An update from Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council - 23/07/2025

Leader’s Update – 21 July 2025
From Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council

Dear resident,

I hope this email finds you well. We’re two months into the new council and lots of work is well underway. I want to update you on key projects and services that will touch your lives and those of your family.

Progress continues in regenerating our main town centres. You can view footage of the completed upgrade in High Wycombe’s White Hart Street quarter. We’re modernising centres to attract more people and businesses. In High Wycombe, we’ve announced major funding for a new cultural hub, and in Aylesbury, work continues on the Pavilion Quarter to create a new entertainment district.

It’s also vital to keep our towns and villages clean, safe, and attractive. Despite a dry summer, grass cutting and weed control are ongoing. Last year we cut over 6 million m² of grass across the county. We’ll conduct three rounds of cuts this year and address overgrowth at junctions. Please report any issues via our website—we rely on your help.

We’re upgrading CCTV networks and deploying community wardens, working with Thames Valley Police to ensure town centre safety. A “Safer Bucks Partnership” survey will launch on Your Voice Bucks later this summer—please share your thoughts.

Our new “Library Flex” service launched this month in Aylesbury—and will soon expand to Amersham, Buckingham, and five other libraries. This allows self-access during quieter times, while staff remain available during busier periods. Library spaces will also be bookable outside staffed hours. Safety includes live CCTV and emergency phones. Please check our website for full details.

Summer progress on the roads
Fine weather allows us to press ahead with our £120 million road maintenance programme—340 schemes this year, plus essential repairs. Last year we fixed over 30,000 potholes and resurfaced 700,000 m² of road. Buckinghamshire Council maintains 2,200 miles of roadway, nearly 30,000 streetlights, 700 bridges, and 44,000 signs. Please report any issues via our site.

We closed 2024/25 with a balanced budget and healthy reserves—redirecting funds back into our coffers. While 71% of our budget goes to statutory services (adult/children’s social care, school transport, temporary accommodation), we’re in a constrained but stable financial position. We continue to look for efficiencies to ensure value for money.

Whether you’re staying, working, or travelling, enjoy the summer! Explore local events and attractions—walks, trails, cultural activities, and the ongoing WhizzFizz events. Our Family Information Service lists free and low-cost options, and our fostering team will be at local events to chat about becoming a foster carer.

Congratulations to all educators at the end of another academic year—and best wishes to students awaiting exam results.