Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies.

To confirm as a true and correct record and sign the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 21 January 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2025 were presented,

Resolved:

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2025.

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee or Monitoring Officer.

To receive any announcements from the Leader of the Council.

There were no Leader announcements

The Council welcomes contributions from members of the public.

This meeting is open to the public, who may ask a question or make a statement. Questions may also be asked by Members of the Council. 

Questions must be submitted to committee@wiltshire.gov.uk by 12.00 noon on Wednesday 29 January 2025.

Written notice of a wish to make a statement should also be provided wherever possible.

Twenty-five general questions had been received for the meeting, which were provided in the published agenda supplement together with written responses.

Supplementary questions were received from:

• Andrew Nicolson commented further on carbon literacy training and encouraged all members to receive available training, and engagement with climate groups at Area Board meetings.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director, Resources (S.151 Officer).

Resolved:

Cabinet approves:

a)    The following transfers to earmarked reserves;

i.               £0.120m for activity funded by the Supporting Families grant which will fall into future years;

ii.             £0.285m for activity relating to improvements in early help in schools and with families in SEN and targeted services;

iii.            £0.803m to the High Needs Sustainability Activity Reserve in relation to High Needs transformation activity which will fall into future years;

b)    That the balances held in the Inquests and Salisbury Recovery earmarked reserves totalling £0.466m that are no longer required be transferred to the General Fund Reserve.

Cabinet notes:

c)    the current revenue budget is forecast to overspend by £1.749m by the end of the financial year.

d)    the current forecast savings delivery performance for the year.

e)    the forecast overspend on the HRA of £0.696m and the impact on the HRA reserve.

f)     The additional forecast overspend against Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budgets of £0.593m and the impact on the cumulative DSG deficit.

g)    The transfer from earmarked reserves;

i.               £0.450m from the transformation reserve as approved by the Transformation Board to support planned FACT activity;

ii.             £0.455m from the transformation reserve as approved by the Transformation Board to support planned HNB transformation activity;

iii.            £0.055m to fund the Short Breaks grant scheme spend in 2024/25 financial year;

iv.            £0.060m to fund external consultant support for the SEN Inspection;

v.             £0.057m from the Not in Employment Education or Training (NEET) reserve for 2024/25 activity;

vi.            £0.036 from the Business Plan Priority Reserve for Enforcement Activity.

Reason for Decision:

To inform effective decision making and ensure sound financial management as part of the Councils overall control environment.

To inform Cabinet on the forecast revenue financial position of the Council for the financial year 2024/25 as at quarter three (31 December 2024), including delivery of approved savings for the year.

Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management, and Strategic Planning, presented a report which provided details of the revenue budget monitoring forecast position for the third quarter of the financial year 2024/25. This was based on the position towards the end of December 2024, and any known significant changes in January 2025.

Cllr Botterill reported a net overspend for the year of £1.749m, a slight increase from the previously reported figure in the previous quarter. He noted that there are no proposals to fund the position from reserves as management are confident that this position will be managed back into balance by the end of the year. Officers confirmed this position and highlighted an additional allocation from the Government of £500,000, which would assist in balancing the budget.  

The Leader commented on the lack of opposition members attending the meeting and therefore the opportunity to provide challenge on the revenue budget had been lost. He welcomed the Council’s position of not reverting to reserves in order to balance budgets, as is the case in a number of other councils.

Cllr Graham Wright, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee and Cllr Pip Ridout, Chairman of the Financial Planning Task Group, reported that the Task Group met on the 30 January to consider the report, and some of the issues considered included the implications for reserves and next year’s budget of a year-end deficit, pressure on the adult social care and SEND budgets, strategies to manage overspends and the Designated Schools Grant. The Task Group noted the confidence of the Cabinet Member and the Corporate Director - Resources that the Council will have a balanced budget by the end of Q4. Cllr Wright and Cllr Ridout thanked officers for their continued work in actively managing the council’s finances.

Resolved:

Cabinet approves:

a)    The following transfers to earmarked reserves;

i.               £0.120m for activity funded by the Supporting Families grant which will fall into future years;

ii.             £0.285m for activity relating to improvements in early help in schools and with families in SEN and targeted services;

iii.            £0.803m to the High Needs Sustainability Activity Reserve in relation to High Needs transformation activity which will fall into future years;

b)    That the balances held in the Inquests and Salisbury Recovery earmarked reserves totalling £0.466m that are no longer required be transferred to the General Fund Reserve.

Cabinet notes:

c)    the current revenue budget is forecast to overspend by £1.749m by the end of the financial year.

d)    the current forecast savings delivery performance for the year.

e)    the forecast overspend on the HRA of £0.696m and the impact on the HRA reserve.

f)     The additional forecast overspend against Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budgets of £0.593m and the impact on the cumulative DSG deficit.

g)    The transfer from earmarked reserves;

i.               £0.450m from the transformation reserve as approved by the Transformation Board to support planned FACT activity;

ii.             £0.455m from the transformation reserve as approved by the Transformation Board to support planned  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director, Resources (S.151 Officer).

Resolved:

Cabinet approves:

a)    the addition of £0.800m budget to the capital programme in 2025/26 to be funded from borrowing to complete the Hindon Stagger depot works to conclude the overall Depot Phase 1 capital programme;

b)    the grant income applied for and/or received as set out in Appendix C and Appendix D.

c)    the budget movements required to fund the anticipated costs and that the Trowbridge Leisure Centre project progresses to construction;

d)    delegated authority to the Corporate Director, Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member, Public Health, Communities, Leisure and Libraries to execute the contracts required to deliver the Trowbridge Leisure Centre project and authorise spend in accordance with this decision;

Cabinet notes:

e)    the resolution made by Cabinet at its meeting on 21 January 2025 relating to City Hall, to repurpose the use of allocated Capital Receipt Enhancement (CRE) budget for Melksham Blue Pool to City Hall, Salisbury and a virement of £0.045m of the 2024/25 budget and £0.255m of the 2025/26 budget from the CRE capital scheme line to the Facilities Management Investment Estate capital scheme line;

f)     The additional budgets added to the programme of £0.957m under Chief Finance Officer delegated powers;

g)    the budgets brought forward from future years into the 2024/25 programme totalling £5.522m under Chief Finance Officer delegated powers;

h)    the budgets reprogrammed from 2024/25 into future years totalling £38.398m under Chief Finance Officer delegated powers;

i)      Budget Movements between Schemes as detailed in Appendix A;

j)      the revised 2024/25 Capital Programme forecast as at quarter three of £194.436m;

k)    the capital spend as of 31 December 2024 of £115.250m

Reason for Decision:

To inform effective decision making and ensure sound financial management as part of the Councils overall control environment.

To inform Cabinet on the financial position of the Council on the 2024/25 capital

programme as at quarter three (31 December 2024).

Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management, and Strategic Planning, presented a report which provided details of the capital budget monitoring forecast for the third quarter of the financial year 2024/25, based on the position at the end of December 2024.

It was stated that the forecast of capital spending for the year stood at £194.436 as of 31 December 2024, once all the changes detailed in the report had been made. Whilst that level might not be reached due to the complexity of capital forecasting. Improvement continues to be made on the profiling of the programme, and further work has been undertaken with services to reprofile capital held in future years, helping to ensure a more realistic starting budget for 2025/26.

Cllr Botterill also reported that the total capital expenditure as at quarter three is £115.250m an increase on the £92,778m from the previous year and officers were forecasting that schemes will progress and be delivered according to current forecasts in 2024/25.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities, Leisure and Libraries explained that Leisure is an area which has seen an increase in demand and subsequently providing an increase in income. He reported that the capital projects in Marlborough and Warminster would be delivered in a couple of months.

Cllr Graham Wright, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee and Cllr Pip Ridout, Chairman of the Financial Planning Task Group reported that Task Group considered the report at its meeting on the 30 January 2025. The issues considered included areas in the capital budget where spending had not started and the capital loans to Stone Circle. The Task Group noted that improvements continue to be made on the profiling of the capital programme but had limited time to go into the detail of the report.

Resolved:

Cabinet approves:

a)    the addition of £0.800m budget to the capital programme in 2025/26 to be funded from borrowing to complete the Hindon Stagger depot works to conclude the overall Depot Phase 1 capital programme;

b)    the grant income applied for and/or received as set out in Appendix C and Appendix D.

c)    the budget movements required to fund the anticipated costs and that the Trowbridge Leisure Centre project progresses to construction;

d)    delegated authority to the Corporate Director, Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member, Public Health, Communities, Leisure and Libraries to execute the contracts required to deliver the Trowbridge Leisure Centre project and authorise spend in accordance with this decision;

Cabinet notes:

e)    the resolution made by Cabinet at its meeting on 21 January 2025 relating to City Hall, to repurpose the use of allocated Capital Receipt Enhancement (CRE) budget for Melksham Blue Pool to City Hall, Salisbury and a virement of £0.045m of the 2024/25 budget and £0.255m of the 2025/26 budget from the CRE capital scheme line to the Facilities Management Investment Estate capital scheme line;

f)     The additional budgets added to the programme of £0.957m under Chief Finance Officer delegated powers;

g)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

To receive a report from the Chief Executive, Corporate Director, Resources (S.151 Officer),and Director, Legal and Governance (Monitoring Officer).

Resolved:

Cabinet recommends to Council:

a)    That a net general fund budget of 2025/26 of £527.420m is approved;

b)    That the Council Tax requirement for the council be set at £368.818m for 2025/26 with a Band D charge of £1,886.99, an increase of £1.56 per week;

c)    That the Wiltshire Council element of the Council Tax be increased in 2025/26 by the following:

i.               A 2.5% general increase;

ii.       Plus a levy of 2% to be spent solely on Adult Social Care;

d)    That the Extended Leadership Team be required to meet the revenue budget targets for each service area as set out in Appendix 1 to this report, for the delivery of council services in 2025/26;

e)    That the Extended Leadership Team be required to deliver the revenue savings plans for each service area as set out in Appendix 1 to this report, over the MTFS period 2025/26 to 2027/28;

f)     That the changes in the fees and charges as set out in Appendix 4 are approved;

g)    That the Capital Programme 2025/26 to 2031/32 is approved;

h)    That the Capital Strategy set out in Appendix 2 is approved;

i)      That the Schools Capital Programme 2025/26 to 2030/31 in Appendix 3 is approved, including the proposal recommendations included and set out in that appendix;

j)      That the DSG budget as approved by Schools Forum is ratified;

k)    That the Medium Term Financial Strategy, the forecast balanced budget for 2025/26 financial year and the MTFS 2025/26 to 2027/28 is endorsed.

Cabinet approves:

l)      the spend against the following grants in Public Health expected in 2025/26;

i.               the smokefree grant of £0.553m towards enhancing Wiltshire's smoking cessation offer.

ii.             the Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Grant of £1.078m.

iii.            the Drug and Alcohol Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Improvement Grant (DATRIG) of £1.215m.

Reasons for Decisions:

To enable the Cabinet to recommend to Council a balanced revenue budget for

the financial year 2025/26 and to set the level of Council Tax.

To enable effective, transparent decision making and ensure sound financial

management as part of the council’s overall control environment.

The Cabinet also sets out the final assumptions being used in the budget for

growth, inflation, demand for services, the estimated level of income from sales,

fees and charges and the level of income estimated from core funding e.g.

Page 109Council Tax, Business Rates and government grants as well as the level of reserves held and assessed by the council’s Section 151 Officer, as required, to provide future financial resilience.

This provides the council with a MTFS to deliver on the Business Plan priorities

and drives long term financial sustainability.

Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management, and Strategic Planning, presented a report which provided details of the proposed 2025/26 budget and the medium-term financial strategy 2025/26 to 2027/28. The report also set out the Council’s Capital Programme 2025/26 to 2031/32, and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) approved by Schools Forum on 23 January 2025.

Cllr Botterill reported that the approach taken in the last two years to set a balanced budget over more than one year of the MTFS period put the council in a good financial position going forward into 2025/26. There are no proposals or reliance on reserves to sustain service delivery for the next financial year and the budget proposals also support setting aside funding for Waste Transformation in the future to ensure delivery of the changes required to meet the environmental and regulatory requirements. He referred to the Local Government Finance Policy Statement 2025 to 2026, which would targeting funding to those councils deemed ‘most in need’ based on council tax revenue raising abilities and deprivation indicators and that the finance settlement for 2025/26 would be one year only. He was concerned that the one-year funding position brings much uncertainty especially with new grant funding allocations changing for 2025/26 and the basis of this being one where the council is unlikely to see additional funding from government.

The Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025/26 was announced on 18 December 2024, which provided some indicative funding values for 2025/26 only, with the final Finance Settlement expected early to mid February 2025.

Cabinet noted that the proposed 2025/26 budget ensures that vital services to the residents, businesses and communities of Wiltshire will continue to be provided, as well as delivering on the commitments set out in the Business Plan and will support maximising the opportunities to continue to have funding set aside and not draw from reserves to support future financial risks. It is key that, to be able to continue to deliver on the Business Plan the council has sound and sustainable finances.

Cllr Botterill was pleased that the budget setting proposals deliver a balanced budget without the need to use reserves funding, ensuring that the council is managing its finances in a sustainable way. It is also key that expenditure to sustain services continues so an additional £53m gross pressure has been added into the 2025/26 service budgets to support the delivery of quality services focussed on protecting preventative and early help services, delivering the best outcomes for the residents of Wiltshire. The report also set out the required increase in Council Tax for 2025/26, the increase in fees and charges and the General Fund reserve balance as part of a reserve strategy to provide improved future financial resilience.

Cabinet members noted that the budget was not sacrificing quality and references were made to Adult Social Care achieving a good rating in a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission. The Leader explained that the Council was legally required to set a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director, Resources (S.151 Officer)

That Cabinet recommend Full Council:

a)    Adopt the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy (paragraph 26 – 28)

b)    Adopt the Prudential and Treasury Indicators (paragraphs 17 – 25, 41 – 47 and Appendix A)

c)    Adopt the Annual Investment Strategy (paragraph 64 onwards).

d)    Delegate to the Corporate Director of Resources (S151 Officer) the authority to vary the amount of borrowing and other long-term liabilities within the Treasury Indicators for the Authorised Limit and the Operational Boundary

e)    Authorise the Corporate Director of Resources (S151 Officer) to agree the restructuring of existing long-term loans where savings are achievable or to enhance the long-term portfolio

f)     Agree that short term cash surpluses and deficits continue to be managed through temporary loans, deposits and money market funds

g)    Agree that any surplus cash balances not required to cover borrowing are placed in the most appropriate specified or non-specified investments, particularly where this is more cost effective than short term deposits; and delegate to the Corporate Director of Resources (S151 Officer) the authority to select such funds

h)    Agree the Investment Policy (paragraph 68)

i)      Agree the Creditworthiness Policy (paragraph 72)

j)      Agree the Loans Policy (appendix F)

Reason for Decision:

To enable the Council to agree a Treasury Management Strategy for 2025/26 and set Prudential Indicators that comply with statutory guidance and reflect best practice.

Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management and Strategic Planning presented the Treasury Management Strategy 2025/26 report recommending that Council approve the Prudential and Treasury Indicators, together with the Treasury Management Strategy for 2025/26.

Cllr Botterill explained that the strategy statement supported effective decision making and ensured a sound financial framework and control environment. He indicated that there would be a need to increase the level of borrowing.

Cllr Graham Wright, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee and Cllr Pip Ridout, Chairman of the Financial Planning Task Group, confirmed the Task Group briefly considered the report at its meeting on the 30 January. Issues considered included cashflow and future borrowing and loan options. The Task Group noted that there were no significant changes to the statement from last year and they were confident in the judgement of the Corporate Director - Resources

Resolved:

That Cabinet recommend Full Council:

a)    Adopt the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy (paragraph 26 – 28)

b)    Adopt the Prudential and Treasury Indicators (paragraphs 17 – 25, 41 – 47 and Appendix A)

c)    Adopt the Annual Investment Strategy (paragraph 64 onwards).

d)    Delegate to the Corporate Director of Resources (S151 Officer) the authority to vary the amount of borrowing and other long-term liabilities within the Treasury Indicators for the Authorised Limit and the Operational Boundary

e)    Authorise the Corporate Director of Resources (S151 Officer) to agree the restructuring of existing long-term loans where savings are achievable or to enhance the long-term portfolio

f)     Agree that short term cash surpluses and deficits continue to be managed through temporary loans, deposits and money market funds

g)    Agree that any surplus cash balances not required to cover borrowing are placed in the most appropriate specified or non-specified investments, particularly where this is more cost effective than short term deposits; and delegate to the Corporate Director of Resources (S151 Officer) the authority to select such funds

h)    Agree the Investment Policy (paragraph 68)

i)      Agree the Creditworthiness Policy (paragraph 72)

j)      Agree the Loans Policy (appendix F)

Reason for Decision:

To enable the Council to agree a Treasury Management Strategy for 2025/26 and set Prudential Indicators that comply with statutory guidance and reflect best practice.

       To receive a report from the Corporate Director, Resources (S151 Officer).

Resolved:

Cabinet recommends Council:

a)    To note the draft budget estimates and proposals.

b)    To approve the HRA Annual Revenue Budget for 2025/26 as described in the report and Appendix 1, subject to an in year review.

c)    To approve the increase of 2.7% (CPI+1%) to Dwelling Rents and Garage Rents for 2025/26

d)    To approve the HRA Capital Programme for 2025/26 as described in the report and Appendix 2, including the allocation of an additional £99m for the Council House Build Programme.

e)    To note the reviewed and updated assumptions in the HRA 30-Year Business Plan as detailed in the report.

f)     To approve authority to receive bespoke or targeted grants (if awarded) during the year.

Please note: This HRA annual budget report will form part of the budget setting reports at Cabinet and Full Council but will remain separate from the General Fund medium term financial strategy (MTFS) – providing a more detailed report for members with an aim of greater information and transparency.

Reason for Decision:

To enable the Cabinet to recommend to Council a balanced budget (capital and

revenue) for the HRA for 2025/26, and in so doing continue to provide high

quality services to tenants and investment in their homes.

To enable effective, transparent decision making and ensure sound financial

management of the HRA as part of the council’s overall control environment.

Cllr Phil Alford, Cabinet Member for Housing presented a report on the proposed Housing Revenue Account (HRA) annual revenue budget, including rent setting, and the capital programme for 2025/26. In addition, the report provided an update on the 30 year Business Plan Review.

Cllr Alford commented on the increase in rent charges, the new business plan model demonstrating a sustainable long-term HRA supporting the Council’s investment plans, updated Government regulations on Right to Buy, a reprofiled Council House Build Programme to meet prudential targets for the management of debt, potential areas of risk and strategies to mitigate the impact of additional costs.

The Leader noted that HRA’s across the county are currently under immense strain, not a trend being experienced in Wiltshire, although the cost of materials and labour needed to be closely monitored, along with the potential to apply for Government grants. Cllr Alford confirmed that the HRA was currently in a relatively healthy position.

Cllr Graham Wright, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee and Cllr Pip Ridout, Chairman of the Financial Planning Task Group, reported that the Financial Planning Task Group considered this report at its meeting on the 30 January 2025, unfortunately, there was not time to consider this report in any depth or detail. They received a short presentation from the Director – Assets which covered the main issues. They welcomed the creation of a separate budget report for the HRA and would be recommending that after the election that scrutiny looks at the HRA in greater depth.

In response to queries about modern construction methods the Leader and Cllr Alford commented on the availability of reports on the build programme and the challenges and the impact of cost when using modern construction methods.

Resolved:

Cabinet recommends Council:

a)    To note the draft budget estimates and proposals.

b)    To approve the HRA Annual Revenue Budget for 2025/26 as described in the report and Appendix 1, subject to an in year review.

c)    To approve the increase of 2.7% (CPI+1%) to Dwelling Rents and Garage Rents for 2025/26

d)    To approve the HRA Capital Programme for 2025/26 as described in the report and Appendix 2, including the allocation of an additional £99m for the Council House Build Programme.

e)    To note the reviewed and updated assumptions in the HRA 30-Year Business Plan as detailed in the report.

f)     To approve authority to receive bespoke or targeted grants (if awarded) during the year.

Please note: This HRA annual budget report will form part of the budget setting reports at Cabinet and Full Council but will remain separate from the General Fund medium term financial strategy (MTFS) – providing a more detailed report for members with an aim of greater information and transparency.

Reason for Decision:

To enable the Cabinet to recommend to Council a balanced budget (capital and revenue) for the HRA for 2025/26, and in so doing continue to provide high quality services to tenants and investment in their homes.

To enable effective, transparent decision  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

      To receive a report from the Corporate Director, Place.

Resolved:

That Cabinet, having considered the response from the formal consultation:

a)    Endorses the submission of the Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document Pre-Submission Draft at Appendix 1 together with relevant associated documentation for independent examination;

b)    Recommends to Full Council that the Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document Pre-Submission Draft is submitted to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government together with relevant associated documentation;

c)    Directs that submission is accompanied by a request that the Inspector appointed to carry out the examination recommends any modifications necessary to make the Plan sound and legally compliant in accordance with Section 20(7C) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended); and

d)    Authorises the Director of Planning to take or authorise such steps as may be necessary for the independent examination of the Plan to be completed, including:

i.               Make appropriate arrangements for submission of the Plan and the completion and submission of all documents relating to the Plan;

ii.             Make all necessary arrangements for examination including – the appointment of a Programme Officer; the undertaking and/or commissioning of other work necessary to prepare for and participate at examination; proposing main and/or minor modifications to the Plan and/or modifications to the Policies Map; entering into Memorandums of Understanding and Statements of Common Ground; and the delegation to officers and other commissioned experts to prepare and submit evidence, representations and submissions to the examination and, where necessary, appear at any hearing sessions and represent the council; and

iii.            Implement any consequential actions relating to the examination, including undertaking any consultation that may be necessary, and publishing the recommendations and reasons of the person appointed to carry out the examination.

e)    Recommends to Full Council that as part of submitting the Plan for examination, it is accompanied by the following request:

The council recognises that the plan will be examined in the context of site evidence and delivery. As the examination of the plan will take time and new sites have already begun to be approved on a speculative basis through the submission of planning applications, these will have implications for the number of pitches proposed for allocation. As such, the council resolves to ask the Inspector to take into account the additional supply of pitches that have been approved since the regulation 19 consultation and consider reducing the allocations when assessing the proposed allocations within the Plan.

Reason for Decision:

To ensure that progress continues to be made on updating Wiltshire’s local plan

in line with the commitment set out in the council’s Local Development Scheme

and statutory requirements, and an efficient examination process. This Plan together with the wider Wiltshire Local Plan review will complete the update of

the Wiltshire Core Strategy ensuring the housing needs of all sectors of the

community are addressed.

Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management, and Strategic Planning, introduced the report which provided information on the response to the Regulation 19 consultation on the ‘Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document – Pre-Submission Draft’, and asked Cabinet to recommended Council approve the submission of the Plan for independent examination.

Cllr Botterill explained that the Plan addressed the accommodation needs of Wiltshire’s travelling communities to 2038, and alongside the Wiltshire Local Plan review completes the update of the adopted local plan (the Wiltshire Core Strategy). It will ensure that the accommodation needs of all parts of Wiltshire’s communities can be addressed, and the council meets its equalities duty. Having considered all the comments received it is considered that the council has complied with the relevant requirements and the Plan is ready for submission for independent examination.

Cllr Botterill noted that the report gave an overview of the responses received and he highlighted the main issues raised during the consultation. Following consideration by Cabinet, Full Council would be recommended to approve the proposals so that the Plan can be submitted by 12 March 2025. Cllr Botterill proposed that there should be a request to the Inspector that when assessing the proposed allocations in the Plan that any additional supply of pitches that have been approved since the consultation are considered.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Deputy Leader raised an objection to the proposed site allocation ‘Policy GT28 – Land at Oxhouse Farm, Rowde’ in relation to highways and transport issues, flooding, harm to landscape and light pollution. Cllr Mayes asked for the site to be removed from the Plan.

Cabinet received public questions on this item, which were provided in the published agenda supplement together with written responses.

Supplementary questions and statements were received from Andrew Scott, Keith Taylor, Dave Webber and Emma Sorrell; in relation to the proposed site allocation ‘Policy GT29 – Land at Upper Seagry Farm, Upper Seagry’, which included points about: the high number of pitches in the Plan; site being undeliverable;  the site being the least sustainable; the potential to increase the allocation of pitches at existing sites; the process to identify sites; accessibility; impact on village hall; and requests to remove the site from the Plan.

Supplementary questions and statements were also received from Caroline Minshell and Geoff Minshell in relation to the proposed site allocation ‘Policy GT27 – Land at Cleverton, Cleverton’. Points made included the high level of representations from the local community and how this would be communicated to the Inspector, comments about social tension and pedestrian access and the process to identify sites and requests to remove the site from the Plan. Officers confirmed that they would review the consultation statement to ensure it appropriately reflected the joint representation from the community of Little Somerford and Cleverton.

Cllr Elizabeth Threlfall questioned, on behalf of others, whether the Plan was being submitted prematurely, more could be provided on existing sites following site checks and a review of data, and why sites  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

To receive a report from the Chief Executive.

Proposals

Cabinet to note and agree:

1)    The performance against the selected measures mapped to the Council’s strategic priorities

2)    The Strategic Risk Summary

Reason for Decision:

To provide Cabinet with a quarterly update on measures used to monitor

progress against the 10 missions laid out in Wiltshire Council’s Business Plan

2022-32.

To provide Cabinet with a quarterly update on the Council’s strategic risks and

the current position of threats, and potential threats, the Council faces in

delivering its services, responsibilities and ambitions.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, introduced a report providing an update on performance against the stated missions in the Council’s Business Plan and current position of threats, and potential threats using data available at the end of the third quarter of the year.

Cllr Phil Alford, Cabinet Member for Housing commented on the benefits of the risk register as it related to housing and expressed his disappointment that on this occasion there was no challenge on the report from opposition members.

Cllr Graham Wright, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, reported that the Management Committee would be considering the report on 13 February 2025. 

Resolved:

Cabinet to note and agree:

1)    The performance against the selected measures mapped to the Council’s strategic priorities

2)    The Strategic Risk Summary

Reason for Decision:

To provide Cabinet with a quarterly update on measures used to monitor progress against the 10 missions laid out in Wiltshire Council’s Business Plan 2022-32.

To provide Cabinet with a quarterly update on the Council’s strategic risks and the current position of threats, and potential threats, the Council faces in delivering its services, responsibilities and ambitions.

       To receive a report from the Corporate Director, Place.

Resolved:

That Cabinet note:

a)    The extension of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

That Cabinet approve:

a)    The prioritisation of the UK Shared Prosperity Funding for 25/26 and

b)    Delegate to the Corporate Director for Place to implement UKSPF activities and decisions in line with the Investment Plan and subsequent prioritisation

c)    Delegate to the Corporate Director for Place to make amendments to the Investment Plan in line with delivery requirements

Reason for Decision:

To agree the activities to be supported through the UK Shared Prosperity

Programme next year.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council presented the report seeking approval for the prioritisation of activities for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2025/26.

The Leader commented on the Prosperity Fund progress since its inception in 2016 and its aims to deliver support across the three themes of Communities and Place, Supporting Local Businesses and People and Skills. Wiltshire has been awarded £1,875,033 for 2025/26, representing a substantial reduction on the funding received for 2024/25. He thanked officers for their input in managing the various streams of the programme. 

Questions were received from the public in relation to this item as detailed in the published Agenda Supplement 1 along with responses.

Cllr Jerry Kunkler, Chairman of the Environment Select Committee reported that he had received a briefing on the report on 28 January 2025 and was briefed on why this fund was created, what had been delivered and the reasons for this report. The briefing also considered what challenges were faced and what had been the most successful programmes. Questions were raised about the future of this type of government funding. Cllr Kunkler noted that the Council had made the best of this funding and though there is a transition away from these funds, it was good to see the most successful programmes will be supported into next year

Resolved:

That Cabinet note:

a)    The extension of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

That Cabinet approve:

a)    The prioritisation of the UK Shared Prosperity Funding for 25/26 and

b)    Delegate to the Corporate Director for Place to implement UKSPF activities and decisions in line with the Investment Plan and subsequent prioritisation

c)    Delegate to the Corporate Director for Place to make amendments to the Investment Plan in line with delivery requirements

Reason for Decision:

To agree the activities to be supported through the UK Shared Prosperity Programme next year.

       To receive a report from the Corporate Director, Place.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

a)    Approve the receipt of up to £13 million Warm Homes: Local Grant.

b)    Approve the execution of and delegated authority to sign the Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) and its associated documents (Data Sharing Agreement and Non-Disclosure Agreement) in respect of the Warm Home: Local Grant to the Corporate Director of Resources, in consultation with the Director of Environment and the Cabinet Member for Waste and Environment

c)    Agree that contract(s) be awarded subject to execution of the MoU by DESNZ to enable the delivery of energy performance upgrades and low carbon heating.

d)    Delegate authority for awarding the contract(s) and approval for execution to the new service provider/s to the Corporate Director of Resources, and the Director of Environment in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Waste and Environment.

Reason for Decision:

The Warm Home: Local Grant bid process facilitates a higher value bid for Local Authorities who can get into contract and start delivery more quickly. The bid submitted by Wiltshire Council requests a grant value linked to a project start date of May 2025. This requires the contract for works and associated services to be in place in early May 2025.

Approval to accept the grant and to award a contract to deliver the improvements will allow for the project to launch in May 2025. This will also provide more time to deliver the energy efficiency improvements to households during the first year of the project.

Benefits associated with delivery of the project include:

•       Improving thermal comfort, health and wellbeing through better insulated and ventilated homes

•       Reducing the risk of fuel poverty by offering support to the most vulnerable households using a worst first approach to treat poorly performing houses in the most economically deprived neighbourhoods.

•       Improving the health and wellbeing outcomes for those living in cold homes which has also been shown to reduce the demand on health and social care.

•       Reducing property energy demand and the associated carbon emissions through improved insulation and low carbon heating systems?

•       Properties are adapted to reduce the risk of damp and mould and are better adapted to climate change impacts.

Cllr Dominic Muns, Cabinet member for Waste and Environment presented a report which provided an overview of the Warm Homes: Local Grant (WH:LG).

Cllr Muns reported that the Grant is a government-funded scheme delivered by Local Authorities that will provide energy performance upgrades and low carbon heating to low-income households living in the least energy efficient, privately owned homes to achieve energy bill and carbon savings.

Cabinet noted that Council submitted an expression of interest at the end of November 2024 for £12.6m and it is anticipated that the grant would be confirmed in February 2025, although it is not expected that a full grant would be received.

Questions from the public were received in relation to this report as detailed in the published Agenda Supplement 1 along with responses.

Cllr Graham Wright, Chairman of the Climate Emergency Task Group reported that Task Group received a briefing on the 30 January about the Warm Homes Programme. Although they did not consider the procurement options the Task Group did look at the successes and challenges of the previous scheme and looked at the eligibility and selection process and support for those who are able to pay for their own home upgrades. The Task Group welcomed the scheme and the approach being taken by the council.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

a)    Approve the receipt of up to £13 million Warm Homes: Local Grant.

b)    Approve the execution of and delegated authority to sign the Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) and its associated documents (Data Sharing Agreement and Non-Disclosure Agreement) in respect of the Warm Home: Local Grant to the Corporate Director of Resources, in consultation with the Director of Environment and the Cabinet Member for Waste and Environment

c)    Agree that contract(s) be awarded subject to execution of the MoU by DESNZ to enable the delivery of energy performance upgrades and low carbon heating.

d)    Delegate authority for awarding the contract(s) and approval for execution to the new service provider/s to the Corporate Director of Resources, and the Director of Environment in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Waste and Environment.

Reason for Decision:

The Warm Home: Local Grant bid process facilitates a higher value bid for Local Authorities who can get into contract and start delivery more quickly. The bid submitted by Wiltshire Council requests a grant value linked to a project start date of May 2025. This requires the contract for works and associated services to be in place in early May 2025.

Approval to accept the grant and to award a contract to deliver the improvements will allow for the project to launch in May 2025. This will also provide more time to deliver the energy efficiency improvements to households during the first year of the project.

Benefits associated with delivery of the project include:

•       Improving thermal comfort, health and wellbeing through better insulated and ventilated homes

•       Reducing the risk of fuel poverty by offering support to the most vulnerable households using a worst first approach to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

To receive a report from the Interim Corporate Director, Children and Education.

Resolved:

Cabinet is asked to approve the following School Admission Policies:

a)    Appendix A - Proposed Scheme for the Co-ordination of Secondary Admissions 2026/27

b)    Appendix B - Proposed Scheme for the Co-ordination of Primary Admissions 2026/27

c)    Appendix C -Proposed Admission Arrangements for Voluntary Controlled & Community Secondary Schools 2026/27

d)    Appendix D -Proposed Admission Arrangements for Voluntary Controlled & Community Primary Schools 2026/27

Reason for Decision:

It is a legal requirement to have these policies in place.

The schemes and arrangements as presented have been sent out to all schools for consultation and no alternative suggestions have been received to date.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Education, and Skills, presented a report on the elements of the Admissions Policy required to be determined by Cabinet. She noted the complexity of the schemes but reflected that it was a very open and transparent system which had generated very few queries or complaints from parents over many years and commended the Admissions Team for their excellence in providing a very good service.

Resolved:

Cabinet approves the following School Admission Policies:

a)    Appendix A - Proposed Scheme for the Co-ordination of Secondary Admissions 2026/27

b)    Appendix B - Proposed Scheme for the Co-ordination of Primary Admissions 2026/27

c)    Appendix C -Proposed Admission Arrangements for Voluntary Controlled & Community Secondary Schools 2026/27

d)    Appendix D -Proposed Admission Arrangements for Voluntary Controlled & Community Primary Schools 2026/27

Reason for Decision:

It is a legal requirement to have these policies in place.

The schemes and arrangements as presented have been sent out to all schools for consultation and no alternative suggestions have been received to date.

Any other items which the Leader agrees to consider as a matter of urgency.