The Resources and Performance Cabinet Panel is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, to discuss the council's budget for the upcoming financial year and its medium-term financial strategy. The panel will also review the latest financial performance monitoring reports and consider the future of several council-owned landholdings.

Budget 2026/27 and Medium Term Financial Strategy

The panel is set to consider the council's proposed budget for 2026/27 and its Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The report highlights that Hertfordshire faces unprecedented financial pressures, including a significant loss of government funding and rising demand for services. The council is proposing an ambitious £1.2 billion budget, with over 70% focused on supporting those most in need, particularly in children's services, SEND support, and adult social care. To balance the budget, the council is planning for efficiency savings, service transformation, and a proposed increase in council tax, including an adult social care precept. The report details planned investments in key priorities such as adult care services, children's services, and infrastructure, alongside significant savings targets across departments.

Finance Budget Monitor – Quarter 3 2025/26

A report summarising the council's financial position for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year will be presented. It indicates a forecasted small overspend of £1.4m against a total budget of £1.2 billion, which is an improvement of £4.8m since the previous quarter. The report notes that social care services continue to face the highest financial pressures due to increasing demand and rising costs. The Schools' High Needs funding block remains under significant pressure, with an expected in-year deficit. The capital programme is forecasting an underspend, with a request for reprogramming of some expenditure into later years.

Future of Land Holdings

The panel will consider proposals for the future of several council-owned landholdings.

Future of Land Holdings at Ickleford

The panel is to consider proposals for land at Ickleford, which was previously part of the council's Rural Estate and has been allocated for residential development in the North Hertfordshire Local Plan. The report recommends that this land be declared surplus to requirements and disposed of for best consideration. A portion of the land has been set aside as a reserve for a future primary school, pending further clarity on local housing growth.

Future of the Former Hexton JMI School

The future of the former Hexton JMI School site is also on the agenda. The school closed in August 2024 due to falling pupil numbers. Officers have reviewed the property and concluded there is no current or anticipated need for it to deliver council services. The report recommends that the site be declared surplus and disposed of.

Future of Heath Barn, Hemel Hempstead

The panel will also discuss the future of Heath Barn, a vacant Grade II listed property on St John's Road, Hemel Hempstead. Formerly used as a Music Centre by The Hemel Hempstead School, the property has recently secured planning permission for residential redevelopment. The report recommends that Heath Barn be declared surplus to requirements and disposed of. The report notes that a community group, Our Heath Barn, has expressed an aspiration to convert the property into a community hub, and officers are open to discussing any offers they may wish to make.

Other Business

The agenda also includes a review of the minutes from the previous Resources and Performance Cabinet Panel meeting held on 25 November 2025, and an opportunity for public petitions.