The Gloucestershire County Council Cabinet met on Wednesday 23 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, approving updates to the Council Strategy Action Plan and Finance, Performance and Risk Monitoring Report, and endorsing a financial strategy to address a £2.415 million revenue overspend. The Cabinet also approved the draft Gloucestershire Local Transport Plan (LTP) for public consultation, along with draft Rail and Active Travel Strategies for public engagement.

Key decisions included the approval of Gloucestershire's Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP) for 2026/27 to 2029/30, which will be submitted to the Department for Transport. The Cabinet also approved the adoption and implementation of the SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2031 and its Delivery Plan, aiming to ensure sufficient specialist provision for children and young people with SEND. Furthermore, the Cabinet agreed to procure a new support provider for Supported Accommodation at Trevone House and approved the future Community and Accommodation-Based Support (CABS) Service Model, including commissioning a further 50 bedspaces for care leavers and vulnerable young people. The continuation of adoption services by Adoption West from 1 April 2027 was also approved.

In addition to these significant decisions, the Cabinet approved the exercise of a three-year extension option for Garden Waste Composting Contracts, the procurement of 15 replacement Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) for Adults and Children's Services, and the proposed Schedule of Disposals to meet capital receipt targets. A three-year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement was approved to provide compliant and cost-effective access to Microsoft cloud services, software licences, and support. The Cabinet also approved changes to the Children and Families Capital Programme, including noting updated criteria for High Needs Provision Capital Allocation Grant and adding £0.150 million S106 contribution towards a capital project at All Saints Academy. Finally, approval was sought for the procurement of a contract for the supply of temporary and permanent staff, and services relating to specific work outcomes.

Council Strategy Action Plan Update, and Finance, Performance and Risk Monitoring Report: Q1 2026/27

Councillor Colin Hay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets & Transformation, presented an update on the Quarter 1 end of year forecast for the 2026/27 County Council's Revenue and Capital Budgets. He reported on the delivery of the Council Strategy during Quarter 1 2026/27, including the current performance and risk position.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to:

1. Note the 2026/27 forecast revenue outturn forecast of a £2.415 million overspend.
2. Note the current position in respect of the 2026/27 pay award and the planned budget virement to be actioned before quarter 2.
3. Endorse the planned Financial Strategy to reduce the overspend.
4. Note the forecast delivery of £29.449 million of savings against a target of £37.169 million for 2026/27, with £7.720 million currently reported at risk.
5. Approve the £78.720 million forecast use of reserves, including £68.447 million in respect of Dedicated Schools Grant and a net £10.272 million in respect of Useable Revenue Reserves.
6. Approve the £39.803 million reprofiling of the capital budget, note the quarter 1 capital expenditure forecast outturn position of £185.377 million, and approve proposed changes to the capital programme totalling £1.182 million.
7. Note the Prudential Indicators.
8. Note the report on the delivery of the Council Strategy action plan and the current performance and risk position.

Draft Gloucestershire Local Transport Plan (LTP), Draft Rail Strategy, and Draft Active Travel Strategy

Councillor Roger Whyborn, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport and Road Safety, sought Cabinet approval for the draft Local Transport Plan (LTP) for public consultation and to delegate authority to approve, following public engagement, the draft Rail Strategy and the draft Active Travel Strategy.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to:

1. Note the public engagement undertaken to date in relation to the draft LTP.
2. Approve the draft Gloucestershire LTP for public consultation from 1st October to 15th November 2026.
3. Approve the draft Active Travel Strategy and the draft Rail Strategy for public engagement.
4. Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport and Road Safety, to finalise the documents listed at recommendation 3 for publication, having regard to engagement feedback and any relevant matters arising from the Local Transport Plan consultation, provided that no material changes to policy direction are required.
5. Note that the final LTP and implementation plans will be taken to Cabinet and full Council in the new year and that delegated authority will be requested for the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport & Road Safety, to publish annual updates on the LTP implementation plans.

Gloucestershire Local Transport Delivery Plan (LTDP)

Councillor Roger Whyborn, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport and Road Safety, and Councillor Mark Harris, Cabinet Member for Highways, sought Cabinet approval to submit Gloucestershire's LTDP for 2026/27 - 2029/30 to the Department for Transport (DfT) and to delegate authority to progress the implementation of Gloucestershire's LTDP.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to:

1. Approve Gloucestershire's Local Transport Delivery Plan in respect of financial years 2026/27 to 2029/30.
2. Approve the submission of Gloucestershire's LTDP 2026-2030 to the Department for Transport to comply with government monitoring requirements.
3. Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways or (as appropriate depending on portfolio), the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport & Strategic Highways, to accept confirmed LTDP 2026-2030 funding allocations from Government amounting to £250,114,521 and commission the works described in the LTDP 2026-2030 under Gloucestershire County Council's following current contracts: The Gloucestershire Highways Term Maintenance Contract; The Gloucestershire Highways Professional Services Contract; The Street Lighting Term maintenance Contract; The Surfacing Works for Gloucestershire County Council contract; RM6099 Transport Technology & Associated Services Framework (Lot 6) – Traffic Signal Maintenance Services contract; Highways Major Projects Construction Framework; and Specialist Supplier Framework. Where works remain within the scope, term, maximum value and operation of the relevant contract or framework and where all call-offs, task orders and commissions are undertaken in accordance with the terms of those arrangements. Where existing contracts are not suitable or sufficient to deliver future LTDP requirements, alternative compliant procurement routes will be used and appropriate approvals obtained. GCC officers will submit an annual update to Cabinet to advise of the spend profile and the intended programme each year in relation to the LTDP 2026-2030.
4. Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways or (as appropriate depending on portfolio) the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport & Strategic Highways to approve the re-allocation of the funding described in Recommendation 3 above to a new or alternative scheme (also set out in the LTDP 2026-2030), should any of the individual projects described in the LTDP 2026-2030 not be deliverable, not proceed, be delayed, or be funded from a different funding source.

Annual Childcare Sufficiency Duty Report

Councillor Ben Evans, on behalf of Councillor Linda Cohen, Cabinet Member for Education & Skills, sought Cabinet approval for Gloucestershire's Childcare Sufficiency Duty Report 2026.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to:

• Approve the Childcare Sufficiency Duty Report 2026.
• Approve publication of the report and implementation of the recommendations and measures contained within it.

SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2031 and Delivery Plan

Councillor Ben Evans, on behalf of Councillor Linda Cohen, Cabinet Member for Education & Skills, sought Cabinet approval and adoption of the new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Sufficiency Strategy for 2026-2031 and its Delivery Plan. The delivery plan will inform future school capital programme priorities.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to: a) Approve the adoption and implementation of the SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2031 and its Delivery Plan. b) Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children's Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education & Skills, to implement the SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2031 and its Delivery Plan.

Adoption West: New Contract

Councillor Ben Evans, Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and Care, sought Cabinet approval for the continuation of adoption services by Adoption West from 1 April 2027.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to: Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Care, to: 1) Approve a Variation to the Adoption West Contract between Gloucestershire County Council and other participating councils, extending the contract term for an initial period of three years commencing 1 April 2027, with two further two-year extension options. 2) Take all necessary steps and execute all necessary documentation between Gloucestershire County Council, Adoption West and the participating councils for the purpose of implementing the above Variation.

Procurement of a support provider to deliver Supported Accommodation at Trevone House

Councillor Ben Evans, Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and Care, sought Cabinet approval to procure and award a contract for the provision of supported accommodation at Trevone House from 1 April 2027, along with any related authority required to maintain service continuity and support implementation.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to:

1. Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Care, to: a) Conduct a competitive procurement process for a contract for Supported Accommodation at Trevone House. b) Award the contract to the successful tenderer for an initial period of three (3) years. c) Approve a short-term extension of the current contract with Homes2Inspire Limited for up to three months, if required, to maintain continuity of provision.
2. Delegate authority to the Assistant Director – Asset Management and Property Services, in consultation with the Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets and Transformation and the Deputy Chief Executive & Executive Director for Corporate Resources (S151 Officer), to: a) Enter into a lease with the successful service provider. b) Approve a short-term extension of the lease with Homes2Inspire Limited for up to three months, if required, to maintain continuity of provision.

Gloucestershire WorkWell Programme

Councillor Ben Evans, on behalf of Councillor Linda Cohen, Cabinet Member for Education & Skills, sought Cabinet approval to enter into a funding agreement with Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (BNSSGG ICB). This funding will support the delivery of the WorkWell programme from 2026 to 2029, providing early, joined-up health and employment support for individuals whose health condition or disability affects their ability to work.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to:

1. Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, to enter into a funding agreement with BNSSGG ICB to deliver the WorkWell programme in Gloucestershire between November 2026 and March 2029.
2. Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, to take all necessary steps to implement and manage the delivery of the WorkWell programme through GCC's Employment and Skills Hub.

Future Community and Accommodation-Based Support (CABS) Service Model and Associated Procurement and Commissioning Decisions

Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities & Fire, sought Cabinet approval for the future Community and Accommodation-Based Support (CABS) Service Model. This included a two-month extension of current CABS contracts to ensure continuity pending the implementation of the new model. The report also sought delegated authority to procure and award call-off contracts through the Gloucestershire Community and Accommodation-Based Support (CABS) Light Touch Open Framework Agreement, and approval to commission an additional 50 Accommodation-Based Support bedspaces for care leavers and vulnerable young people.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to:

1. Approve and adopt the Future CABS Service Model as the preferred commissioning approach for CABS services in Gloucestershire.
2. Delegate authority to the Director of Public Health and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Fire and the Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and Care, to implement the Future CABS Service Model by procuring and awarding call-off contracts under the Gloucestershire Community and Accommodation Based Support Light Touch Open Framework Agreement to provide 131 Accommodation-Based Support (ABS) bedspaces for young people aged 16+, 190 ABS bedspaces for adults aged 18+, and 8 assessment bedspaces. Each contract will have an initial period of two years with options to extend for up to two additional one-year periods (2+1+1 years).
3. Delegate authority to the Director of Public Health and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Fire and the Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and Care, to procure and award call-off contracts under the Gloucestershire Community and Accommodation Based Support Light Touch Open Framework Agreement to provide countywide Community-Based Support (CBS) services, including specialist floating support. Each contract will have an initial period of two years with options to extend for up to two additional one-year periods (2+1+1 years).
4. Approve a two-month extension to the current CABS contracts between 1st April 2027 and 31st May 2027 to provide continuity within service pending implementation of the Future CABS Services model.

Commission an Expert by Experience (EBE) led Quality Assurance (QA) Programme for health & social care commissioned services for whole adult market.

Councillor Dr Kate Usmar, Cabinet Member for Adults' Support and Independence, sought Cabinet approval for commissioning plans to provide an Expert by Experience (EBE) led Quality Assurance service for health and social care services for the whole adult market, in line with Gloucestershire County Council's Adult Social Care (ASC) Quality Assurance Framework.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to:

1. Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care, Wellbeing and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adults' Support and Independence, to conduct a competitive procurement process for an EBE-led quality checking service. The proposed contract will run for an initial period of three years commencing 1 April 2027, with options to extend for a further period of one year on both its third and fourth anniversaries (3+1+1 years).
2. Award the contract to the winning tenderer.

Procurement of a Jointly Commissioned Service for Women Experiencing Severe and Multiple Disadvantage

Councillor Dr Kate Usmar, Cabinet Member for Adults' Support and Independence, sought Cabinet approval to conduct a competitive procurement process for the delivery of a Service for Women Experiencing Severe and Multiple Disadvantage (SMD) from 1st April 2027.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to:

1. Delegate authority to the Executive Director for Adult Social Care, Wellbeing and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adults' Support and Independence, to enter into a funding agreement with NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) under Section 256 of the National Health Service Act 2006, contributing £189,000 per annum towards the contract.
2. Delegate authority to the Executive Director for Adult Social Care, Wellbeing and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adults' Support and Independence, to conduct a competitive procurement process for a new support service for women experiencing SMD. The contract will initially run for two years commencing 1st April 2027, with an option to extend for a further two years (2+2 years).
3. Delegate authority to the Executive Director for Adult Social Care, Wellbeing and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adults' Support and Independence, to award the contract to the preferred tender.

Replacement of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) for Adults and Children’s Services

Councillor Dr Kate Usmar, Cabinet Member for Adults' Support & Independence, sought Cabinet approval to procure 15 replacement Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) for Adults and Children's Services, as the current vehicles have reached the end of their useful life.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to: Delegate authority to the Director of Operations for Adults Social Care, in consultation with the Director of Economy, Environment & Infrastructure and the Cabinet Member for Adults’ Support & Independence, to:

1. Conduct a competitive procurement process using Lot 7 of the Government Commercial Agency Purchase of Standard and Specialist Vehicles framework (RM6244) for the supply of 15 large and medium-sized Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) and associated equipment.
2. Award the resulting call-off contract to the preferred tenderer(s).

Extension of Garden Waste Composting Contracts

Councillor Ashley Bowkett, Cabinet Member for Nature, Climate & Waste Reduction, sought Cabinet approval to exercise a three-year extension option under the council's current contracts for the supply of treatment services in respect of Garden Waste.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to: Approve the exercise of a three-year extension option (commencing 1st February 2027) under the council’s contracts for the supply of treatment services in respect of Garden Waste with MF Bennion (Potatoes) Ltd, Hills Waste Solutions Ltd, and Enovert South Ltd.

Rural Strategic Estate Plan (SEP) 2016-2030 Refresh & Rural Task and Finish Group 2025 Update

Councillor Colin Hay, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets & Transformation, sought Cabinet approval for the continued delivery of the Strategic Estate Plan 2016-2030 and review recommendations arising from the Rural Estate Task and Finish Group.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to:

1. Approve the continued implementation and delivery of the Strategic Estate Plan 2016–2030.
2. Approve the formal adoption of the jointly agreed revised Mission Statement.
3. Approve the officer responses to the recommendations of the Rural Estate Task and Finish Group and the associated Operating Delivery Model.

Microsoft License Renewal

Councillor Colin Hay, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets & Transformation, sought Cabinet approval to procure a three-year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement from 1 April 2027. The agreement will provide a compliant, cost-effective and flexible way for the council to buy and manage Microsoft cloud services, software licences, software assurance and support under one contractual arrangement.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to: Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Corporate Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets and Transformation:

1. To participate in a competitive procurement process led by Government Commercial Agency through its Technology Products and Associated Services framework in respect of a three-year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement commencing on 1 April 2027.
2. To award the proposed Microsoft Enterprise Agreement to the preferred tenderer.

Children & Families Capital Programme Update

Councillor Ben Evans, on behalf of Councillor Linda Cohen, Cabinet Member for Education & Skills, sought Cabinet approval for changes to the previously approved Children and Families Capital Programme.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to:

1. Approve the proposed change to the Children and Families Capital Programme by: a) Noting the updated criteria for the use of High Needs Provision Capital Allocation Grant. b) Delegating authority to the Executive Director of Children's Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education & Skills, to identify specialist bases at suitable schools within the County and take the necessary steps and approvals to implement projects that support mainstream inclusion in line with the Council's SEND Reform Implementation Plan, subject to all necessary statutory approvals, consultation and regulatory requirements. c) Noting the update on the development of Sandfield Academy and the ongoing work being undertaken to establish a robust cost position, with a further report to be brought to Cabinet once the review work has been concluded. d) Adding £0.150 million S106 contribution towards a capital project at All Saints Academy.

SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2031 and Delivery Plan

Councillor Ben Evans, on behalf of Councillor Linda Cohen, Cabinet Member for Education & Skills, sought Cabinet approval and adoption of the new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Sufficiency Strategy for 2026-2031 and its Delivery Plan. The delivery plan will inform future school capital programme priorities.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to: a) Approve the adoption and implementation of the SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2031 and its Delivery Plan. b) Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children's Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education & Skills, to implement the SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2031 and its Delivery Plan.

Agency supply of temporary and permanent staff

Councillor Lisa Spivey, Leader of the Council, sought Cabinet approval to procure a contract for the supply of temporary staff, the recruitment of permanent staff for hard to fill posts and services relating to the delivery of a specific piece of work or outcome.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to: Delegate authority to the Director of Digital and People Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to:

1. Approve the use of a neutral vendor model as the preferred procurement option.
2. Conduct a mini-competition process under Lot 1 of the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) Framework 1140, in respect of further competition and call-off contract commencing December 2027 for the supply of temporary staff, recruitment services for permanent hard to fill posts, and statement of works services.
3. Award the above call-off contract to the preferred tenderer.

Procurement of breathing apparatus for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS)

Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities & Fire, sought Cabinet approval to procure and award a contract for the supply of Breathing Apparatus (BA) for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS), replacing existing equipment that is reaching the end of its operational life.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to: Delegate authority to the Chief Fire Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Fire, to:

1. Conduct a mini-competition process under the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Framework for Respiratory Protective Equipment, (RPE) Associated Equipment and Services (DS504-25) in respect of a call-off contract for the supply of replacement BA sets and related services comprising telemetry systems, replacement ancillary equipment, and training and support services, for use by GFRS.
2. Award such call-off contract to the preferred tenderer.

Schedule of Proposed Disposals

Councillor Colin Hay, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets & Transformation, sought Cabinet approval of the proposed Schedule of Disposals in order to meet capital receipt targets.

Cabinet noted the report and resolved to:

1. Approve those sites described in Appendix A (Exempt) which have previously been declared surplus by Cabinet in March 2026 and not yet disposed of, as continuing to be declared surplus to requirements.
2. Approve the sites listed on the proposed new Schedule of Disposals Appendix B (Exempt) as surplus to the Council’s land and property requirements.
3. Delegate authority to the Interim Assistant Director – Asset Management and Property Services to dispose of these sites in consultation with the Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets & Transformation and the Deputy Chief Executive & Executive Director for Corporate Resources (S151 Officer).