The Cabinet of Buckinghamshire Council met on Tuesday 10 March 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including updates on the Local Development Scheme, the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, and the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan. The meeting also included discussions on the future of the Easton Street Multistorey Car Park in High Wycombe and the Woodlands Development Site.

Local Development Scheme Update

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive an update on the Local Development Scheme (LDS), which outlines the timetable for producing local planning documents, including the Local Plan for Buckinghamshire. This update was prompted by a letter from Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, directing the Council to revise its LDS by 11 March 2026 with specific milestones for Regulation 19 consultation and plan submission. The updated scheme recommits to the existing timetable, aiming for Regulation 19 consultation by 23 July 2026 and submission for examination by 31 December 2026. The Local Plan itself is intended to cover the period up to 2045 and will include a spatial development strategy, site allocations for housing and employment, and requirements for supporting infrastructure.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy Update

A report was scheduled to be presented on the implementation of the current Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy (2022-2025). The report recommended extending the end date of the existing strategy to 2027 to align with new Government guidance, A National Plan to End Homelessness, published in December 2025. It was also proposed that a new five-year strategy be developed for adoption in April 2027. The report highlighted significant progress made in preventing homelessness, delivering affordable housing, and reducing the costs associated with temporary accommodation.

LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan

The Cabinet was to consider the Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) action plan, developed in response to the findings of a CPC undertaken in autumn 2025. The CPC report provided positive feedback, calling Buckinghamshire Council one of the best run councils the peer reviewers had ever visited, while also identifying areas for improvement. The action plan translates these recommendations into a programme of activity with clear actions, responsibilities, and timescales, aiming to strengthen leadership, governance, and organisational capacity.

Easton Street Multistorey Car Park, High Wycombe

A report was scheduled to recommend the permanent closure and demolition of the Easton Street Multistorey Car Park (ESMCP) in High Wycombe. The car park, constructed in the 1960s, suffers from structural defects, health and safety issues, and anti-social behaviour, operating at a financial loss. The report proposed approving the permanent closure from March 2026 and the demolition of the structure, estimated to cost £1.750m, to be funded from future disposal proceeds. This action is intended to mitigate ongoing costs and risks, and to enable the site's regeneration as part of the High Wycombe Regeneration Strategy and the Easton Quarter Vision.

Woodlands Development Site

The Cabinet was to discuss the condition precedent contract between Buckinghamshire Advantage and the developer for the Woodlands development site in Aylesbury. The report outlined the current position regarding the negotiated contract, which covers land assembly, infrastructure delivery, and housing and employment site delivery. The recommendations included authorising Buckinghamshire Advantage to enter the contract, completing it once conditions are met, and agreeing to release £3.4m of funding for project management from Homes England, subject to Housing Infrastructure Funding (HIF) agreements. The report also highlighted the potential for accelerated delivery of infrastructure, including the Eastern Link Road South.

Ofsted ILACS Recommendations Improvement Plan Update

An update was scheduled on the Ofsted Inspection of Local Authority Children's Services (ILACS) recommendations improvement plan. The report indicated significant progress had been made in strengthening practice, improving outcomes for children and young people, and embedding a culture of continuous learning. Areas of notable improvement included management oversight, neglect strategy, family network engagement, transition planning, and care leaver support.

Local Government Social Care Ombudsman Report

The Cabinet was to consider a Public Interest Report (PIR) from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) concerning therapy provision for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The report identified fault in the Council's arrangements for securing speech and language therapy (SLT) and occupational therapy (OT), delays in EHCP reviews, and shortcomings in complaint handling. The Council was to be presented with the Ombudsman's findings and recommendations, including a symbolic payment to the complainant and specific service improvement recommendations.

Budget Scrutiny 2026 Report and Medium Term Financial Plan

The Cabinet was asked to consider the recommendations of the Budget Scrutiny Inquiry Group regarding the draft Revenue Budget 2026/27 to 2028/29 and Capital Programme 2026-2030. The report highlighted significant cost pressures on statutory services, the impact of government funding reforms, and the implications of new housing targets. The Cabinet was also to receive the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30, which included proposals for a Council Tax increase and significant capital investment.

Capital and Investment Strategy

The Cabinet was to approve the Council's Capital and Investment Strategy for the upcoming year. Proposed changes included updating the list of underpinning strategies to include the Economic Growth Strategy, expanding references to Growth Board investment, and aligning regeneration board references with current governance.

LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan

The Cabinet was to agree the CPC action plan in response to the LGA's recommendations. This plan translates the peer challenge findings into a programme of improvement activity, with clear actions, responsibilities, and timescales.

Q3 Budget Management Report and Capital Budget Adjustments

Reports were scheduled on the Quarter 3 Budget Management for 2025/26, outlining the forecast revenue and capital outturn position, and on Q3 Capital Budget Adjustments and Reprofiling, detailing recommended updates to the Council's Capital Programme.

Q3 Corporate Performance Report

A report was to be presented detailing the key performance measures for 2025/26, with outturns reported against targets. The report would highlight performance indicators with Red, Amber, or Green status, and Cabinet Members were expected to provide updates on addressing red indicators.

Q3 Strategic Risk Register

The Cabinet was to review the Strategic Risk Register quarterly, acknowledging that recent central government policy announcements could influence future risk scoring and prioritisation.

Select Committee Work Programme

The Cabinet was to note the Select Committee Work Programme, providing an overview of the topics scheduled for discussion by various select committees.

Question Time

A session was scheduled for members to ask questions to Cabinet Members on various topics, including road maintenance, the Local Plan preparation process, and business rates.

Forward Plan (28 Day Notice)

The Cabinet was to note the Forward Plan, which provides advance notice of reports to be discussed at forthcoming meetings.