Annual Report 2025 to 2026

Buckinghamshire is facing a period of significant change driven by a wide-ranging national policy agenda. This includes major reforms to the planning system, with mandated government housing targets requiring us to plan for 95,500 new homes, a significant increase on the previous targets. Delivering this scale of growth will be extremely challenging, particularly in the absence of the infrastructure, transport links and community facilities needed to support it. We will continue to press government to ensure that any new development is matched by the right infrastructure so residents feel the benefits in their communities. Our forthcoming Local Plan will set out how we will seek to accommodate these mandated targets locally.

At the same time, the government’s so called Fair Funding Review has redirected funding away from Buckinghamshire. It is not fair for our county, resulting in a £44.5m impact on our finances. This places additional pressure on our budget and requires us to find new ways of working to maintain essential services while continuing to invest in the things that matter most to our residents.

In 2026, we will launch a new Corporate Plan that sets out a refreshed vision and priorities for the council. This plan will build on the progress achieved during the current plan period and respond to the evolving needs of our residents, businesses and communities. It will focus on delivering sustainable growth, improving outcomes for the most vulnerable, and ensuring Buckinghamshire remains a great place to live, work and visit.

We will also respond to the recommendations from our Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge, which provided positive feedback alongside clear suggestions for improvement. We are taking these forward through a structured action plan that will guide our next phase of organisational development and service improvement.

Our new Economic Growth Plan will play a central role in driving prosperity, enabling job creation, supporting regeneration and attracting investment. Alongside this, we will continue to prioritise skills and employability, helping residents access high quality jobs and equipping young people with the skills they need for the future.

Despite the challenges ahead, we remain ambitious for Buckinghamshire. By working closely with our partners and communities, we will continue to deliver regeneration, strengthen local economies and protect the natural environment, while ensuring that all residents have a stake in shaping the future of our county and the opportunity to thrive.