We asked, you said, we did

We asked for your views on proposed polling districts and polling places for Buckinghamshire. 

Following recent boundary changes, there were small number of proposed changes to polling districts and polling places in the county. 

The consultation ran from 2 October to 4 December 2023. 

We received 16 responses.  

View the full responses on the Consultation Response report.

We made amendments to the proposed changes following feedback: 

• Bedgrove Pavillion to be designated polling place instead of Weston Turville Village Hall to accommodate the revised polling district 
• Foxhills Indoor Bowls Club to be designated polling place instead of The Grange School 
• Hawkslade Farm Community Centre to be designated polling place instead of Stoke Mandeville Methodist Church to accommodate the revised polling district 
• Southcourt Community Centre to be designated polling place in addition to Prebendal Community Centre to accommodate the revised polling district 
• Church House, Long Crendon to remain as designated polling place 
• Stoke Hammond Community Centre to remain as designated polling place 
• Roman Park Hall to be designated polling place instead of Berryfields Family Centre 
• Youth Centre, Chalfont St Giles to be designated polling place instead of The Memorial Hall 
• Abbey View Primary Academy to remain designated polling place until the suitability of Daws Hill Community Centre, as an alternative polling place, is confirmed and available for use 
• Cressex Community Centre to be designated polling place instead of The Church of Christ the Servant King to accommodate the revised polling district 
• The Hive to be designated polling place instead of Hannah Ball School 
• Hicks Farm Rise Community Room to remain as designated polling place 
• Micklefield Community Centre to remain as designated polling place 
• Wrights Meadow Centre to be designated polling place in addition to Micklefield Community Centre to accommodate the revised polling district 

Proposed changes that were supported or not commented on were approved. 

View the full responses on the Proposed changes to polling stations that received feedback identifying other options.

On 18 January 2024 the Standards and General Purposes Committee approved the changes to designated polling places.  

View further information about the review of polling stations, places and districts on the Buckinghamshire Council website.  

We asked for your views on a statutory notice to: 

• open a new Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Unit at Juniper Hill School 
• close the physical disabilities Additional Resource Provision (ARP) at Juniper Hill School 

The consultation ran from 13 October to 9 November 2023.

We received 29 responses to the consultation: 

• 25 online survey responses 
• 4 email or post responses 

Of the 29 who responded, 24 (83%) were in agreement with the proposal to open an SEMH Unit; 3 (10%) did not agree; 2 (7%) didn’t know or didn’t say. 

Of the 29 who responded, 16 (55%) were in agreement with the proposal to close the physical disabilities ARP; 5 (17%) disagreed; 8 (28%) didn’t know or didn’t say.  

Objections received are summarised below: 

• impact of increased traffic around the school with opening an SEMH Unit 
• impact on the rest of the school with opening an SEMH Unit 
• the need for provision for students with physical disabilities  

For more information, including our responses to the objections received, please see the consultation outcome report (PDF 0.41MB). 

Together with the Governing Body of Juniper Hill School, we have considered the responses to the consultation.  

On 21 December 2023 the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council approved the opening of an SEMH Unit and closure of the physical disabilities ARP at Juniper Hill School. 

We asked for views on a statutory notice for the proposed relocation of Furze Down School Sixth Form to the Short Breaks Day Service building in Buckingham (also known as the Buckingham Opportunities Centre). 

The consultation ran from 11 October to 7 November 2023.

We received 35 responses to the consultation:

• 32 online survey responses 
• 3 email or post responses 

Of the 35 who responded, 28 (80%) were in agreement with the proposal to relocate the sixth form; 5 (14%) did not agree; and, 2 (6%) didn’t know or didn’t say.  

Objections received are summarised below: 

• additional travel time  
• lack of specialist facilities in the Buckingham Opportunities Centre 
• impact of sharing space with Short Breaks 
• disruption to students 

For more information, including our responses to the objections received, please see the consultation outcome report (PDF 0.41MB).

Together with the Governing Body of Furze Down School, we have considered the responses to the consultation.  

On 21 December 2023 the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council approved the relocation of Furze Down School Sixth Form.

Each year we must prepare a budget. All councils have a legal duty to limit their spending to the income they receive each year - our budget must balance. 

Most of our annual budget needs to be spent on the services we are required by law to provide, such as social care for adults and children. 

We consulted on the proposed budget allocation and service priorities from 31 August to 15 October 2023.

We received 1,493 responses to the consultation: 

• 1,486 from residents 
• 7 from organisations 

3 responses were received by email, these respondents did not complete the survey so were considered for verbatim only. 

Views on proposed allocation of annual budget for 2024 to 2025: 

• 29% of respondents agreed with the proposed allocation of Buckinghamshire Council’s annual budget for 2024 to 2025 
• 39% of respondents disagreed with the proposal 
• 32% of respondents neither agreed nor disagreed with the proposal 

The top 10 services where respondents felt we should prioritise funding: 

1. Care and support for older people and vulnerable adults (60%) 
2. Road maintenance (51%) 
3. Educational services (40%) 
4. Community safety (37%) 
5. Maintaining parks, open spaces, playing fields and the countryside (32%) 
6. Protecting the environment (30%) 
7. Housing (27%) 
8. Pavement maintenance (27%) 
9. Services and support for children and young people (26%) 
10. Public transport (24%) 

The top 10 services where respondents felt we should not prioritise funding: 

1. Public Health services (50%) 
2. Culture and tourism (48%) 
3. Car parking (41%) 
4. Library services (35%) 
5. Services to attract and support local businesses (33%) 
6. Town centre regeneration (30%) 
7. Planning services (27%) 
8. Sport and leisure services (26%) 
9. Housing (18%) 
10. Road infrastructure and planning (17%) 

171 residents also provided feedback on their priority areas for spend at Bucks County Show on 31 August 2024.  

The Buckinghamshire Youth Voice Executive Committee shared their views on priority areas for spend by sending a letter to the Leader, the Section 151 Officer and the Corporate Director for Children’s Services.  

More information about the budget consultation results (PDF 1.0MB) 

The consultation results were reviewed by Cabinet, alongside the final budget report, at its meeting on 4 January 2024. 

During the week of 8 January 2024, the Budget Scrutiny Select Committee Inquiry reviewed and challenged the budget proposals. 

They made recommendations on potential change to the budget which were presented to Cabinet on 13 February 2024. 

At its meeting on 21 February 2024, Buckinghamshire Council approved the proposed budget allocation for 2024 to 2025.  

Details of all the proposed budget changes (PDF 0.24MB). 

We asked for views on the draft Shenley Park Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). 

The consultation ran from 30 August to 11 October 2023. 

We received representations from 387 respondents to the consultation. 

Some changes have been made to the SPD to reflect public views and new information. These changes include: 

• requiring a strategic outer link road of 40mph, reducing to 30-mph speed limit when connecting into H6 Childs Way 
• Shenley Road is to be closed to vehicular traffic and instead be used as an active travel route for walking and cycling 
• informal sports provision and a children’s play area to be located away from the Whaddon buffer to provide greater separation between the two communities 
• an area of open space to be located near to the houses in Kingsmead Green at H6 Childs Way to provide recreation land that is away from the grid road reserve 
• the removal of references to a potential Park and Ride 
• enhance provision of footpaths and cycleways  

On 13 February 2024, Cabinet approved the Shenley Park Supplementary Planning Document for adoption.  

View the Shenley Park Supplementary Planning Document (PDF 14MB). 

We asked for your views on a proposal to expand The Cottesloe School. 

The consultation ran from 4 September to 8 October 2023.

We received 42 responses to the consultation:

• 38 online survey responses 
• 4 email and postal responses 

Of the 42 who responded, 29 (69%) were in agreement with the proposal to expand the school; 10 (24%) did not agree; and, 3 (7%) didn’t know or didn’t say. 

Together with the Governing Board of Cottesloe School, we have considered the responses to the consultation. 

Due to the increase in pupil numbers being below 200 or 25% (whichever is the lesser) of the current school size, there is no requirement to proceed with the full statutory process. 

In view of the level of support in favour of the proposal, a planning application for expansion has been submitted. The final decision will be subject to the outcome of the planning application process (Planning application reference: 23/03600/APP). 

We asked for your views on proposals to introduce traffic calming on Stratford Drive in Bourne End.  

The consultation ran from 4 October 2023 to 25 August 2023. 

We received 10 responses to the consultation which included 3 objections. 

Objections received are summarised below: 

• the impact of a raised table on road drainage as the area is known to flood 
• additional speed reduction measures have not been included in this consultation 

On 16 January 2024 the Service Director Planning and Environment approved the installation of a raised table on Stratford Drive.  

We asked you to vote for the winner of the Buckinghamshire Design Awards 2022/23 People’s Choice Award.

The Design Awards celebrate the best examples of good design in the county, with the aim of raising the standards for future built development and land management in Buckinghamshire.

We received 603 responses.

On Monday 2 October 2023, the Brunel Engine Shed in High Wycombe was announced as the winner of the People’s Choice Award.

View the full list of winners of the Buckinghamshire Design Awards 2022/23.

We asked for your views on the draft Scrap Metal Licensing Policy for Buckinghamshire Council.  

The consultation ran from 13 August to 3 July 2023. 

We received 5 responses to the consultation.  

The responses received either strongly agreed or agreed with the proposals within the draft policy.  

On 7 February 2024 the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council agreed the adoption of the Scrap Metal Licensing Policy (PDF 2.58KB) 

The policy will be implemented from 1 April 2024.  

We asked for views on whether you agreed with the proposal to move Furze Down School sixth form to the short breaks day service building in Buckingham (also known as the Buckingham Opportunities Centre).

The consultation ran from 26 June to 6 August 2023.

We received 48 responses to the consultation:

• 44 online survey responses
• 4 email and postal responses

Of the 48 who responded, 35 (73%) were in agreement with the proposal to move Furze Down sixth form to the short breaks day service building in Buckingham; 10 (21%) did not agree; and, 3 (6%) didn’t know or didn’t say.

Of the 48 responses received 45 (94%) said that they understood why the proposal had been made to move the sixth form. 1 (2%) said that they didn’t understand the proposal and 2 (4%) that they didn’t know.

Together with the Governing Board of Furze Down School, we have considered the responses to the consultation.

In view of the level of support in favour of the proposal, on Wednesday 11 October 2023 we published a statutory proposal for moving Furze Down sixth form to the short breaks day service building in Buckingham.

We asked for your views on key priorities to live a healthy, happy life for longer and help develop the Buckinghamshire Council Healthy Ageing Strategy. 

The engagement ran from 19 June to 17 July 2023.  

We received 228 responses to the survey: 

• respondent ages ranged from 30 to over 85 years 
• the average age of respondents was 61 - 65 years 
• 40% had a disability, impairment and / or long-term health condition 
• 60% of respondents were living in a rural area 
• 40% of respondents were living in an urban area 

Things that helped ageing well included: 

• a range of activities to join 
• local shops, cafes and pubs 
• volunteers supporting activities and community groups 
• neighbours helping one another 

Challenges to ageing well included: 

• a lack of transport options to get to activities and services (especially in rural areas) 
• vehicles parking on pavements, lack of dropped kerbs, poor quality pavements (especially in urban areas) 
• access to health professionals including GPs and dentists 

Your responses were used to help create the Healthy Ageing Strategy and the underpinning action plan. Responses informed the priorities for the first year of the strategy, including outdoor space and buildings and the need to address the conditions of the pavements.  They also helped to identify actions across the other age friendly areas throughout the action plan.  

An Age Friendly Bucks Partnership has been established to oversee the development and delivery of the strategy. A wider network of stakeholders, including residents, will also be established.  

On 5 March 2024, the Cabinet approved the Healthy Ageing Strategy and endorsed the actions within it.  

We asked for views on whether you agreed with two proposals for Juniper Hill School:

• open a new Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Unit
• close the current physical disability Additional Resource Provision (ARP)

The consultation ran from 5 June to 16 July 2023.

We received 30 responses to the consultation:

• 22 online survey responses
• 8 email and postal responses

On the proposal to open a new SEMH Unit, of the 30 who responded:

• 15 (50%) were in agreement with the proposal to open a SEMH Unit; 11 (37%) did not agree; and 4 (13%) didn’t know or didn’t say
• 26 (86.6%) said that they understood why the proposal to open an SEMH Unit had been made; 2 (6.7%) said that they didn’t understand and 2 (6.7%) didn’t know or didn’t say

On the proposal to close the current physical disability ARP, of the 30 who responded:

• 17 (57%) were in agreement with the proposal to close the physical disability ARP; 6 (20%) did not agree; and 7 (23%) didn’t know or didn’t say
• 22 (73%) said that they understood why the proposal to close the physical disability ARP had been made; 4 (13.5%) said that they didn’t understand and 4 (13.5%) didn’t know or didn’t say

Together with the Governing Board of Juniper Hill School, we have considered the responses to the consultation.

In view of the need for the SEND provision and having taken into account all responses received, on Friday 13 October 2023 we published a statutory proposal to:

• open a new Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Unit
• close the current physical disability Additional Resource Provision (ARP)

We asked for your views on the draft Buckinghamshire Council Charitable Collections Policy.  

The consultation ran from 9 May to 20 June 2023.  

We received 61 responses to the consultation: 

• 55 to the online survey 
• 6 by post or email

69% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed with the proposal to regulate street collections through adopting the Model Regulations and 15% disagreed. The remaining 16% neither agreed nor disagreed, didn’t know or did not answer this question. 

We made the following amendments to the policy following feedback: 

• to allow applicants to apply for house-to-house collections to take place over a period of up to 28 days during the pre-Christmas period 
• to allow applicants to apply for house-to-house collections to take place until 8pm, with a discretion to apply for later hours during the pre-Christmas period 
• so that street collections are limited to town and village centres and other commercial areas 
• to provide clarification that charities can still apply to collect in more than one ward/location under the same licence/permit 

On 5 September 2023, Licensing Committee approved the Charitable Collections Policy to go forward for adoption. On 6 December 2023, Buckinghamshire Council agreed the adoption of the Charitable Collections Policy (PDF 4.29MB).  

We asked for views on our draft Animal Licensing Policy for Buckinghamshire Council. 

The consultation ran from 20 April to 31 May 2023. 

We received 26 responses to the consultation: 

• 25 to the online survey 
• 1 printed survey 

61.5% of respondents agreed that applicants should provide evidence of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to hold a licence. 26.9% did not agree and 11.5% ‘didn’t know’. 

80.7% of respondents agreed that applicants and licence holders whose activities involve contact with children and vulnerable people should have a safeguarding policy and provide staff training. 7.6% did not agree and 11.5% ‘didn’t know’. 

76.% of respondents found the policy either ‘very easy’ or ‘somewhat easy’ to understand. 19.2% found the policy ‘not very easy to understand’. 

View the report to Licensing (Regulatory) Committee on 7 November 2023. 

We made the following amendments to the policy following feedback: 

• clarified that existing licence holders will be required to complete a DBS check when they next complete a renewal application 
• a more detailed outline of the AWA 2006 has been provided in section of 4 of the amended draft policy, to more accurately summarise what is set out in the Act 
• updated the policy to reflect that as of 1 October all inspectors carrying out LAIA licence inspections must be suitably qualified and no longer have any grandfather rights 
• created a new section setting out the Council’s expectation that all licence holders will update the licensing service of any significant changes in circumstances, incidents relating to their licence, arrests, cautions or convictions for animal welfare offences as it was felt that this applied to all licence types, not just LAIA licences. Licence holders must also notify the licensing service of any bail conditions which may affect how they are able to operate their business.
• Appendix 3 of the draft policy “Standard Zoo Licence Conditions” has been updated to reflect the most current APHA’s recommended wording for licence conditions which have been provided by a state appointed inspector during a recent periodical zoo inspection. 

At its meeting on 7 November 2023, Buckinghamshire Council’s Licensing Committee approved the adoption of the Animal Licensing Policy (PDF2.78MB). 

The policy will be implemented from 1 April 2024.  

We asked for views on a statutory notice for the proposed closure of The Mary Towerton Primary School at Studley Green, High Wycombe.

The consultation ran from 28 April to 26 May 2023.

This followed an initial consultation on the proposal from 28 February to 2 April 2023.

We received 10 responses to the consultation:

• 9 online survey responses
• one email response

Of the 10 responses:

• 4 (40%) agreed with the proposal to close the school from 31 August 2023 and 6 (60%) did not agree.
• 5 said they were local residents and one a school staff member

No respondents said they were parents / carers of pupils currently at the school.

On 3 July 2023, the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council approved the closure of The Mary Towerton School with effect from 31 August 2023.

The responses to either consultation did not include any alternative proposals to closure from external organisations or local schools.

We asked for views on whether you agreed with the proposal to close The Mary Towerton Primary School at Studley Green, High Wycombe.

The consultation ran from 28 February to 2 April 2023.

We received 51 responses to the consultation:

• 44 online survey responses
• 7 email responses

Of the 51 who responded, 21 (41%) were in agreement with the proposal to close the school from 31st August 2023; 24 (47%) did not agree; and, 6 (12%) didn’t know or didn’t say.

Of the 51 responses received 45 (88%) said that they understood why the proposal had been made to consult on closure of the school. 3 (6%) said that they didn’t understand the proposal and 3 (6%) that they didn’t know.

Together with the Governing Board of The Mary Towerton School, we have considered the responses to the consultation.

As it did not provide any viable options to support the school remaining open, on Friday 28 April 2023 we published a statutory proposal for closure.

We asked for views on a proposal to increase fees for taxi and private hire licensing services.

The consultation ran from 15 February to 15 March 2023.

We received 210 responses to the consultation:

• 199 to the online survey
• 10 email responses
• 1 written response

Most respondents (67%) were members of the taxi and private hire trade or trade representatives.

88% of respondents objected to the proposed fees. Main reasons:

• cost of living impact / affordability
• increase is too high (higher than inflation)
• fee is already too expensive
• not busy enough / not making enough money
• consumer will be impacted (increased fares, fewer taxis)

53% of respondents said it was not acceptable for the tax-payer to cover the cost of the licensing service. Main reasons:

• council needs to make cost savings / efficiencies
• tax-payers should not cover the cost
• do not accept the increase is needed (costs are already covered)
• cost of living crisis
• tax-payers will indirectly cover the cost

More information about the taxi and private hire licensing fees consultation responses (PDF 1.99MB).

At its meeting on 11 April 2023, Buckinghamshire Council approved the proposed Taxi and private hire licensing fees – to take effect on 24 April 2023.

We are required by law to provide the taxi and private hire licensing service. Unless costs are subsidised by the taxpayer, the service should be cost neutral and operate at no cost to the taxpayer.

We asked for views to help us further shape Buckinghamshire libraries – whether you used a library, or not:

• your views on draft purpose, vision and 4 priorities
• what you use libraries for
• what would encourage you to use your library more

The survey ran from 18 November 2022 to 15 January 2023.

We received 802 responses to the survey.

Views on draft purpose, vision and priorities:

• 90% strongly agreed / agreed with the purpose and vision
• 92% strongly agreed / agreed with ‘Culture and learning’ as a priority
• 91% strongly agreed / agreed with ‘Access, information and inclusion’ as a priority
• 87% strongly agreed / agreed with ‘Stronger communities’ as a priority
• 84% strongly agreed / agreed with ‘Health and wellbeing’ as a priority

What respondents use libraries for, top 5 options:

• 83% - physical book borrowing (including audiobooks)
• 23% - borrowing ebooks (including e-audiobooks)
• 14% - use library wi-fi
• 13% - use public computers
• 12% - work or study from the library

What would encourage respondents to use libraries more:

• longer opening hours
• use for more after hours events
• improved stock of books

We also ran several engagement events to gather feedback and identify opportunities:

• staff, volunteer and community workshops
• stakeholder meetings

More information about what respondents told us is in the Buckinghamshire Libraries Strategy.

At its meeting on 21 March 2023, Buckinghamshire Council approved the Buckinghamshire Libraries Strategy.

We used your feedback to:

• update the vision and priorities
• create short to mid-term objectives and how we will measure success
• identify four key principles to deliver the strategy:
  • constant service improvement
  • engaging and empowering staff and volunteers
  • developing libraries as hubs – diversifying what libraries offer, based on local need
  • working in partnership

Feedback about what would encourage respondents to use libraries more will be used to help develop what libraries offer.

Buckinghamshire Libraries will work with staff, volunteers, and partners to develop a detailed action plan to achieve the strategy. This plan will be reviewed every year.

We asked for your views on a draft strategy to support children and young people’s therapy needs in Buckinghamshire.

The consultation ran from 21 November 2022 to 9 January 2023.

During the consultation period we ran a number of stakeholder sessions, including:

• 2 parent sessions
• 3 education setting sessions
• 2 SEND professional sessions
• 2 Early Help professional sessions
• 1 Therapist session

We also developed a tailored approach to support children and young people to take part, including a response sheet for non-verbal children and young people, an offer of group or 1:1 feedback sessions, and guidance for parents, carers and professionals.

We received 83 responses to the consultation.

The majority of respondents (67.5%) agreed or strongly agreed with the vision.

The majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the three priority areas:

• 91.5% agreed or strongly agreed with ‘ensuring early identification of therapy support or provision needs’ as a priority
• 81% agreed or strongly agreed with ‘boosting support available within community and universal settings’ as a priority
• 84.3% agreed or strongly agreed with ‘ensuring that the right support is in place at the right time and in an accessible location’ as a priority

More information on the consultation approach, analysis and summary of feedback.

We have published the key themes from the consultation responses and what we have done, or are planning to do, as a result.

On 11 August 2023, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, on behalf of the Leader, approved the strategy for adoption.

For your views on the overall themes and concepts in the draft Transport Strategy and draft Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for High Wycombe. 

The consultation ran from 14 October 2022 to 12 December 2022. 

We received 285 responses to the consultation: 

• 249 online survey responses 
• 36 by email or post responses 

Transport Strategy

We received 198 online responses on the Transport Strategy. The majority of respondents supported the key themes: 

• Connecting Locally - 84% strongly agreed or agreed 
• Connecting Regionally - 79% strongly agreed or agreed 
• Connecting Green Spaces - 78% strongly agreed or agreed 

LCWIP 

We received 206 online responses on the LCWIP. The majority of respondents supported the key themes: 

• Walkable Core - 82% strongly agreed or agreed 
• Healthy Neighbourhoods - 72% strongly agreed or agreed 
• Wider Network and Strategic Routes - 69% strongly agreed or agreed 
• A Cohesive and Connected Network - 69% strongly agreed or agreed 
• Main Radial Routes, Key Links and Hubs - 67% strongly agreed or agreed 

The key themes across all responses received, and subsequent amendments, are summarised below: 

• greater consideration of the needs of vulnerable road users 
• insufficient focus and emphasis on the importance of behaviour change and supporting measures 
• inadequate consideration of public transport connectivity in rural areas and neighbouring settlements 
• improvements to bus service quality and provision 
• congestion issues on main arterial routes especially during peak times 
• comments and suggestions for improved walking and cycling infrastructure 
• concerns about the implications of restricted parking, car light living and additional demand management measures such as road user charging 
• performance outcomes, monitoring and evaluation 
• revisions to the level of ambition and timeline for delivery of the High Wycombe 2050 Transport Strategy.  

More information about what respondents told us is in the summary report (PDF 0.14MB) 

On 4 January 2024 the Cabinet approved the High Wycombe Transport Strategy (PDF 4MB)and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (PDF 6MB). 

Specific proposals and interventions identified in the plans will be subject to further development, engagement and public consultation, if and when they are taken forward and as funding becomes available.