This week in Wiltshire:

• The Strategic Planning Committee granted outline permission for 55 homes in Holt, prioritising social housing and addressing footpath concerns.
• The Strategic Planning Committee deferred a decision on 40 dwellings in Westbury, citing access and density concerns.
• The Northern Area Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss planning applications in Lydiard Millicent, including a residential development and alterations to a farm building.
• The Eastern Area Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss planning applications for The Wheatsheaf Inn in Chilton Foliat, focusing on community importance and heritage impact.

Strategic Planning Committee - Tuesday 15 April 2025

The Strategic Planning Committee met to discuss planning applications for residential developments in Holt and Westbury, as well as to note a planning appeal. Outline permission was granted for a residential development in Holt, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, while a decision on a residential development in Westbury was deferred to allow for further consideration of access and density concerns.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee noted an appeal for a solar farm application at Land South of Salisbury Road, near Homington, Coombe Bissett, Salisbury. Details of changes to conditions for a previous application at Land at Blackmore Farm, Sandridge Common, Melksham were also noted.

Land North of Melksham Road in Holt

The committee considered an outline planning application for up to 55 residential units, with all matters reserved except for access. Redcliffe Homes ¹ is the applicant for the development.

Key points of discussion included:

• Footpaths: Councillor Adrian Foster raised concerns about the continuity and safety of footpaths into the village. It was confirmed that a footpath would be provided, but existing footpaths were in need of improvement.
• Typographical Error: Councillor Richard Britton pointed out a double negative in the report regarding developer contributions to existing footpaths, which was acknowledged and corrected.
• Illustrative Drawings: Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall noted that the drawings of the proposed houses were not part of the permission and that building heights would be determined at the reserved matters stage.
• Timescales: Redcliffe Homes stated their intention to begin work early the following year and complete the site within two years. The committee agreed to reduce the time limit for submitting reserved matters from three years to two.
• Affordable Housing: Councillor Foster challenged the proposal for affordable housing, arguing that the council should be prioritising social housing instead. It was agreed that the Section 106 agreement would be amended to reflect this priority.
• Aesthetics: Councillor Christopher Newbury, Vice-Chairman of the Council, raised concerns about the aesthetics of the proposed development and requested that the houses be set back from Melksham Road.

Objectors raised concerns about safety, sustainability, and the impact on the landscape. Lisa Wicks, a Holt resident, highlighted safety issues on the B3107 and questioned the accuracy of the applicant's sustainability claims. Kate Leroy, also a Holt resident, argued that the development would degrade the Wiltshire landscape. Richard Goodman, another Holt resident, expressed concerns about road safety and the lack of traffic calming measures.

David Hagan, planning manager at Redcliffe Homes, and Tom O'Connor, managing director of Redcliffe Homes, spoke in support of the application, highlighting the benefits of the scheme, including affordable housing, public open space, and sustainable construction methods. Mr O'Connor agreed to provide 13 social rent homes as part of the development.

Steve Siddle from Holt Parish Council, and Councillor Trevor Carbin, both spoke against the application, raising concerns about highways, landscape, and sustainability.

The committee voted to approve the application, subject to conditions including the provision of social rent housing, a traffic order to be submitted before development is above slab level, and changes to the construction management plan.

Land off Freestone Grove, Westbury

The committee considered an outline planning application for up to 40 dwellings, with all matters reserved.

Key points of discussion included:

• Local Plan: Councillor Foster questioned why the site was not included in the emerging local plan. It was explained that the site was initially intended to be progressed through the neighbourhood plan.
• Access: Councillor Foster questioned why access was not being provided via Coach Road. It was explained that Coach Road is a single-lane road with limited passing places.
• Affordable Housing: Councillor Foster expressed disappointment that the proposal only included 30% affordable housing, rather than the council's preferred 40%.
• Density: Councillor Carole King raised concerns about the density of the proposed development.
• Construction Traffic: Concerns were raised about the impact of construction traffic on the existing residential estate.

Objectors raised concerns about the impact on the neighbourhood, road safety, and the environment. Patty Griffin, a local resident, spoke against the proposed build, citing concerns about construction traffic and safety. Taryn Usually, another local resident, raised concerns about drainage and road access. Councillor Philip Harcourt, speaking on behalf of Westbury Town Council, objected to the application, citing concerns about access, highways, construction management, and biodiversity. Councillor Gordon King also objected to the application, raising concerns about the density of the development and the lack of ecological net gain.

Councillor Richard Britton proposed a motion to defer the application to allow the applicant to consider alternative access proposals. The motion was seconded by Councillor Foster and was carried unanimously. The committee also requested that the applicant consider reducing the number of houses to 30 and reducing the time limit for submitting reserved matters to two years.

Northern Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16 April 2025

The Northern Area Planning Committee were scheduled to meet on 16 April 2025 to discuss planning appeals, updates, and consider two planning applications in Lydiard Millicent. One application concerned alterations to a building at Lydiard House Farm and the other the development of nine dwellings off Stone Lane.

Eastern Area Planning Committee - Thursday 17 April 2025

The Eastern Area Planning Committee were scheduled to discuss planning appeals, updates, and planning applications for The Wheatsheaf Inn in Chilton Foliat. They were also scheduled to review the minutes from the previous meeting.

Southern Area Planning Committee - Thursday 17 April 2025

The Southern Area Planning Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss planning appeals, updates, and consider planning applications. The main focus was to be on an application concerning alterations to a listed building at 10 The Borough, Downton.

This week in Wiltshire:

• The Cabinet meeting was held, but no transcript or summary was available.
• The Northern Area Licensing Sub Committee was scheduled to discuss a new premises licence for 8 Market Place, Box, Corsham, focusing on potential public nuisance.
• The Standards Committee was scheduled to discuss DBS checks for councillors, motions about council procedure, and code of conduct complaints.
• The Audit and Governance Committee was scheduled to discuss external audit reports, approve accounting policies, and review internal audit updates.

Northern Area Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday 08 April 2025

The Northern Area Licensing Sub Committee was scheduled to convene to consider an application for a premises licence and to elect a chairman for the meeting. The main item for consideration was the application submitted by Box Catering Ltd for a new premises licence at 8 Market Place, Box, Corsham. The report pack included the procedure for the meeting, the licensing application, and representations received.

Licensing Application - 8 Market Place, Box, Corsham

The sub committee was scheduled to review and make a determination on the application for a premises licence submitted by Box Catering Ltd for 8 Market Place, Box, Corsham, SN13 8NZ. The application seeks permission to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises between 12:00 and 22:00 every day, and to open to the public between 09:00 and 22:00 daily.

According to the report of the Public Protection Officer (Licensing), the Licensing Sub Committee is required to consider the application with regard to representations made, relevant government guidance, and the council’s licensing policy, and must take appropriate steps for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The licensing objectives are: , the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The steps that the sub committee can take are: grant the licence subject to conditions, exclude any licensable activity from the scope of the application, refuse to specify a person as the designated premises supervisor, and reject the application.

The application from Box Catering Ltd indicates that the premises is a restaurant and bar of approximately 45 square metres. The business intends to sell wine, beer, cocktails and spirits. The application states that there is no outside seating area.

The report pack notes that two relevant representations were received from local residents, but no representations were received from any Responsible Authorities¹. The representations relate to the prevention of public nuisance.

One representation, from a resident of Market Place, Box, expresses concern that the introduction of an alcohol-licensed business will increase noise levels, disrupting the peace and quiet. They also raise concerns about smokers using the road, potentially contributing to litter, and the potential for increased public disturbances.

The second representation, from a resident of High Street, Box, expresses concern about the level of noise an alcohol licence and associated late-night opening hours will have on the local amenity. They suggest a reduction in trading hours to lunchtime trading only.

The report pack includes a plan showing other premises in the vicinity that benefit from ON sales² on their premises licence, including The Queens Head, High Street, Box, Corsham, SN13 8NH.

Election of Chairman

The committee was scheduled to elect a chairman for the meeting.

Standards Committee - Wednesday 09 April 2025

The Standards Committee of Wiltshire Council were scheduled to meet on 9 April 2025 to discuss a number of issues including motions referred from Full Council, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for elected members, and a status report on code of conduct complaints.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks

The committee were scheduled to discuss the council’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) operational policy for elected members. A DBS check shows a person’s criminal convictions and cautions. There are different levels of checks, including basic and enhanced checks. Basic checks show unspent convictions and conditional cautions, while enhanced checks also show spent convictions and cautions, subject to filtering, and relevant non-conviction information from the police.

The report pack noted that the council cannot legally compel any member to undergo a DBS check. However, the government is considering recommendations that enhanced checks become mandatory for councillors appointed to committees involved in decisions on the provision of children’s services or vulnerable adults.

Currently, Wiltshire Council undertakes enhanced DBS checks for members in positions and roles likely or potentially involving work with children’s services or vulnerable adults, or exempt information relating to them, amounting to approximately 25% of all members. These roles include: All members of the Cabinet, Relevant Portfolio Holders (e.g. those relating to Children and Vulnerable Adults), All members and substitutes of the Corporate Parenting Panel and Safeguarding Children & Young People Panel, Any member that carries out a Regulation 44 inspection visits to any Wiltshire Council residential settings, All members and substitutes of the Children’s Select Committee and Health Select Committee, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Health and Wellbeing Board, and Any member appointed to a Task Group or Working Group reviewing the provision of children’s services or services for vulnerable adults.

It was also scheduled for discussion that basic checks be rolled out for all members. The Monitoring Officer and relevant group leader would be informed of progress and any delay by a member in prioritising the completion of their DBS check. Where a DBS check contains information, the member will be asked to provide a copy of the DBS certificate to the Monitoring Officer.

The committee were asked to consider the following options: Carry out enhanced checks on all members, Carry out basic checks on all members and co-opted members and enhanced DBS checks for the roles listed above, and Carry out only enhanced DBS checks for the roles set out under Option 2.

Motions Referred from Full Council

The committee were scheduled to consider two motions referred to them from Full Council on 25 February 2025.

Motion 2025-02 – Questions Procedure at Cabinet Meetings

This motion, proposed by Councillor Jon Hubbard and Councillor Ian Thorn, sought to restore councillors' right to ask unnotified questions at the beginning of cabinet meetings. The motion proposed that councillors be allowed to ask up to three questions at the beginning of cabinet meetings without prior notice, and that these questions would not need to be related to items on the formal agenda. The motion also proposed that this new approach be reviewed after 12 months.

The report pack noted that the current Cabinet Procedure Rules give broad discretion to the Leader of the Council, stating that the arrangements will be kept under review and are a matter for determination by the Leader.

The Standards Committee were asked to consider whether they supported the principle of the change proposed by Motion 2025-02, and if so, what constitutional wording would give effect to that principle.

Motion 2025-03 – Procedure for Appointment of Portfolio Holders

This motion, proposed by Councillor Edward Kirk and Councillor Mike Sankey, sought a specific wording change to Part 3C of the Constitution (Scheme of Delegation – Executive Arrangements). The motion proposed that the appointment of Portfolio Holders be subject to the requirement being approved by Full Council.

The current wording in Part 3C of the Constitution states:

The Leader may also appoint other Members as ‘Portfolio Holders’ to assist Cabinet Members with the oversight, policy development and management of their areas of responsibilities.

The proposed amendment would change the wording to:

The Leader may also appoint other Members as ‘Portfolio Holders’ to assist Cabinet Members with the oversight, policy development and management of their areas of responsibilities, subject to the requirement being approved by Full Council.

The Standards Committee were asked to consider whether they supported the principle of the change proposed by Motion 2025-03, and if so, whether the proposed wording was sufficient or appropriate to achieve that principle, or if further drafting would be needed.

Status Report on Code of Conduct Complaints

The committee were scheduled to note the status report on the current position on Code of Conduct Complaints. Between 24 September 2024 and 31 March 2025, the Monitoring Officer received 44 complaints under codes of conduct.

23 were dismissed by the Monitoring Officer under paragraph 4.2.8 of Protocol 11³, 1 was dismissed by the Monitoring Officer under paragraph 4.2.7 due to the complaint being regarding the actions of a council as a corporate body rather than an individual councillor, 2 were dismissed by the Monitoring Officer under paragraph 4.2.6 due to the same, or substantially the same, incident having been already determined, 7 were dismissed by the Monitoring Officer due to being out of time under paragraph 4.2.1, 3 were dismissed by the Monitoring Officer under paragraph 3.4.2 due to the allegations having related to a councillor acting in their private capacity, 1 was dismissed by the Monitoring Officer under paragraph 3.4.3 as the member was no longer a member of the relevant council, 1 was withdrawn by the complainant, 2 were determined as requiring No Further Action by the Assessment Sub-Committee, 2 were referred by the Assessment Sub-Committee to the Monitoring Officer for alternative resolution (an apology from the subject member), and 2 were awaiting assessment by the Monitoring Officer.

Audit and Governance Committee - Thursday 10 April 2025

The Audit and Governance Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Thursday 10 April 2025 to consider external audit reports, the statement of accounts, accounting policies and internal audit updates. The committee was also scheduled to review and approve the council's accounting policies for the financial year 2024/25 and to note the forward work programme. A key item for discussion was the approval of the 2023/24 Statement of Accounts, with a recommendation to delegate final approval to the S151 Officer⁴ in consultation with the Chair of the Audit & Governance Committee.

External Audit Reports

The committee was scheduled to receive external audit reports from Grant Thornton, including: Interim Auditors Annual Report on Wiltshire Council 2023/24, Conclusion of the Audit 2023/24 - letter to those charged with governance, and Disclaimer of opinion 2023/24.

Statement of Accounts 2023/24

The report pack included the draft Statement of Accounts 2023/24, which detailed the financial performance and position of the council for the year. The report requested that the committee:

Delegate approval of the following items to the S151 Officer in consultation with the Chair of the Audit & Governance Committee to allow the accounts and audit processes to draw to final conclusion: a. The Letters of Representation for the 2023/24 financial year for both Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Pension Fund. b. The Statement of Accounts 2023/24. The report also requested approval of an amendment to the Annual Governance Statement (AGS) to reflect the expected disclaimer of opinion from the External Auditor for 2023/24. The proposed amendment to the Annual Governance Statement was:

The Council has been working with the External Auditor to agree an approach to drawing the outstanding accounts to conclusion. The Council accepted an ‘except for’ qualification for the 2018/19 accounts associated with the queries associated with the historic balances within the revaluation reserve and the capital adjustment account. The Council has accepted a disclaimer of opinion for the 2019/20 accounts and accepted a disclaimer of opinion for the 2020/21-2023/24 accounts issued under the backstop regulations and has implemented various improvements and additional controls to address the deficiencies reported by the External Auditor for 2019/20. Details of the auditor’s opinions can be found in the auditor’s ISA260 reports for these years.

The report noted that Grant Thornton were expected to issue a ‘disclaimer of opinion’ on the accounts. The report also noted that since the draft Statement of Accounts for 2023/24 were published on 21 March 2025, two material presentational changes would be made to the accounts prior to publication of the final accounts: move the Expenditure Funding Analysis to the Notes to the Accounts, and present Non-Current Assets from the Stone Circle group of companies in the “Group Accounts” in Other Land and Building, that are currently presented in Council Dwellings.

Accounting Policies 2024/25

The committee was scheduled to consider the Accounting Policies for 2024/25, which are used in the preparation of the draft Statement of Accounts. The report recommended that the committee approve the policies, which are in line with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)’s Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting for the year ending 31 March 2025. The report noted that the only significant change to the accounting regulations since last year is the mandatory requirement to report finance leases in line with IRFS16⁵.

Internal Audit Update Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an internal audit update report from SWAP⁶, which included: a rolling opinion to support the end of year annual opinion, details of any significant risks identified in their work, and progress of mitigating previously identified significant risks. The report noted that since the last progress report in January 2025, SWAP had issued three Limited assurance reports on the areas and activities audited for Business Continuity, Leisure Income and Business Information & Data Quality. The report also noted that SWAP had conducted follow up reviews for the three Limited assurance opinion key financial control reports issued last year and had concluded that a number of management actions remain in progress.

Internal Audit Annual Opinion 2024/25

The committee was scheduled to receive the Internal Audit Annual Opinion 2024/25 from SWAP. The report noted that SWAP were able to offer a Reasonable Assurance in respect of the areas reviewed during the year, but that concerns remain around the Council’s ability to implement agreed actions within the key financial systems. The report also noted that there had been two significant corporate risks identified in the work Internal Audit work undertaken in 2024/25: Landlord Compliance, Fire Safety – General Fund Assets, and Business Continuity.

Internal Audit Planning Paper 2025/26

The committee was scheduled to receive the Internal Audit Planning Paper 2025/26 from SWAP. The report noted that SWAP has been working with Senior Management in Wiltshire Council to build on delivering a fully flexible and responsive approach to audit planning. The report also noted that the resulting programme will be a combination of requested audit work aligned to corporate priorities, combined with audit work recommended by SWAP, driven by their continuous risk assessment.

Internal Audit Mandate and Charter

The committee was scheduled to receive the Internal Audit Mandate and Charter from SWAP. The charter defines the purpose, authority, and responsibility of the internal audit activity. It establishes the internal audit function’s position within the organization, authorizes access to records, personnel, and physical properties relevant to the performance of engagements, and defines the scope of internal audit activities.

Direct Payments Children's internal audit - management action plans update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the management action plans in relation to a limited assurance internal audit, Direct Payments Children’s. The update included information on eligibility criteria for accessing direct payments, the Family Support Panel process, and quality assurance measures. The update also noted that all finance officers have access to the Direct Payment spreadsheet and have been provided with a guide on how to oversee the spreadsheet.

Business Continuity internal audit - management action plans

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation on management action plans in relation to a limited assurance internal audit on Business Continuity. The presentation noted that Wiltshire Council has shown itself able to respond well to significant major incidents and their challenges, but that alongside the ability to react to emergency events, the constancy and stability of services must be enabled through appropriate Business Continuity planning. The presentation also noted that planned and exercised Business Continuity Plans are key to enable future responses to challenges which might only impact a limited set of services, or the full range.

Business Information and Data Quality internal audit - management action plans

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation on management action plans in relation to a limited assurance internal audit on Business Information and Data Quality. The presentation noted that the Council’s desire to introduce a corporate Data & Insight function has been met and a team is in place, however the council’s ability to properly exploit these new capabilities and create the broader data-related cultural conditions for success has highlighted challenges in data governance, training and wider data responsibilities.

Leisure Income Financial Controls internal audit - management action plans

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation on management action plans in relation to a limited assurance internal audit on Leisure Income Financial Controls. The presentation included updates on actions related to PCI DSS compliance, access to safes and restricted areas, formalizing action plans, system access, reconciliation process delays, and policies and procedures.

Forward Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to note the Forward Work Programme. Items listed for future meetings included: External Auditors progress report, External Audit Plans 2024/25, Internal Audit update report, Whistleblowing activity update, Risk Management annual update, Anti-Fraud Corruption and Bribery activity update, Policy Review Process, Key Partnerships Performance, AGS 2024/25, Stone Circle Governance annual update, ICT Network Boundary Defences IA – management update on actions, Statement of Accounts 2024/25, Audit Findings Report (ISA 260), Auditors Report (inc. opinion), Auditor’s Annual Report (inc. key outputs and value for money), Policy reviews and updates: Anti-Fraud, Corruption and Bribery, Anti-Tax Evasion, Anti-Money Laundering, Whistleblowing, Internal Audit Annual Opinion, Internal Audit Mandate and Charter, and Accounting Policies 2025/26.

Southern Area Planning Committee - Thursday 10 April 2025

The Southern Area Planning Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss planning applications, including one described as a very nuanced listed building case. The committee was also scheduled to note any planning appeals and updates.

Planning Application: 10 The Borough, Downton

The committee was scheduled to consider a planning application for 10 The Borough, Downton, Salisbury, SP5 3ND. The application, PL/2025/02191, concerned the raising of an existing timber beam above the staircase opening to provide headroom for a stair lift, and the conversion of a bathroom into a wet room with Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant fixtures and fittings.

The applicant was named in the report pack as Mr and Ms Dixon and Lydia.

The report pack noted that the application was brought to the committee at the request of Councillor Richard Clewer, the local division member, who felt that the application balanced harm to the building and harm to the residents.

The planning officer, Jocelyn Sage, recommended that planning permission be refused.

Key issues to be considered were the effect that the proposed changes would have on the grade II listed building⁷, including the raising of the listed beam above the staircase to accommodate a stairlift, and the conversion of the existing bathroom into a wet room.

The property is one of a terrace of listed properties in The Borough, a two-storey black and white timbered property with a thatched roof.

The report pack noted that number 10 The Borough, together with number 8, was listed in 1960, with a subsequent revisit on 4 July 1985. The list description reads:

Pair of cottages at end of row. A/I:E / 1700 on stone tablet on front. Flemish bond brick, thatched roof, brick stacks. One storey and attic, 3 windows. No. 8 has planked door in chamfered wooden case, No. 10 has C20 door to left, 2-light recessed chamfered mullioned window to No. 8, No. 10 has two 2-light casements. Attic has eyebrow dormers with 2-light casements. Right return is rendered. Rear of No. 8 has planked door and 2- light casements, No. 10 has C20 porch and 2-light casements. Interior of No. 10 altered, No. 8 has planked doors, wooden latch on door to winding stairs which are to south side of blocked open fireplace, chamfered ceiling beam.

The report pack detailed relevant planning history, including a previously refused application, PL/2024/08168, for essentially the same works. This application was refused on 15 November 2024 because:

The proposed alteration to the timber frame by reason of its permanent damage to the frame fails to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the listed building and as this is harm to the listed building would fail to preserve or enhance the conservation area. This is contrary to Sections 16 and 66(1) and 72 (1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act 1990 and Policies CP57 and CP58 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy adopted

The proposal also does not accord with paragraph 203 of the National Planning Policy Framework which highlights, amongst other things, the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets’.

The current application was amended so that the intention was to re-use the existing oak beam, so it would ‘sit on top of the oak lintel frame’ rather than use a new piece of oak. The revised application was accompanied by a heritage appraisal by an independent heritage consultant.

The applicant’s heritage consultant concluded that the proposals would amount to ‘less than substantial harm’ but at the lower end of the spectrum. The planning officer, however, judged the harm to be at the middle of the spectrum, because the chamfered lintel is original fabric of over 300 years old and is in its original location.

The report pack noted the comments of the Downton Society, who strongly supported the application, taking a pragmatic view that old buildings may sometimes need minor adaptation to meet the needs of people living in the present age. The Downton Society also drew attention to provisions within the Equality Act 2010 and Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, which state that with a proper approach it should normally be possible to plan suitable access for disabled people without compromising a building's special interest.

The planning officer, however, gave limited weight to these comments, noting that the quotation relates to service providers in listed buildings or buildings in public use. The planning officer also noted that the applicants could make use of the existing ground floor spaces, and that the existing cottage has a modern single-storey rear extension which could be adapted to offer an alternative, less impactful, ground floor location for a downstairs bedroom/wet room.

The planning officer concluded that the application must be determined on the basis of the proposals and their impact on historic fabric alone, and in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.

Planning Appeals and Updates

The committee was scheduled to receive details of any appeal decisions.

This week, the Wiltshire Council held several meetings, with the most significant discussions occurring during the Tidworth Area Board meeting on Monday, 24 June 2024. Here's a breakdown of the key decisions and their implications:

1. Local Nature Recovery Strategy: The Tidworth Area Board received an update on the implementation of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). This strategy is a government policy that requires local authorities to develop plans for conserving, restoring, and enhancing nature. The update revealed that the plan is in its final stages and will be adopted by Wiltshire Council once approved by Natural England.

The LNRS is nearing completion and once signed off by Natural England will be adopted by Wiltshire Council.

1. Wiltshire Council's Draft Licensing Policy 2024-2029: The board discussed the council's draft Licensing Policy, which outlines how the council will manage its statutory licensing responsibilities. The policy will undergo a 12-week public consultation period.

2. Multiply - National Numeracy Day: An update on the Government's Multiply programme was presented. This initiative aims to help adults improve their numeracy skills and has seen 283 referrals in Wiltshire.

3. Area Board Grants: The Tidworth Area Board considered three applications for grants from its Community Grant scheme:

   • 1st Tidworth Scout Group: Awarded £5,000 for scout hut improvements, including new toilets and a kitchen.
   • St Michael's Pre-School: Awarded £4,924 to replace play equipment.
   • Tidworth Town Council: Decision deferred on a £5,000 grant application for Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme equipment pending further information.

4. Updates from Partners: The board received updates from several partner organisations:

   • Age UK: Provided updates on services for older people in Tidworth.
   • Healthwatch Wiltshire: Shared insights on health and social care services.
   • BSW Together: Reported on activities of the Integrated Care System for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire.

5. Updates from the Ludgershall Area Board: An update was provided on various topics, including the Ludgershall Future Infrastructure Group and the Ludgershall Community Grant Scheme.

In other council activities, the Corsham Area Board meeting on Tuesday, 25 June 2024 discussed several key issues:

1. Local Nature Recovery Strategy: The board discussed the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the public engagement it has received. Concerns were raised about the low engagement from younger age groups and the strategy's funding details.

I am concerned that we will not have the resources to implement the strategy.

1. Draft Licensing Policy 2024-29 Consultation: The board discussed the ongoing consultation on the council's draft licensing policy. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of late-night levies on small businesses.

I am concerned that the levy will disproportionately impact smaller businesses, particularly in the current economic climate.

1. Highway Matters: The board reviewed a report on highway matters, including strong public support for a new pedestrian crossing on the A4.

A total of 217 responses were received, with 92% of respondents supporting the proposal for a new pedestrian crossing.

Additionally, the Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board meeting on Wednesday, 26 June 2024 concluded without any decisions being made. Key updates included:

1. Highways and Transport: Councillor Caroline Thomas reported on the resurfacing of the A3102 and delays in starting a new cycle path between Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.

2. Local Highway and Footway Improvement Group: The group received seventeen applications for funding, with three projects fully funded:

   • Improvements to the High Street in Cricklade.
   • A new footpath in Tockenham.
   • A new Community Dropped Kerb in Bradenstoke.

3. Community Area Grant Scheme: Three applications for funding were deferred, including those from Cricklade & District Community Association and Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club.

The Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel meeting on Thursday, 27 June 2024 included significant discussions:

1. Progress Against PEEL: The panel received an update on Wiltshire Police's progress in addressing the findings of the Police Effectiveness and Legitimacy (PEEL) inspection.

Progress had been faster in some areas than others.

1. Police and Crime Plan Highlight and Performance Report: The panel discussed improvements in Wiltshire Police's performance, including reduced waiting times for 101 calls.

2. OPCC Commissioning, Grants and Partnerships: The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner outlined its commissioning plans for non-policing services for 2024/25, with a budget exceeding £5.2 million.

Lastly, the Schools Forum meeting on Thursday, 27 June 2024 covered several important topics:

1. Dedicated Schools Grant Budget Monitoring: The forum noted a provisional March outturn position showing an overall underspend of £1,931,000.

2. Transfer of Funds from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block: The forum agreed to transfer £2 million from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block, which requires the approval of the Secretary of State.

3. Allocation of Funding Growth in Specialist Places: The forum discussed the allocation of £4.4 million for an increase of 110 specialist places for children with EHCPs.

4. SEND Transformation Update: Ben Stevens presented an update on the SEND Transformation plan, highlighting the council’s efforts to reduce a significant deficit in the High Needs budget.

These meetings and decisions are part of the council's ongoing efforts to address community needs and infrastructure challenges. Each decision has its set of implications that will shape the future of Wiltshire's community and environment.

This week, the Wiltshire Council held several meetings, with the most significant discussions occurring during the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 18 June 2024. Here's a breakdown of the key decisions and their implications:

1. Urgent Care at Home Service: The Cabinet approved the delivery of the urgent care at home and telecare response service through Wiltshire Council's in-house services starting from 1 August 2024. This decision follows the inability to extend the contract with Medvivo, the current provider. The in-house service aims to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions by providing appropriate treatment at home for non-severe emergencies. The service will be funded by the Better Care Fund at an annual cost of £1.665 million.

We think that we can probably do this in a more effective way than perhaps been happening in the past, that it's a sensible approach for us to be taking.

This move aligns with the council's broader strategy to integrate health and social care services, ensuring better governance and flexibility in care provision.

1. Community Health Services: Discussions also touched on the broader context of community health services and the challenges of integrating care pathways between hospitals, GPs, and councils. The Cabinet highlighted the importance of prevention and the need for more dynamic approaches from Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to free up resources for primary care and community health initiatives.

One of the ways to reduce some of the demand on hospitals is to make prevention work.

In other council activities, the Pewsey Area Board meeting on Monday, 17 June 2024, the Marlborough Area Board meeting on Tuesday, 18 June 2024, the Northern Area Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, the Westbury Area Board meeting on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, the Wiltshire Pension Fund Committee meeting on Thursday, 20 June 2024, the Southern Area Planning Committee meeting on Thursday, 20 June 2024, the Trowbridge Area Board meeting on Thursday, 20 June 2024, and the Licensing Committee meeting on Monday, 17 June 2024 were held, but no video or detailed transcripts were provided for these meetings.

These meetings and decisions are part of the council's ongoing efforts to address community needs and infrastructure challenges. Each decision has its set of implications that will shape the future of Wiltshire's community and environment.