Amy Holmes

Buckinghamshire Council’s draft local plan proposes expanding the village of Beachampton into a new town of up to 8,000 homes as part of a wider goal to accommodate 90,000 new homes by 2045. Residents voice concerns about potential loss of landscape, limited local employment, infrastructure shortcomings and flood risks, while council leader Steven Broadbent says the plan is necessary to manage growth mandated by the government. The proposal enters a six‑week public consultation before submission by December 2026.

Six Labour councillors in Luton, including former deputy leader Javed Hussain and long-serving member Tom Shaw, have resigned from the party, citing concerns over regional Labour influence and loss of local democratic control. Their departure removes Labour’s majority on Luton Borough Council for the first time in nearly two decades, leaving the party with 22 seats and prompting the group to form an independent alliance. The shake-up follows recent leadership changes, including the appointment of Tahmina Saleem as council leader. Upcoming elections are scheduled for 2027.

Eight LGBTQ+ community members in Hertfordshire have completed training developed by Impactful Governance to provide peer mentoring amid rising concerns about hate crimes and safety. Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund and Hertsmere Borough Council, the mentors will earn NCFE Level 1 qualifications before beginning work in the autumn. Participants describe the programme as vital in a hostile climate, offering reassurance, community support and tools to help vulnerable individuals. Recruitment has begun for next year’s cohort to expand access to mentoring and support services.

Bedfordshire’s police and crime commissioner John Tizard said planning is underway to prepare for the Universal Studios theme park expected to attract 8.5 million annual visitors when it opens near Bedford in 2031. He highlighted security concerns during the construction phase and said the government is considering additional funding. Tizard also addressed the future scrapping of PCC roles, potential police force mergers, and existing cross‑force collaborations. He acknowledged significant backlogs in shotgun licensing across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, noting improvements supported by new AI technology and a forthcoming national firearms scheme.

Councils in Hertfordshire were told that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s resignation will not affect the timetable for decisions on reorganising local government, with a mid‑July announcement still expected. Plans would replace the current two‑tier structure with between two and four unitary authorities responsible for all local services. The proposed shake‑up has divided councils, prompting disputes over election delays and coalition tensions. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has indicated no change to the schedule as the Labour leadership process continues.

Wycombe Food Hub must relocate by the end of July following approval to redevelop its current site into housing. The organisation has secured a larger premises on Desborough Road but faces up to £50,000 in repair costs, including structural work, decorating and safety improvements. Manager Sarah Sturt has appealed for tradespeople and volunteers to help restore the long-unused building so expanded community services can continue. The hub will operate from its current location until the move is completed.