The Council meeting scheduled for 15 April 2026 was set to cover a range of important topics, including proposed changes to street trading controls, the Members' Allowances Scheme, and potential amendments to the Code of Conduct. Significant discussion was also anticipated regarding notices of motion concerning tree protection, support for a new special free school, and the development of Community Land Trusts.

Street Trading Controls

A key item on the agenda was the proposed adoption of Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, which would designate all streets within the Buckinghamshire Council area as Consent Streets from 1 October 2026. This would revoke previous street trading designations made by the former district councils. The aim of this unified approach is to provide a consistent framework for regulating street trading, promoting public safety, preventing crime and disorder, and enhancing the character of the council's area. The report indicated that no objections or representations were received during the statutory notice period.

Code of Conduct – Potential Amendment

The Council was scheduled to consider a recommendation from the Standards and General Purposes Committee to amend the Code of Conduct. The proposed amendment would require councillors to declare in their Register of Interests any allowances or fees received from outside bodies to which they have been appointed by virtue of their role as a Buckinghamshire Councillor. This aims to centralise information on remuneration received by councillors from external organisations, making it more accessible to the public.

Members Allowances Scheme 2026-27

The Council was due to formally adopt the Members' Allowances Scheme for the upcoming year. The scheme for 2026-27 was based on the Council's previous decision to only apply an index linked to the Local Government Pay Award for staff, with no other changes anticipated. The scheme outlines a Basic Allowance for all councillors, Special Responsibility Allowances for those with additional duties, and provisions for travel, subsistence, and dependent carers' allowances.

Notices of Motion

Several notices of motion were scheduled for discussion, indicating significant areas of public interest:

• Enhanced Use of the Business Rate Hardship Fund: Proposed by Councillor Steven Broadbent and seconded by Councillor Alex Collingwood, this motion sought to endorse the enhanced use of the existing Business Rates Hardship Relief Scheme to support businesses, particularly in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors, facing significant increases due to government changes in business rates. The motion also called for proactive signposting of affected businesses to the scheme and requested monthly updates for the Cabinet Member for Resources on applications and decisions. Furthermore, it proposed a review of the scheme's effectiveness by the end of 2026 and urged central government to provide additional national support and reconsider business rate changes.

• Rooftop Solar and Batteries: Proposed by Councillor Ed Gemmell, this motion aimed to encourage the installation of solar panels and battery storage on new buildings in Buckinghamshire. It recommended that the Council ensure these opportunities are fully considered during the preparation of the final Buckinghamshire Local Plan, exploring how developers can be required or encouraged to provide renewable energy and energy storage solutions.

• Tree Protection: Also proposed by Councillor Ed Gemmell, this motion highlighted residents' desire for more trees to be saved and noted the success of the Bucks Tree Mission programme. It proposed adopting a retain or relocate principle for trees on Council-owned land or in Council-led projects, and ensuring strong tree protection policies in the Local Plan. The motion also called for increased awareness among planning officers regarding tree moving as an alternative to felling and for the Council to lead by example in its own projects.

• Supporting a New Special Free School for Buckinghamshire: Proposed by Councillor Carl Jackson and seconded by Councillor Matthew Walsh, this motion addressed the growing demand for Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) specialist places. It noted the Department for Education's (DfE) intention to cancel a promised SEMH Special Free School for Buckinghamshire and called for the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Education and Buckinghamshire MPs to honour the promise. It also requested a full impact assessment of the cancellation's consequences.

• Community Land Trusts Buckinghamshire: Proposed by Councillor Greg Smith, this motion addressed the issue of local people being priced out of housing in communities experiencing substantial growth. It proposed that the Council ensure support for the development of Community Land Trusts is fully considered during the preparation of the Local Plan and explore options for their inclusion within Section 106 or CIL requirements for affordable homes.

Questions on Notice from Members

The meeting agenda also included a section for Questions on Notice from Members, which would allow councillors to raise specific issues with Cabinet Members. These questions covered a range of topics, including:

• High Wycombe's inclusion in the Government's Pride in Place initiative: Councillor Trevor Snaith inquired about the Council's policy and planned approach to positioning High Wycombe for eligibility under this regeneration programme.
• Traffic mitigation around the Gomm Valley development: Councillor Trevor Snaith also raised concerns about traffic impacts on London Road and surrounding streets, seeking details on the planned approach to highway mitigation measures.
• Infrastructure plan development and regional water/waste-water planning: Councillor Robin Stuchbury asked for an explanation of how the Council is strategically engaging on regional water and waste-water infrastructure planning in developing its infrastructure plan.
• Road works on London Road, Buckingham: Councillor Robin Stuchbury sought the rationale for delays to planned road works on London Road, Buckingham.
• Flooding concerns in Buckingham and North Buckinghamshire: Councillor Robin Stuchbury requested an update on actions and progress made since March 2025 regarding flooding concerns.
• Transparency around SEND tribunals/disputes: Councillor Larisa Townsend asked for the publication of specific data related to SEND Tribunal appeals, including numbers, outcomes, and costs, to enhance transparency.

Reports from Cabinet Members

Several Cabinet Members were scheduled to provide reports on their respective portfolios, offering updates on ongoing work and initiatives. These included reports from:

• Councillor Steven Broadbent (Leader): Covering strategic finance, retail revival initiatives, Sunday markets, and updates on HS2 and East West Rail projects.
• Councillor Peter Brazier (Culture and Leisure): Detailing progress on Simply Walk, the National Year of Reading, library services, film office income, archives, and cultural development programmes.
• Councillor Thomas Broom (Transport): Providing updates on the summer resurfacing and capital programme, winter service and road repairs, Marlow Bridge restoration, sustainable travel to school initiatives, and the Local Transport Plan 5.
• Councillor Ade Osibogun (Environment, Climate Change & Waste): Reporting on fly-tipping enforcement, property flood resilience projects, natural flood management initiatives, and progress on the Climate Change & Air Quality Strategy.
• Councillor Steve Bowles (Communities): Offering updates on Community Board activities, community safety initiatives, and volunteering efforts.
• Councillor Robert Carington (Resources): Detailing progress on data systems consolidation, Shopmobility services, and annual billing for Council Tax and Business Rates.
• Councillor Peter Strachan (Planning): Providing updates on Development Management, validation backlog, compliance and enforcement, the Local Plan, and the Community Infrastructure Levy.
• Councillor Carl Jackson (Education and Children's Services): Presenting information on the Best Start in Life Plan, achievements in children's services, and strategies for supporting children and young people.

Report for Information - Key Decisions Report

A list of decisions taken by Cabinet Members since the last Full Council meeting was also presented for information.