The Buckinghamshire Shareholder and Trust Committee met on Wednesday 18 March 2026 to review the council's annual report, discuss best practice in company governance, and approve business plans for key council-owned entities. Decisions made included the approval of the draft annual report for 2025-26, noting outstanding actions from a best practice self-assessment, and approving business plans for Aylesbury Vale Estates and Buckinghamshire Advantage.

Draft Buckinghamshire Shareholder and Trust Committee Annual Report 2025-26

The Committee reviewed and approved the draft annual report for the 2025-26 period, which will be submitted to Cabinet in May 2026. The report highlights the Committee's work in overseeing the council's subsidiary companies and trusts, including significant decisions regarding Consilio Property Limited and the Woodlands project. Councillor Robert Carington, Chairman of the Committee, noted the busy year and thanked fellow members and officers for their contributions. The report also details the expansion of the Committee's remit to include oversight of Trusts, of which the Council is the sole trustee.

Best Practice Self-Assessment – Action Plan

An update was provided on the Best Practice Self-Assessment Checklist, which assesses the council's compliance with the Local Authority Company Review Guidance. The Committee noted that two amber-rated actions remain outstanding. One of these actions, relating to the review of Buckinghamshire Advantage in relation to the Woodlands development, is scheduled to be undertaken once the contract approved by Cabinet reaches an unconditional stage, expected within the next 12-18 months. The Committee also encouraged members to attend meetings of the entities' boards to observe their operations in practice.

Articles of Association Review

The Committee reviewed the Articles of Association for Aylesbury Vale Estates, Buckinghamshire Advantage, Consilio, and London Road Business Park Management Limited. It was recommended that the Member's Agreement for Aylesbury Vale Estates be uploaded to Companies House for public viewing. The purpose of Consilio and London Road Business Park Management Limited could also be more clearly articulated in their respective Articles. Furthermore, it was proposed that the Articles of Association for all entities be updated to reflect Buckinghamshire Council's succession of legacy authorities as a 'member' of the companies. The Articles for Consilio will also be updated to reflect requirements for a Member Director appointment, stipulating that such a director must relinquish their role upon ceasing to be a member of Buckinghamshire Council.

Higginson Park Charity Budget 2026/27

The Committee considered the draft budget and aims for the Higginson Park Charity for the 2026/27 financial year. As the Council is the sole corporate trustee, the Committee's role includes approving annual budgets and overseeing business plans or aims. The budget reflects a prudent approach, with allowances for expenditure and risks such as inflation. The report highlighted that 2026 marks the centenary year of Higginson Park, with celebratory plans including tree planting and bulb displays. The Committee noted that commercially sensitive queries were discussed under a confidential agenda item.

Forward Plan

The Committee noted the forward plan for 2026/27, which includes regular reviews of key performance indicators and risk registers for subsidiary companies and trusts. Future agenda items will also cover the business plans and budgets for Farnham Park Sports Field Charitable Trust and Higginson Park Trust, as well as the development of conflict of interest guidance for trusts.

Aylesbury Vale Estates Business Plan 2026-2029

The Committee approved the business plan for Aylesbury Vale Estates (AVE) for the period April 2026 to March 2029. The plan includes key financials, a review of performance against the 2025/26 business plan, a market overview, portfolio performance, and projected cash flow.

Consilio Property Limited Business Plan 2026 - 2028

The Committee noted an update on Consilio Property Limited's activities and projected timelines. Full approval of the business plan was deferred to the next meeting in June 2026 to allow for further review. In line with other entities, Councillor John Chilver was appointed as a Member Director to Consilio Property Limited. A task and finish group will be established to progress the disposal of Tatling End, with an update to be provided in June.

Buckinghamshire Advantage Business Plan 2026/27

The business plan for Buckinghamshire Advantage (BA) for 2026/27 was approved. The plan details progress on contractual arrangements for the Aylesbury Woodlands project, BA's role, finances, budget, contractual commitments, and company governance.