The Transport, Environment, Communities & Climate Change Select Committee of Buckinghamshire Council met on Tuesday 03 February 2026 to discuss progress on the Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy, the annual report on Community Boards, and updates on the East West Rail project. The committee also reviewed performance indicators and the work programme for future meetings.

Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy

The committee was scheduled to evaluate the progress of the Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy. The report for this item indicated that Buckinghamshire Council has achieved a 73.6% reduction in emissions compared to its 1990 baseline, and that the council is on track to stay within its first carbon budget. The report also highlighted consistent year-on-year improvements in local air quality, leading to the revocation of four Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). The strategy aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions for Buckinghamshire by 2050 and improve air quality in line with national objectives. Key developments included a reduction in gross emissions from council operations by over 700 tCO2, the adoption of the first Buckinghamshire-wide Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, and the planting of over 216,000 trees as part of the Bucks Tree Mission.

Community Boards

An update on the Community Boards was presented, detailing the introduction of a new 8-board model. This model aims to deliver local priorities with a dedicated budget of £250,000, focusing on collaboration-led solutions rather than solely funding-led projects. The boards are designed to be sustainable and inclusive, amplifying existing community assets and connecting residents with services. Key priorities identified across the boards include strengthening communities, youth engagement, health and wellbeing, support for older people, environmental improvements, and the public realm.

East West Rail

The committee was scheduled to consider reports on the East West Rail (EWR) project and its impact on the local community. The report detailed the completion of construction for Connection Stage 1 (CS1), which involved reopening the Oxford to Bletchley line. This stage included road repairs, the handover of structures, and works at Winslow railway station and its multi-storey car park. The council has been making representations to the East West Rail Company (EWR Company) regarding the next connection stages, particularly concerning environmental impacts and the proposed Middle Claydon passing loop. The report also addressed the ongoing discussions about the Aylesbury Link, the use of diesel rolling stock, freight services, and the development of a '5G Innovation Region' along the EWR route. For Connection Stages 2 and 3, the council is awaiting further details to understand potential impacts within Buckinghamshire.

Q2 Performance Indicators for 2025 to 2026

The committee was to review the Q2 performance indicators for 2025 to 2026. Reports indicated performance in the Environment, Climate Change & Waste portfolio, with a reduction in residual household waste and an increase in carbon dioxide savings from the 'Energy Doctor' scheme. The Communities portfolio showed a slight shortfall in the recruitment and training of Domestic Abuse Champions, while the Transport portfolio highlighted challenges with providing transport for SEND students and a lower-than-target number of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging units. Positive performance was noted in the timely response to HS2 highway and planning applications, gully cleaning, and the completion of highways capital schemes.

Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to discuss and agree items for future meetings as part of its Work Programme. Suggestions for future discussions included a rapid review of youth provision, solar energy, and the protection of the tree canopy.