The Council of Buckinghamshire Council met on Wednesday 15 April 2026 to discuss a range of important matters, including proposed changes to street trading controls, amendments to the Members' Code of Conduct, and the Members' Allowances Scheme for the upcoming year. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing reports from Cabinet Members, covering areas such as strategic finance, culture and leisure, transport, environment, planning, and children's services. The Council also considered several Notices of Motion, including proposals on enhanced use of the Business Rate Hardship Fund, rooftop solar and batteries, tree protection, and the support for a new Special Free School for children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs.

Presentation from the Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire and Rescue Service

The meeting was scheduled to include a presentation from the Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire and Rescue Service.

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 for street trading purposes. This change, intended to come into effect from 1st October 2026, aims to establish a clear and consistent framework for regulating street trading across the county, replacing the various controls inherited from the former district councils. 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 potential amendment to its Code of Conduct. This amendment, recommended by the Standards and General Purposes Committee, would require Members to declare in their Register of Interests any allowances or fees received from outside bodies to which they have been appointed by virtue of being a Member of Buckinghamshire Council. The aim is to enhance transparency by centralising information on remuneration received by councillors from external organisations.

Members Allowances Scheme 2026-27

The Council was due to formally adopt its Members' Allowances Scheme for the 2026/27 financial year. The scheme, based on a previous decision to apply an index linked to the Local Government Pay Award for staff, includes provisions for a Basic Allowance for all councillors, Special Responsibility Allowances for those with additional duties, and travel and subsistence allowances. The scheme also outlines eligibility for a dependents' carers' allowance and notes the upcoming introduction of pension applicability for allowances from May 2026.

Reports from Cabinet Members

A substantial part of the meeting involved reviewing reports from various Cabinet Members, providing updates on their respective portfolios:

Strategic Finance

Councillor Steven Broadbent, Leader of the Council, reported on the strategic finance position. He noted that the 2026/27 budget had been approved, with a balanced Medium Term Financial Plan for the next three years. He also highlighted the ongoing monitoring of financial risks, particularly in light of inflation remaining higher than forecast. Updates were also provided on the success of the Retail Revival programme, the upcoming Sunday Market season in High Wycombe and Aylesbury, and the ongoing impacts of HS2 and East West Rail construction.

Culture and Leisure

Councillor Peter Brazier, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, provided updates on several initiatives. The Simply Walk programme continues to thrive, offering regular walks for residents and tackling isolation. Buckinghamshire Libraries are marking the National Year of Reading 2026 with various events and an adult reading challenge. The Library Flex service has exceeded targets for increased opening hours and delivered savings. The Storyteller Roadshow successfully toured libraries, and the Rekindle Project concluded after three years of innovation in libraries. The Buckinghamshire Film Office reported a significant increase in filming income. Buckinghamshire Archives is progressing with its Geotagging project, and the We Make Wycombe cultural development programme is strengthening High Wycombe's creative sector. New play areas have been installed in Whitehill Park, and community bulb planting has taken place at Higginson Park. Park Pop-Ups for local businesses are set to return, and attendance at leisure centres remains positive, with an upgrade planned for Risborough Springs Swim and Fitness Centre.

Health and Wellbeing

Councillor Isobel Darby, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, discussed national developments, including responses to the Government's Fair Pay Agreement consultation and updated guidance on Social Care Charging and Support. The adult social care budget remains in a strong position despite increased demand pressures. The Buckinghamshire All-Age Autism Strategy, co-produced with autistic people and their families, has been launched. National Social Work Week was celebrated with a series of webinars. The approach for the 2026/27 adult social care annual fee uplift for providers has been agreed, focusing on directing support where it is most needed. The Healthy School Neighbourhood pilot project has achieved significant milestones around Elmhurst Primary School and Cressex Community School, including road safety improvements and the opening of an outdoor gym. The Age Better Bucks prevention service for older adults has launched, and Move Together Bucks supports residents aged 50+ to become more active. Be Healthy Bucks is extending its eligibility to anyone working in Buckinghamshire. A new Children and Young People drug and alcohol support service, Bucks YDAS, has been launched.

Communities

Councillor Steve Bowles, Cabinet Member for Communities, reported on Community Board updates, with 49 live priorities across the county. He also provided an update on community safety initiatives, including successful orders secured against individuals for anti-social behaviour. A county-wide volunteering workshop was convened to discuss the future of volunteering in Buckinghamshire, highlighting challenges and the importance of collaboration. The Helping Hand team is supporting residents with the cost of living, with proposals for the use of the new Crisis and Resilience Fund to be considered. The Resilience Service is developing business continuity plans and delivering workshops to local schools. Parking Services has awarded a new contract to APCOA Parking (UK) Limited for civil parking enforcement. Updates were also provided on Afghan Resettlement and Homes for Ukraine programmes, and support for asylum seekers and refugees. The Buckinghamshire Faiths Forum marked Holocaust Memorial Day. The Opportunity Bucks programme continues to drive initiatives in priority wards, including the Hughenden Boulevard project and Chesham Digital Inclusion Sessions. Community Activity Days are being planned across local town centres.

Resources

Councillor Robert Carington, Cabinet Member for Resources, provided an update on data systems, including the consolidation of planning, building control, environmental health, and land charges data onto a single Uniform system, and the migration to a single Customer Relationship Management platform, Abavus. Aylesbury's Shopmobility service has extended its weekday opening hours and is planning a relocation. The annual billing process for Council Tax and Business Rates has been completed, with a new Income Banded Council Tax Reduction Scheme introduced. The Strategic Procurement Team has launched a new Contract Management Handbook and Toolkit. Updates on property and assets included the opening of a Tesco store at Denmark Street and the appointment of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust as the preferred bidder for the Queen Victoria Road site in High Wycombe. Progress was also reported on the Hampden Fields Primary School, Kingsbrook Secondary School Expansion, and Orchard View Primary Academy projects.

Education and Children's Services

Councillor Carl Jackson, Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services, announced the publication of Buckinghamshire's Best Start in Life Plan 2026–2029, which aims to improve outcomes for children from pregnancy to age five. Buckinghamshire Council has been shortlisted for the LGC Awards in the Children's Services category for its Residential Transformation Programme – Strong Foundations. Updates were provided on the performance of children's homes, including Newlands, Lawrence Lodge, and the upcoming opening of Coach House and Oakview. Strategies to support children in care and care-experienced young people have been published. Ofsted's inspection of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services in Buckinghamshire recognised meaningful progress. The Council is preparing for the Government's Schools White Paper and SEND Reforms. The Connect to Work programme has been launched to help residents overcome employment barriers. The fourth annual Bucks Youth Summit was held, and support for young carers in Buckinghamshire was highlighted.

Planning

Councillor Peter Strachan, Cabinet Member for Planning, reported on Development Management, noting recruitment efforts to address the high volume of planning applications. The validation backlog has been reduced, and the Enforcement Team closed 1,806 cases in 2025. The Local Plan has moved to its next stage ahead of final consultation, and a cross-service response to the draft NPPF consultation has been submitted. The Council is planning to consult on a draft Charging Schedule for the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) in the north and central areas. The sixth annual Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS) has been published, summarising developer contributions and planned infrastructure investments.

Transport

Councillor Thomas Broom, Cabinet Member for Transport, provided an update on the summer resurfacing and capital programme, with around 140 major carriageway surfacing schemes planned. The Highways team responded to a record number of reports during a damaging winter period. Work continues on the major restoration of Marlow Bridge. Buckinghamshire Council was recognised as the top large local authority on the Modeshift Stars Scheme for sustainable travel to school. The Home to School Transport Policy and Post 16 Transport Policy have been updated following public consultation. Contracts for SEN transport have been retendered. The draft Local Transport Plan 5 and Freight and Logistics Strategy have been consulted on. The e-scooter trial in Aylesbury and High Wycombe has been extended for two years. An update was given on the new signalised toucan crossing on the A413 Buckingham Road in Winslow.

Environment, Climate Change & Waste

Councillor Ade Osibogun, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change & Waste, reported on fly-tipping, littering enforcement, and prosecutions, with successful outcomes including Fixed Penalty Notices and court referrals. Property Flood Resilience (PFR) studies are underway in Sands and West Marlow, and a strategic PFR study for the county has been funded. Natural Flood Management projects are being developed, including the Bucks Great Ouse NFM Feasibility Study and the Blue Lagoon NFM Project. A West Marlow Species Rich Swale Project is in its final design stages. A pilot project for Community Flood Resilience Support Services will be commissioned. Work is underway to expand the scope of the Bucks Tree Mission, with tree planting events held. Energy Doctor home visits have exceeded their target, and the Domestic Building Envelope Energy Efficiency (DBEEE) Grant has supported installations in 10 properties. The Climate Change & Air Quality Strategy 2024-25 Progress Report shows a reduction in county-wide greenhouse gas emissions.

Cabinet Member Decisions

Several Leader Decisions taken since the last full Council agenda were noted, including approvals for speed limit reductions, traffic calming measures, parking restrictions, and the relocation of electric vehicle charging bays. The Leader also agreed two Modern Slavery Statements and approved the release of capital funding for various school projects, affordable housing, and waste management equipment. Decisions were also made regarding determined admission arrangements for schools and the designation of a Best Start Family Hub site.

Notices of Motion

The Council was scheduled to consider several Notices of Motion:

• Enhanced Use of the Business Rate Hardship Fund: This motion proposed endorsing the enhanced use of the existing Hardship Relief Scheme to support businesses disproportionately affected by 2026/27 Business Rates increases, with proactive signposting to the scheme, strengthened governance, and a review of its effectiveness. It also called on central government to provide additional national support and reconsider business rate changes.
• Rooftop Solar and Batteries: This motion recommended that Cabinet ensure the opportunity to install solar panels and complimentary battery storage on all new buildings in Buckinghamshire is fully considered during the preparation of the final Buckinghamshire Local Plan.
• Tree Protection: This motion proposed that the Council adopt a retain or relocate principle for trees on Council-owned land or Council-led projects, ensure strong tree protection policies in the Local Plan, increase awareness among planning officers of tree moving opportunities, and lead by example by considering tree moving before felling in Council projects.
• Supporting a New Special Free School for Buckinghamshire: This motion noted the growing demand for Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) specialist places and the cancellation of a promised SEMH Special Free School. It requested the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Education and Buckinghamshire MPs to honour the promise of funding and to carry out a full impact assessment of the cancellation.
• Community Land Trusts Buckinghamshire: This motion proposed ensuring that the means to support the development of Community Land Trusts are fully considered during the preparation of the Local Plan and exploring options to include Community Land Trusts within Section 106 or CIL requirements for affordable homes.

Key Decisions Report

A report for information listed decisions taken by Cabinet Members since the last Full Council meeting on 26th November 2025.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was scheduled for 20th May 2026 at 4 p.m., which will be the Annual General Meeting (AGM).