation with local members.

• Climate Change and Waste: Councillor Carl Jackson reported that Buckinghamshire Council was highly commended for the Groundwater Flood Warning Service and that Katie Hargrave-Smith won the Early Careers Professional Award at the Flood and Coast Awards. Councillor Sadeo Day inquired about air quality management areas, and Councillor Jackson responded that one area might need monitoring again due to new developments. Councillor Ed Kimmel raised questions about climate change strategy, flooding, and tree planting.

• Housing and Regulatory Services: Councillor Mark Wint reported that Fairhive had completed 15 homes in Ellsbury for Ukrainian and African refugees. Councillor Christine Adali asked about social housing funding, and Councillor Wint responded that the council is working with registered providers to explore opportunities. Councillor Feeley raised concerns about aggressive charity collectors, and Councillor Wint detailed the council's efforts to address the issue, including licensing and collaboration with other agencies.

• Health and Wellbeing: Councillor Isabel Darby announced that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) report would be published on 18 July and that Carey Lodge, a care home closed in 2021, would reopen under the Order of St John Care Trust. She also highlighted the Good Food Retail Project at a convenience store in Aylesbury. A councillor raised concerns about the switch-off of copper to fibre and its impact on vulnerable people using alarm systems. Councillor Darby encouraged spreading awareness and contacting the team for assistance. Councillor Nella asked about the government's plans to invest in family hubs, and Councillor Darby responded that the council is getting ready to bid for the funding.

• Education and Children's Services: Councillor Addy Osunberg reported that the council had secured funding for the training of 886 learners under Wave 6 of Skillsports cap. Councillor Nick Nam-Hussain inquired about the Ofsted report, and Councillor Osunberg reassured the council that the report is being taken seriously and that an improvement plan is being developed. Councillor Caroline Cornell asked about funding for a SEN school, and Councillor Osunberg explained the situation and encouraged members to speak with MPs.

• Resources: Councillor Robert Carrington provided updates on improvement works in Aylesbury Town Centre, including the relocation of an electrical box in the Market Square. Councillor Matt Walsh congratulated officers for the timely publication of the draft statement of accounts. Councillor Chara Chutai asked about the implementation of AI to improve services, and Councillor Carrington responded that the council is investing in AI and expects savings of just under a million pounds.

• Communities: Councillor Steve Bowles reported on the shift in emphasis for community boards and the Opportunity Bucks initiative. A councillor inquired about the aims and objectives of Opportunity Bucks and the budget per ward.

Local Plan Engagement

Councillor Robin Stuchbury proposed a motion regarding engagement with water and sewage providers on capacity investment in the local plan. The motion was seconded by Councillor Stuart Wilson. Councillor Peter Strachan proposed an amendment to bring the motion in line with the Leveling Up and Regeneration Act of 2023¹, which was accepted. The amended motion was then approved.

Transparency of Member Fees

Councillor Stuart Wilson proposed a motion on the transparency of all member fees and allowances for all external bodies. The motion was seconded by Councillor Robin Stuchbury. After some discussion, the motion was referred to the Standards and General Purpose Committee.

Fair Funding Review

Councillor Steven Broadbent introduced a motion objecting to the government's proposals in the Fair Funding Review 2.0, arguing that it would unfairly reduce Buckinghamshire's funding. The motion was seconded by Councillor Robert Carrington. After a lengthy debate, the motion was approved with a recorded vote.