Are you someone who visits the Aylesbury, Chesham or High Wycombe Town Centre? If so, we want to hear from you
Through the Safer Streets campaign, Thames Valley Police have been working on making Town Centres across Buckinghamshire safer for everyone, and we want to know what you currently think about your town.
If you have a moment to spare to help us, please fill out the survey via the link below. We greatly value any feedback
Buckinghamshire Safer Streets – Public Feedback
Council updates Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Licensing Policy to improve safety and accessibility
Buckinghamshire Council has updated its Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Licensing Policy to further strengthen passenger safety, improve accessibility and support the local licensed trade across the county.
The revised policy – shaped by a year of engagement with drivers, operators, disability groups and residents – introduces improvements to driver application processes and changes to vehicle standards, including accessibility requirements and zero‑emission ambitions. It also updates the “safe and suitable” criteria for licensed drivers in line with changes to national guidance.
For drivers and operators, the updates provide clearer and more consistent requirements across Buckinghamshire, helping the licensed trade plan for future accessibility and environmental expectations. For residents, the policy ensures hackney carriage and private hire vehicles continue to offer a safe, reliable and inclusive way to travel.
Buckinghamshire council will work with the licensed hackney carriage and private hire trade on the implementation of the updated policy, expected from September 2026.
A Coordinator in Chalfont St Giles has informed us that there has been a number of cars broken into and damaged over night between 15/16 March in Ellwood Rise. The police have been informed.
If your car has been broken into report to the police on 101 unless you witness your car being broken into then it is 999 telling the police the offender is near-by.
Inform your Insurance Company.
Do not touch anything in case the police need to take finger prints or carry out other investigations.
Make a note of anything missing or stolen and photograph any damage done to your vehicle. Your Insurance company may require this information.
So here are some safety tips to keep your Car Safe:
- Do not leave your keys in the ignition or door open when your car is unattended.
- Make sure your car is secure with the roof, sunroof ,windows and doors all locked.
- Do not leave valuables in your car where they can be seen and stolen.
- Do not leave car documents, credit cards in your car.
- If you cannot park your car on your drive make sure it is parked in a well lit area or secure car park.
- Most sure your alarm is working in your car.
- Fit lockable wheel nuts , fuel cap and other security devices available.
- If you have Keyless car fob's some allow you to switch off the wireless signals. Check with your manufacturer. If not please keep your fobs well out of site especially away from the front of your property.
Faraday signal blocking pouches in two size, one small @ £3.00 each which will take a single fob, or a larger one at £4.00 each which takes a mobile phone or two fobs. This prevents access to your vehicle by blocking your car key from transmitting its code to the vehicle. If interested please email me on valpranddnhwatch@aol.com or reply to this message'
Support for Buckinghamshire households that use heating oil
Following the announcement from Government this week about financial support for low-income households who use heating oil, Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council Leader said:
“We know many residents in Buckinghamshire rely on heating oil and will be concerned about the recent increase in price. The Government has outlined some targeted support that may be available. They have indicated the outline of how this will work; it will be linked to the Crisis and Resilience Fund and will be limited to residents from low-income households. Further details are expected in the coming days, but this grant funding is an area that the Government has cut by almost £1 million for Buckinghamshire over the last two years.
Cost of living pressures are once again rising and we are seeking urgent clarity on just how much additional financial support Buckinghamshire will receive for this purpose, given a greater number of people use heating oil at home compared to many other parts of the country. We will communicate more on this at the earliest opportunity.
I urge anyone experiencing severe financial hardship, including struggling to meet energy costs, to look at the cost of living section of our website in the first instance where there is information on how to seek advice and support.”
Bucks Council launches new Growth Fund to boost the county’s economy
Buckinghamshire Council has launched the Buckinghamshire Growth Fund and is now inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from local organisations with ambitious, investment‑ready projects that can help grow the county’s economy. EOIs are open until 5pm on Friday 17 April 2026.
The Buckinghamshire Growth Fund is a direct outcome of Buckinghamshire’s Economic Growth Plan, adopted by the Council in September 2025. The Plan sets out a clear ambition to grow the local economy by 2% per year by increasing labour productivity, matching skills to opportunity, and supporting the creation of well‑paid jobs. The Growth Fund has been designed specifically to help local businesses and partners deliver this ambition.
The Fund is made possible through the success of Buckinghamshire’s Enterprise Zones, the fastest‑growing employment areas in the county, at Silverstone, Woodlands (Aylesbury) and Westcott. These areas are home to some of the county’s most innovative and rapidly expanding businesses and their growth generates further funds to the Council to enable reinvestment into wider economic development across Buckinghamshire.
The Fund is made possible through business rates receipts generated within three of Buckinghamshire’s fastest‑growing employment areas—the Enterprise Zones at Silverstone, Westcott and Woodlands (Aylesbury). These areas are home to some of the county’s most innovative and rapidly expanding businesses, and their growth now enables the Council to reinvest in wider economic development across Buckinghamshire.
What types of projects can apply
Example project types include, but are not limited to:
- development of commercial, innovation or workspace
- site enabling or infrastructure works
- research and development
- skills and training programmes aligned to employer need
- business support and growth activity
- low‑carbon and clean growth initiatives that strengthen long‑term resilience
Projects that strongly support the Buckinghamshire Economic Growth Plan and its five priorities—high‑value sectors, place and infrastructure, skills, innovation and partnership working—will score highest and have the best chance of securing funding.
Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, Steven Broadbent, said:
“We’re pleased to open the Buckinghamshire Growth Fund for applications. This new investment opportunity is a direct result of our Economic Growth Plan and the success of businesses based in our Enterprise Zones. Their growth is helping us reinvest in jobs, innovation and long‑term prosperity across the county.
This is a great opportunity for organisations to bring forward bold, investment‑ready projects that can raise productivity, boost skills, support innovation and help deliver sustained economic growth in Buckinghamshire. We have world‑class businesses and exceptional talent here, and this Fund will help unlock new opportunities for our communities and our economy.”
Who can apply
Applications are open to:
- businesses
- education and research organisations
- charities and not‑for‑profit organisations
- public sector bodies
Applicants must have operated in Buckinghamshire for at least 12 months.
High‑scoring EOIs will be invited to develop a full business case at the next stage.
How to apply
Organisations should visit this following link to find out more:
Buckinghamshire Growth Fund – open call for Expressions of Interest | Buckinghamshire Council
The Council’s Economy & Investment Team can provide support and reasonable adjustments where needed.
Bucks Council shares advice following meningitis outbreak in Kent
Buckinghamshire Council is issuing public health advice following reports of an outbreak of meningitis in Kent affecting university and A‑level students.
Cllr Isobel Darby, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
“There is no indication that this outbreak affects young people in Buckinghamshire, but we recognise that young people and parents in our county may be understandably worried. Meningitis is rare, but it can cause serious illness, so it’s important to know the symptoms and seek urgent medical help if they appear.”
David Munday, Buckinghamshire Council’s Director of Public Health, added:
“Symptoms of meningitis can include:
- High fever
- Stiff neck and headache
- Vomiting
- Confusion or extreme sleepiness
- Seizures
- A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
“Early treatment is vital, so anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek urgent medical help.
“Vaccination is the best protection against meningitis. Young people who missed the MenACWY vaccine at school can still request it from their GP practice team up to age 25. The MenB vaccine is routinely offered to infants under two.
“If you think you or your child may have missed a routine vaccine for meningitis or any other disease such as measles or whooping cough, please speak to your GP practice team about catch‑up doses.”
For more information about meningitis and routine vaccination schedules, visit:
Meningitis – NHS and NHS vaccinations and when to have them – NHS
What is meningitis? Symptoms, risks and how to protect yourself – UK Health Security Agency
Please see the link to a very short survey that will help shape your local neighbourhood policing priorities for the next quarter of the year:
Thames Valley Police Buckinghamshire LCU Neighbourhood Priorities – Fill in form
This survey is to assist your local neighbourhood policing team in understanding what issues are currently of most concern in the community and we are seeking to gather as many responses as possible. If you cannot find your area or are unsure, please feel free to ask by response of this message. Please also feel free to share this with family, friends and neighbours.
Council confirms new provider for civil parking enforcement services
Buckinghamshire Council has awarded a new contract with APCOA Parking (UK) Limited to deliver civil parking enforcement across the county for up to seven years. The move supports the council’s Parking Strategy and will create a more reliable, consistent service that helps keep streets safe, accessible and fair for everyone.
Under the new arrangements, APCOA will run an intelligence-led service with Civil Enforcement Officers deployed where they are most needed, guided by an agreed Enforcement Plan that sets minimum service levels seven days a week. The service will be supported by modern tools, including unattended CCTV for added resilience and mobile cameras in ANPR-equipped (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) vehicles to target moving traffic and parking contraventions. Day-to-day car park maintenance and back-office administration will remain in-house with the council-led service.
Residents can expect a fully resourced, responsive operation, with APCOA bringing proven staffing capability, a strong approach to customer service and a clear focus on staff training and safeguarding. The provider’s mobilisation plan sets out a smooth transition to the new model, backed by robust risk management and the use of technology to improve monitoring and performance. Electric vehicles, e-mopeds and ANPR will help teams reach priority locations quickly and support effective parking management.
With the contract now awarded, preparations begin immediately. The new service is expected to go live on 1 June 2026, and the council will share further updates with residents in the spring.
Council approves balanced budget for coming financial year
Buckinghamshire Council has agreed a balanced budget for the coming year despite increasing financial challenges brought about by national government decisions which mean funds raised locally are being diverted away from Buckinghamshire to other local areas around the country.
The final budget was voted on by full council at a meeting today (Wednesday 25 February). It is a legal requirement for councils to put forward a balanced budget, but it has warned it is doing so under increasingly difficult national funding conditions. As a result of the government’s ‘Fair Funding Review’, Buckinghamshire is seeing a reduction in funding of £44.5m as the Government diverts resources away from the county to other geographical areas with higher modelled needs.
The council has made significant savings to run a balanced budget, totalling £116.8 million in its first five years of operation as a unitary authority. A further £70.5m of savings is expected to be delivered by the end of 2025/26. Additional savings totalling £109m have been identified over the next three years, to allow the council to keep investing in local services as well as providing the critical statutory support services such as social care.
This means that in order to set a balanced budget the total savings made since Buckinghamshire became a unitary authority in 2020 will total £296m, the equivalent of 67% of the council’s budget since 2020.
Some confirmation of some additional grants from the government has been received, however, these are ringfenced grants that can only be spent within certain areas and do not match the funding lost via the Fair Funding Review.
The basic rate of council tax in Buckinghamshire will rise by 2.99 per cent from 1 April 2026, and the Adult Social Care precept will increase by 2 per cent, meaning a total rise of 4.99 per cent, or an extra £1.86 per week for the average Band D home during 2026/27.
Connect to Work scheme launches to help residents secure good-quality employment
Buckinghamshire Council is delighted to announce the launch of the ‘Connect to Work’ scheme which is being delivered by Intuitive Thinking.
Connect to Work is a nationally funded scheme and will support residents with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or those facing complex barriers to employment (including carers, veterans, and ex-offenders), to find and sustain employment.
Working with Intuitive Thinking, which have many years’ experience in delivering supported employment programmes, means residents will be able to work with a dedicated employment specialist who will identify their skills, experience, wants and needs, and then tailor their work search accordingly.
The scheme not only supports people who are looking for work, but also those who are already employed and facing challenges due to a disability or health issue. This includes help to stay in work or to return after a period of ill-health. Support continues beyond starting a job, with ongoing coaching, training and advice to help residents remain in work and progress in their careers.
Register interest.
Council urges drivers to show respect for school crossing patrollers
Buckinghamshire Council is reminding motorists to respect the essential work carried out by the county’s school crossing patrollers as they help children and families reach school safely each day.
Often known as lollipop men and women, Buckinghamshire’s 60 patrollers are out in all weathers, morning and afternoon during term time, using their STOP signs to ensure safe passage across busy roads. While most drivers stop as required, a minority continue to display abusive or dangerous behaviour, putting both patrollers and pedestrians at risk.
Between the start of the 2021 school year and November 2024, there were 39 reported incidents involving drivers failing to stop or behaving inappropriately. These included four injury incidents, 29 near misses and several verbal abuse reports. Actual numbers are likely to be higher as many incidents go unreported. Since 1 December 2024 to 31 Jan 2026, there have been a further 8 reported incidents, all of which were near misses.
When patrollers do report issues to the police, witness evidence is often needed, so the council is urging parents and carers to come forward should they see unsafe behaviour.
School crossing patrollers have a legal right to stop traffic for anyone needing help to cross the road. They hold the same authority as police officers when displaying their STOP sign. Failing to stop is an offence that could lead to a £1,000 fine, three penalty points or even disqualification. Patrollers are encouraged to report any driver who refuses to stop.
Examples of problematic behaviour include drivers using abusive language, failing to stop even when the patroller is already in the road, swerving around patrollers, blocking pavements and parking irresponsibly - particularly on ‘School Keep Clear’ markings and bus stops.
Drivers are reminded to:
- Slow down when you see a patrol warning sign or flashing lights and be prepared to stop.
- Stop when the patroller displays the STOP sign.
- Be patient and do not move forward until instructed.
- Avoid parking on zig‑zag lines, bus stops or anywhere that obstructs the patroller’s view or movements.
Reporting incidents
To report any incidents involving School Crossing Patrollers, residents can contact:
Aylesbury Vale and Wycombe (West): Corinne Randall – 01296 383 432
Chiltern & South Bucks and Wycombe (East): Georgina Longley – 01494 586 639
We have a date that we want you to put in your calendars. 1-7 June will be Neighbourhood Watch Week – the theme this year will be “communi-tea”. Yes, you read that correctly, it’s a mixture of community and tea party, and who doesn’t love a tea party? Find out more about what we have planned here.
Highlights this month
- Our impact report shows the difference we’ve made across England and Wales
- Spotlight on Hawthorn and Rosegrove groups
- Watch our webinar on reducing violence against women and girls in our communities
- Our Chair Ian Bretman blogs on the plans shaping Neighbourhood Watch until 2030
Full Report Here
