This week in Hertfordshire:

SEND Funding Crisis Deepens as Costs Escalate

Hertfordshire County Council faces a growing crisis in funding for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as revealed in a recent County Council meeting Link to meeting. The council approved additional capital funding for four SEND school projects, but the escalating costs and planning failures have sparked serious concerns.

• The Stakes: The SEND funding crisis threatens to undermine the education and well-being of vulnerable children, leaving them without the support they need to thrive.
• The Brakespear Fiasco: The relocation of Brakespear School, a project to provide 113 additional places for children with severe learning development needs, has been hit by significant additional costs due to the discovery of substantial chalk deposits on the site.
• The Blame Game: Councillor Mark Watkin, Executive member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, expressed his disquiet, stating that the additional expenditure was due to higher inflation increases in building costs, but also covers the failure to make correct applications to the Department for Education and failure to identify significant additional groundworks necessary to address the chalk infrastructure.
• The Financial Strain: The additional costs for the SEND projects come at a time when the council is already facing significant financial pressures, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of SEND funding.

Councillor Paul Zukowskyj, who had previously opposed the planning permission for the Brakespear School relocation, acknowledged the urgent need for additional SEND places and said he would now be supporting the project.

Council Approves Youth Justice Plan Amidst Violence Concerns

The County Council approved the Hertfordshire Youth Justice Plan 2025-2026, highlighting its focus on the voice of children, families, and victims, as well as addressing disproportionality and anti-racist practices Link to meeting. However, concerns were raised about the increase in serious violence offences committed by under 18s.

• The Stakes: Youth violence poses a significant threat to community safety and requires effective intervention strategies.
• The Focus: The plan prioritizes governance, early intervention, education, support for victims, and workforce development.
• The Concern: Councillor Fiona Thomson acknowledged the plan's strong performance and partnerships, while also noting areas needing close monitoring, such as disproportionality and the increase in serious violence offences committed by under 18s.
• The Call for Action: Councillor Beth Kelly raised concerns about the percentage of children not in suitable education, employment, or training.

Councillor Ralph Munzer spoke in support of the plan, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and partnership working.

Council Defeats Motion for Single Unitary Authority

The County Council debated a motion from the Conservative Group expressing concern about the scale of change facing the council, particularly with local government reorganisation and the unfair funding review Link to meeting. The motion called for strategic thinking to deliver a Hertfordshire for the future that is in the best interests of residents and businesses, but was ultimately defeated.

• The Stakes: Local government reorganisation could have a significant impact on the delivery of services and the representation of residents.
• The Debate: Councillor Richard Roberts introduced the motion, expressing concern about the scale of change facing the council.
• The Opposition: Councillor Steve Jarvis expressed sympathy for the concerns raised but argued against a single unitary council, favouring two unitary councils instead. Councillor Taylor-Moran stated that the Green group did not support the motion. Councillor Bell said that the Labour group would be voting against the motion.
• The Outcome: After further debate, the motion was defeated.

Other Matters

• Political Proportionality: The council addressed errors in prior calculations of political proportionality on committees, unanimously approving revisions to its constitution Link to meeting.
• Traffic Enforcement: The council debated a petition concerning traffic congestion at the Rush Green Roundabout, committing to finding a sustainable solution Link to meeting.
• Youth Parliament: The council approved a motion to re-establish a youth parliament in Hertfordshire, emphasizing the importance of empowering young people and preparing them for democratic participation Link to meeting.
• Audit Committee: The Audit Committee was scheduled to meet on 25 July 2025 to discuss the draft accounts, treasury management, risk management, and fraud prevention. No transcript or minutes were provided Link to meeting.
• Employment Committee: The Employment Committee is scheduled to meet on 30 July 2025 to discuss the 2025 pay review, and the recruitment process for the Director of Adult Care Services Link to meeting.
• Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Joint Committee: The Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Joint Committee is scheduled to meet on 29 July 2025 to discuss the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town (HGGT) annual review, communications and engagement strategy, quality review panel annual report, strategic stewardship and programme management report Link to meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• Employment Committee on Wednesday 30 July 2025. Link to agenda
• Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Joint Committee on Tuesday 29 July 2025. Link to agenda

This week in Hertfordshire:

Social Care Faces £24 Million Overspend Amidst Rising Demand

Hertfordshire County Council's Resources and Performance Cabinet Panel reviewed the 2024/25 financial outturn, revealing significant pressures on social care services. The panel met on July 17, 2025, to discuss the council's financial performance, appropriation of land for adult care services, and performance monitoring reports. Link to meeting

• The Stakes: Financial pressures in social care could lead to reduced services for vulnerable adults and children, impacting their well-being and independence.
• The Underspend: The council reported an underspend of £3.1 million, but this was after using £16.9 million of a £20 million contingency.
• The Overspend: The overall school's budget reported an overspend of £8.5 million, driven by a £30.3 million pressure within the High Needs funding block¹.
• The Social Care Pressures: The most significant financial pressures were in the delivery of statutory social care services, including £11.5 million in Adult Disability Services and £13.0 million in Children Looked After Independent Placements.
• The Savings Programme: The council delivered over 90% of its £46 million savings programme, but faced challenges in achieving savings related to transport and organisational resourcing.

Councillor Stephen Pillsworth, the Director of Finance, noted that council services, particularly in social care, have seen significant demand and cost pressures over the last year. He also highlighted the successful delivery of over 90 percent of the £46 million savings programs, one of the biggest savings programs this council's had in the last decade.

Councillor Tim Williams raised concerns about future budget pressures due to the government's unfair funding review, which could lead to a significant reduction in grant funding for Hertfordshire. Councillor Pillsworth responded that the council could have somewhere between 45 and 55 million pounds less grant per annum.

New Day Care Centre Planned for Pin Green, Stevenage

The Resources and Performance Cabinet Panel discussed proposals for the future of the former Pin Green playing field in Stevenage. The panel met on July 17, 2025, to discuss the council's financial performance, appropriation of land for adult care services, and performance monitoring reports. Link to meeting

• The Stakes: The new Day Care Centre will provide vital services for adults with care needs, promoting their well-being and independence.
• The Proposal: Part of the site will be appropriated from Children's services to Adult Care services for the provision of a new Day Care Centre.
• The Planning Permission: Planning permission was approved in March 2025 for the provision of an Adult Care service day centre under the planning use class E².
• The Land Value: The apportioned value of the day centre land (1.55 acres) would be in the region of £1,415,150.

Performance Report Highlights Pressures and Successes

The Resources and Performance Cabinet Panel considered the Hertfordshire County Council Performance Report for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2024-25. The panel met on July 17, 2025, to discuss the council's financial performance, appropriation of land for adult care services, and performance monitoring reports. Link to meeting

• The report provided context and commentary on key areas of Hertfordshire County Council performance, grouped by Directorate.
• The report also outlined the position with regard to the high needs block, noting that the council spent some 30 million pounds more than the funding available for government on this provision.
• The report noted that the Revenue Budget had increased by £50.5 million since it was approved in February 2024, reflecting the drawdown of department reserves and carry forwards, £1.8 million towards the funding of capital expenditure and an increase in Public Health Grant.

Other Matters

• Health and Wellbeing Board: The Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to meet on July 17, 2025, to discuss the health risks of damp and mould, mental health partnerships, care closer to home, integrated delivery plans, a constitution change, and stakeholder engagement feedback. No transcript or minutes were provided. Link to meeting
• Hertfordshire Growth Board: The Hertfordshire Growth Board met on July 16, 2025, to discuss the endorsement of the Hertfordshire Retrofit Strategy, receive an update on advocacy work, and appoint a chair and vice-chairs. No transcript or minutes were provided. Link to meeting
• Local Government Pension Scheme Local Pension Board: The Local Government Pension Scheme Local Pension Board met on July 18, 2025, to discuss the draft audit plan, the pension fund risk register, performance, employer risk and governance, training, and investment performance. No transcript or minutes were provided. Link to meeting
• Children's Social Care Cabinet Panel: The Children's Social Care Cabinet Panel met on July 15, 2025, to discuss the Children's Social Care Quarter 4 Performance Report for 2024/25, and the Children and Young People's Strategic Plan 2026-2031. No transcript or minutes were provided. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• County Council on Tuesday 22 July 2025. Link to agenda
• Audit Committee on Friday 25 July 2025. Link to agenda
• Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Joint Committee on Tuesday 29 July 2025. Link to agenda
• Employment Committee on Wednesday 30 July 2025. Link to agenda

This week in Hertfordshire:

County Hall Future in Limbo as Committee Demands More Financial Clarity

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on July 9, 2025, to debate the Cabinet's decision to market County Hall for alternative uses and relocate democratic meetings to Stevenage¹, but stopped short of blocking the plan. Link to meeting While the committee did not object to the decision being implemented, they raised serious concerns about the financial case for the move and the lack of consultation with the full council.

• The Stakes: The decision could reshape Hertford's civic landscape and raise questions about the accessibility of local government.
• The Call-in: Councillor Alexander Curtis called in the decision, arguing that Hertford had been the civic centre of Hertfordshire for 1,000 years and that the Grade II*-listed council chamber at County Hall was the appropriate place for civic, ceremonial and administrative meetings.
• The Counter-Argument: Councillor Chris Lucas, Executive member for Resources and Performance, countered that County Hall was no longer fit for purpose in terms of sustainability, accessibility and financial viability. He stated that each meeting at County Hall cost £22,000.
• The Financial Dispute: Councillor Curtis questioned the £9.7 million cost of separating the front part of County Hall and the £2 million a year running cost if it was mothballed, requesting a breakdown of these costs.
• The Vote: Ultimately, the committee voted to take no further action, allowing the Cabinet's decision to stand.

Councillor Alistair Willoughby, Deputy Leader, Labour Group; Vice-Chairmen of Scrutiny Committee, supported the move to Stevenage, but argued that the decision should come to full council because of the principles of democratic accountability.

SEND Funding and Strategic Plans Endorsed Amidst Concerns

The Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel met on July 9, 2025, to discuss specialist resource provisions, a strategic plan for children and young people, and additional funding for special educational needs projects. Link to meeting

• SRP Expansion: The panel unanimously agreed to open specialist resource provisions (SRPs) at Lordship Farm Primary School in Letchworth and Swallowdale Primary and Nursery School in Welwyn Garden City.
• Strategic Plan: The panel endorsed the Children and Young People's Strategic Plan 2026-2031 for approval at a future cabinet meeting, subject to changes raised during the discussion.
• SEND Funding: The panel endorsed additional capital funding for several special educational needs and disability (SEND) school projects, although there were abstentions on some of the votes.

Councillor Chris Lloyd requested that the officers take back the committees concerns regarding the greater preparation that should have been made before coming forward to review all the possible risks.

Fire Pension Fund Audit and Risk Management Under Review

The Hertfordshire Council Pensions Committee met on 7 July 2025 to discuss the pension fund audit plan, the risk register, Local Pensions Partnership Administration (LPPA) performance, employer risk and governance, training and investment performance. Link to meeting

• Audit Plan: The Pensions Committee reviewed the external auditor's plans for auditing the Hertfordshire Pension Fund's financial statements, identifying significant and other audit risks.
• Risk Register: The committee received an update on the Pension Fund's risk register, noting that no new risks were added during the period January to March 2025.
• LPPA Performance: The committee discussed the performance of LPPA, Hertfordshire's appointed pensions administrator, for the fourth quarter of 2024/25.
• Employer Risk: The committee received an update on employer risk and governance, noting that seven scheme employers were in the red risk category as of 31 March 2025.

Councillor Ian Albert highlighted that the committee ought to at least be offering some more expert oversight of the FHIR fund pension scheme.

Other Matters

• RIPA Approved: The Public Health and Community Safety Cabinet Panel approved the annual report on the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and related policies. Link to meeting
• Fire Pension Board: The Hertfordshire Fire Pension Board met on 10 July 2025, but no transcript or minutes were provided. Link to meeting
• Winter Service Changes: The Highways Cabinet Panel were scheduled to meet on 11 July 2025 to discuss operational changes to the winter service, and a trial of a new approach to fixing potholes, but no transcript or minutes were provided. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• Cabinet on Monday 21 July 2025 to discuss the future of land holdings south of the A505 in Royston, and additional capital funding for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school projects. Link to agenda
• Development Control Committee on Thursday 24 July 2025. Link to agenda
• Audit Committee on Friday 25 July 2025. Link to agenda

This week in Hertfordshire:

Day Services Strategy Aims for Inclusivity Amidst Funding Concerns

The Adult Care Services Cabinet Panel met on July 4, 2025, to discuss a new Day Services Strategy and review Adult Social Care performance. A key focus was the Day Services Strategy (2025-2030), designed to enhance services for vulnerable adults. Link to agenda

• The Stakes: Day services provide crucial support for adults with disabilities and their carers, promoting independence and well-being.
• The Strategy: The strategy emphasizes diversity, inclusion, quality, and value for money, with objectives including expanding specialist support, improving activities, and ensuring accessible transport.
• The Consultation: A public consultation showed strong support for the strategy, but respondents reiterated the importance of day services to them and their families and said that they would be concerned about any cuts to funding.
• The Impact: If approved by the Cabinet, the strategy will lead to a review of service provision across the county, with potential changes to buildings, transport, and activities. An Equality Impact Assessment¹ (EqIA) acknowledges potential negative impacts on people with protected characteristics, but aims to mitigate these through a focus on diversity and inclusion.

Social Care Faces Rising Demand and Safeguarding Challenges

The Adult Care Services Cabinet Panel also reviewed the performance of Adult Social Care (ACS) for the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year. Link to agenda

• The Stakes: Effective social care is essential for supporting vulnerable adults and ensuring their safety and well-being.
• The Numbers: New requests for support rose by 20% from pre-COVID levels, with over 27,000 adults currently receiving services.
• The Challenges: While waiting times for needs assessments have decreased, safeguarding concerns remain high, with 8,665 reports received. Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards² (DoLS) applications also increased by 8.6%.
• The Response: The ACS Connect and Prevent programme aims to improve interventions and support carers, while the council is working on a new 3-year plan for Adult Care Services.

Scrutiny Committee Examines Patient Experiences in Hertfordshire

The Health Scrutiny Committee met on July 1, 2025, to conduct its annual scrutiny of patient experiences within the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (HWE ICB). The focus was on access, quality, and equality across GP practices. Link to agenda

• The Stakes: Ensuring equitable access to high-quality healthcare is crucial for all residents of Hertfordshire.
• The Themes: The scrutiny covered access and equality, quality and consistency, communication, and complaints.
• The Questions: Key questions included how the ICB manages high demand for primary care, reduces inequalities in access, and ensures consistency of services across GP practices.
• The Focus: The committee examined issues such as waiting lists, reasonable adjustments for patients with specific needs, and the accuracy of practice websites.

Upcoming Meetings

• Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday 09 July 2025 to consider a call-in request regarding the marketing of County Hall for alternative uses and the relocation of democratic meetings. Link to agenda
• Education, SEND & Inclusion Cabinet Panel on Wednesday 09 July 2025 to discuss updates to the SEND priority action plan, proposals for specialist resource provisions, additional capital funding for SEND, closing the attainment gap in early years, and the children and young people's strategic plan. Link to agenda
• Environment, Transport & Growth Cabinet Panel on Thursday 10 July 2025. Link to agenda
• Highways Cabinet Panel on Friday 11 July 2025. Link to agenda
• Children's Social Care Cabinet Panel on Tuesday 15 July 2025. Link to agenda
• Hertfordshire Growth Board on Wednesday 16 July 2025. Link to agenda
• Resources and Performance Cabinet Panel on Thursday 17 July 2025. Link to agenda
• Health and Wellbeing Board on Thursday 17 July 2025. Link to agenda
• Local Government Pension Scheme Local Pension Board on Friday 18 July 2025. Link to agenda
• Public Health & Community Safety Cabinet Panel on Tuesday 08 July 2025 to discuss updates on policing and crime, public health nursing, the Public Health Grant, violence against women and girls, and stop smoking services. Link to agenda
• Pensions Committee on Monday 07 July 2025 to consider the Pension Fund Audit Plan, review the risk register and discuss investment performance. Link to agenda